Hundreds Rescued from Himalayan Snowstorm Near Mount Everest
TIBET – More than 350 mountain hikers have been brought to safety in Tibet after being stranded by a heavy snowstorm at an altitude of approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) on the east side of Mount Everest. Chinese state media reports that contact has been established with over 200 additional hikers, bringing the total number affected by the storm to over 550.
The rescue operation, launched after heavy snowfall began Friday evening, underscores the increasing risks faced by those venturing into the Himalayas, notably as climate change intensifies weather patterns in the region. Local residents are assisting authorities in clearing roads to facilitate the evacuation of the remaining hikers. The incident occurred concurrently with devastating floods and landslides in Nepal, highlighting the vulnerability of communities across the Himalayan range to extreme weather events.
According to Chinese state media, the rescued hikers have been taken to a nearby village. Authorities state they have not left anyone unattended in the Mount Everest area since the storm began.
The challenging conditions mirror those unfolding in eastern Nepal, where torrential rainfall triggered landslides and flash floods, resulting in at least 47 deaths. Rivers in Kathmandu have overflowed their banks, and numerous roads and bridges have been destroyed. Scientists attribute the increased intensity of these weather events to the effects of climate change during the monsoon season.
