Rescue teams have successfully reached the last group of 200 hikers stranded at 16,000 feet on Mount Everest following a severe snowstorm that hit the world’s highest peak. Harsh weather conditions struck the mountain with heavy snow and rain from Friday to Saturday, leaving trekkers stranded on the remote climb. Approximately 350 individuals have already been brought to safety as the weather improved, with the rescue mission expected to conclude by Tuesday.
The rescued trekkers have been taken to the town of Qudang in Tibet, around 30 miles from the Everest base camp. One hiker who was caught in the blizzard shared the challenging conditions faced by those trapped on the mountain before being rescued. Chen Geshuang expressed concerns about the wet and cold conditions, highlighting the risk of hypothermia due to abnormal weather for October.
Another witness recounted the difficulties of dealing with the blizzard despite being experienced hikers, emphasizing the challenging nature of the situation. Eric Wen mentioned the continuous rain and snowfall, with some members of the group falling ill with hypothermia despite being appropriately equipped for the expedition.
Snow clearance was a constant necessity at the site, with Eric noting the lack of sleep and challenging conditions in the large tent where more than ten individuals sought refuge. The snowstorm also affected the Oga Campsite in the Karma Valley, where hikers were undertaking a 12-day trek to the summit. The storm had broader impacts across the Himalayan region, leading to landslides and floods in Nepal that resulted in the loss of 40 lives away from Everest.
The Karma Valley, where numerous climbers were left stranded, is a relatively less-traveled route to the Everest base camp, requiring a high level of mountaineering experience and physical fitness. The route is regulated like other paths to the summit and necessitates the presence of guides for safe passage.
Initial reports indicated that 1,000 climbers were stranded due to the weather, but Chinese state media later confirmed the evacuation of 350 individuals while 200 remained trapped. Mount Everest attracts a significant number of visitors, with over 540,000 people visiting the area in 2024. Despite the popularity of the site, only a fraction of visitors aim to reach the summit, with approximately 1,000 achieving this feat annually.