Massive Snowstorm Traps 1,000 Climbers on Mount Everest’s Tibetan Slopes — Hundreds Rescued in Ongoing Operation
Rescue operations are in full swing on the remote Tibetan slopes of Mount Everest, where a powerful snowstorm has trapped nearly 1,000 climbers and trekkers in high-altitude camps, according to reports from Chinese state media.
Emergency teams and hundreds of local villagers have been dispatched to clear snow and reopen blocked routes leading to the affected area, which sits at an altitude of more than 4,900 meters (16,000 feet). The storm has created perilous conditions, cutting off access to campsites and leaving many stranded in freezing temperatures.
Hundreds Rescued Amid Harsh Conditions
Authorities say around 350 people have already been rescued and safely guided to Qudang, a small township that is serving as a temporary refuge for survivors, according to Reuters. Many of those rescued were suffering from exhaustion and exposure after enduring hours in extreme cold.
Heavy snowfall began late Friday evening and intensified through the night, blanketing the eastern slopes of Mount Everest — an area popular among adventure tourists, hikers, and mountaineers. The sudden blizzard caught many groups off guard, halting their expeditions and making rescue access nearly impossible at first.
“It was so wet and cold — hypothermia was a real risk,” said Chen Geshuang, a trekker who managed to reach Qudang safely. “The weather this year is not normal. Our guide said he had never experienced such severe conditions in October. It happened all too suddenly.”
Collapsed Tents and Risk of Hypothermia
The Tibet Blue Sky Rescue Team, one of the country’s largest civilian volunteer organizations, received emergency calls soon after the storm began. Reports indicated that many tents had collapsed under the weight of heavy snow and that several hikers were showing signs of hypothermia.
State broadcaster CCTV confirmed that rescue teams have been working around the clock, struggling through snowdrifts and icy winds to reach those still trapped. Medical teams are also on standby in nearby towns to treat frostbite and other weather-related injuries.
Tourism Suspended Amid Severe Weather
In response to the escalating situation, Tingri County Tourism Company has suspended ticket sales and temporarily closed the Everest Scenic Area. Authorities say the site will remain off-limits until weather conditions improve and safety can be guaranteed.
Officials have urged all travelers to avoid the region in the coming days, warning that more snow and strong winds are forecasted for Tibet’s mountainous areas. The Tibet Meteorological Bureau has issued an orange-level blizzard alert — the second-highest warning in China’s four-tier weather system.
Extreme Weather Sweeping Across the Region
The storm on Everest’s Tibetan side comes amid a wave of extreme weather affecting the region. Neighboring Nepal has been hit by heavy rainfall that triggered landslides and flash floods, destroying roads and bridges and killing at least 47 people over the past two days.
In China, Typhoon Matmo made landfall earlier this week, forcing more than 150,000 residents to evacuate their homes as authorities brace for widespread flooding and infrastructure damage.
Meteorologists say that shifting weather patterns, combined with rising global temperatures, are contributing to increasingly unpredictable and dangerous conditions in high-altitude and coastal regions alike.
Mount Everest: The World’s Highest and Most Dangerous Peak
At 8,849 meters (29,032 feet) above sea level, Mount Everest stands as the world’s tallest and most formidable mountain. While it continues to attract climbers and adventure seekers from around the world, it remains one of the most dangerous places on Earth due to its extreme altitude, harsh weather, and unpredictable conditions.
Every year, dozens of climbers face life-threatening situations caused by avalanches, frostbite, altitude sickness, and sudden storms. The eastern Tibetan side, though less frequented than Nepal’s southern approach, has become increasingly popular in recent years among trekkers seeking a quieter route to the base camps.
However, local guides and officials warn that the infrastructure and emergency support on the Tibetan side are far more limited, making rescue efforts especially challenging when disasters strike.
Global Response and Ongoing Rescue
China’s Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched additional helicopters and snow-clearing equipment to assist local rescue teams. Authorities are using thermal imaging drones to help locate missing trekkers and coordinate safe evacuation routes.
“Rescue operations are extremely difficult due to altitude and visibility issues,” said one official overseeing the response. “Our teams are prioritizing children, elderly trekkers, and those showing signs of medical distress.”
The Chinese Red Cross has also mobilized to provide blankets, food, and medical supplies to the hundreds of survivors who made it to Qudang. Local monasteries have opened their doors to provide temporary shelter.
Meanwhile, families of trapped climbers continue to wait anxiously for news. Social media platforms in China have been flooded with messages of hope and prayers, as well as calls for improved early warning systems and stricter weather monitoring for future expeditions.
A Stark Reminder of Nature’s Power
This disaster serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly nature can turn deadly in the Himalayas. Despite modern technology and improved communication, mountaineering in extreme conditions remains inherently dangerous.
For those who have been rescued, survival has brought both relief and shock. “We came for adventure, not realizing how close we would come to tragedy,” one survivor said. “I’ll never forget the sound of the storm or the fear of not making it through the night.”
As rescue operations continue, officials warn that the number of those trapped could change as communication lines are gradually restored. For now, the priority remains clear — finding and saving everyone still stranded on the slopes of the world’s highest mountain.