A significant snowstorm struck Mount Everest over the weekend, trapping hundreds of climbers and necessitating high-altitude rescues.
The storm’s timing was unfortunate since it coincided with the Chinese national holidays, a busy period for tourism in the region.
Starting Friday and continuing through the weekend, the unexpected snowstorm blanketed the Himalayas with snow and rain. The conditions on the eastern side of Everest, particularly in Chinese-controlled Tibet, were especially harsh.
China’s six-day national holiday began on Wednesday to mark the foundation of the communist state by Mao Zedong. This holiday is a peak time for travel in China. Reports from state media indicated that transportation in popular tourist areas was particularly congested this year.
The Chinese government ramped up tourism initiatives ahead of the holidays, especially focusing on the local Tibetan population. In August, Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Tibet, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the region’s incorporation into China, emphasizing the benefits of such integration.
Local officials reported that no climbers were stranded on the Nepal side of Mount Everest due to the blizzard. While tourism in China has surged following lifted COVID-19 restrictions, Nepal has been more restrained in issuing climbing permits, leading to concerns about overcrowding on the Chinese side.
These apprehensions materialized when climbers were caught in a blizzard on Friday. Many found themselves stuck at altitudes over 16,000 feet, with Everest’s summit at 29,000 feet.
As of Sunday, rescuers were in touch with approximately 200 climbers still trapped. Another 350 individuals were safely brought to a rendezvous point in China’s Tinli County. The total number of isolated climbers remained uncertain, with initial estimates suggesting around 1,000.
Hundreds of rescuers joined forces in extensive recovery operations, assisting local villagers to care for and evacuate the rescued climbers. Villagers also cleared snow from obstructed paths and set up tents.
“It was very wet and cold in the mountains, posing a real risk of hypothermia,” one climber noted. “Our guide mentioned that he had never seen such weather in October before.”
Other climbers told reporters that they attempted to retreat when the snowfall increased, but ended up stuck in their tents as the snow piled up around them.
Several individuals received treatment for hypothermia, but as of Monday afternoon, there were no reports of fatalities on Everest. However, reports indicated that a Korean hiker lost his life due to the blizzard while climbing Mera Peak at 21,246 feet in Nepal, with his body recovered by helicopter on Monday.
