A fierce snowstorm has left nearly 1,000 adventurers stranded on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, as blizzards swept through the region, plunging campsites into subzero temperatures and forcing an urgent evacuation effort.
What began as light snowfall on Friday rapidly escalated into a full-blown blizzard by Sunday, burying fixed ropes and limiting visibility to mere feet. With high winds and heavy snow, climbers were caught off guard, forcing many to take refuge at advance base camps situated around 6,000 meters.
To date, 350 climbers have been evacuated to the lower-altitude Qudong outpost, but hundreds more remain trapped with dwindling oxygen and fuel supplies. Avalanches have further complicated rescue efforts, with ice and rock slabs blocking key trails and making descent a perilous task. Local herders and porters, accustomed to the harsh terrain, have joined rescue teams, clearing the debris and assisting stranded climbers.
The authorities have since suspended all new climbing permits, responding to the ongoing chaos, reminiscent of past October storms known for gusts exceeding 100 km/h. The blizzard coincided with China’s National Day, which saw a surge in climbers taking advantage of the post-monsoon window, traditionally popular for clearer skies and favorable weather. This has created a serious bottleneck on the mountain as rescuers work tirelessly to airlift supplies and assist climbers.
Reports indicate that hypothermia is a significant threat to those exposed to the brutal conditions, and medical tents in Qudong are overwhelmed with cases of severe frostbite and exhaustion. The situation is further complicated by weather forecasts predicting another storm lull midweek, offering a small window for evacuation.
However, teams remain on high alert as they prepare for another wave of snow and cold winds. Across the border in Nepal, a separate disaster is unfolding, with persistent rains leading to deadly floods and landslides that have claimed 52 lives.
The floods, particularly in the Koshi Province, have devastated homes, infrastructure, and transportation routes, amplifying the challenges faced by communities already vulnerable to the changing climate.
