A total of 580 hikers who were affected by severe weather conditions near Mount Everest have been safely guided to the township of Qudang in Tibet, as reported by Chinese state media. Accompanying the trekkers were approximately 300 local guides, yak handlers, and other support personnel. A final group of around 10 hikers is still being assisted by rescue workers but has reached a rendezvous point equipped with heating, oxygen, and emergency supplies.
The hikers encountered difficulties after heavy snowfall blocked their route on the eastern slopes of Everest, stranding them at an altitude exceeding 4,900 meters (16,000 feet). This blizzard struck during China’s Golden Week holiday, a peak time for tourism, raising questions about the preparedness of mountain guides for such sudden weather changes. October typically features clear skies and mild temperatures, making it a popular month for hiking in the Everest region.
The severe weather began Friday evening and intensified over the weekend, unexpectedly impacting mountain guides. Several trekkers reported experiences unlike any they had encountered before, with one individual noting that multiple members of their group exhibited signs of hypothermia. One group member mentioned snow depths reaching about a meter during their retreat.
Local authorities mobilized police, firefighters, and volunteers to assist in the rescue efforts. Reports indicate that individuals in some hiking groups faced sleepless nights due to concerns about accumulating snow. Additionally, one individual died from hypothermia and altitude sickness in another region of western China, while 137 others were evacuated.
In neighboring Nepal, heavy rains caused severe flooding and landslides, resulting in over 50 fatalities, which raises further concerns about weather conditions in the mountainous areas.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd079zn2m5vo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss