rescuers have successfully reached the final group of approximately 200 hikers stranded at an altitude of 16,000 feet on Mount Everest after a severe snowstorm swept across the region. The multi-day operation, hampered by treacherous conditions and limited visibility, culminated in the evacuation of the last remaining climbers on May 14, 2024.
The sudden and intense blizzard left hundreds of mountaineers trapped in their camps, facing life-threatening risks of hypothermia, altitude sickness, and avalanches. This incident underscores the inherent dangers of climbing the world’s highest peak, even during the typically favorable spring climbing season, and highlights the critical role of experienced guides and well-coordinated rescue efforts. the successful completion of the rescue operation averts a potential tragedy and allows authorities to assess the overall impact of the storm on the ongoing expedition season.
The snowstorm began on May 12th,rapidly deteriorating weather conditions across Everest’s higher camps. Initial reports indicated that around 300 climbers were affected, but the focus quickly narrowed to the final 200 individuals positioned above Camp II. Nepali helicopter pilots,alongside Sherpa guides,braved the challenging conditions to airlift climbers to lower altitudes,prioritizing those exhibiting signs of severe distress.
“The weather was incredibly unpredictable,” stated Mingma Sherpa, a head of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Foundation, involved in the coordination of the rescue. “Visibility was near zero at times, and the winds were extremely strong. It made the operation incredibly risky, but we were determined to get everyone down safely.”
The rescue operation involved multiple teams working in shifts, utilizing a combination of helicopters and ground support. Authorities temporarily suspended all climbing activities on Everest as the storm raged, and teams are now evaluating the stability of the mountain and the condition of the remaining climbers before resuming expeditions. This year, over 900 permits have been issued to foreign climbers hoping to summit Everest, raising concerns about potential overcrowding and increased risk during adverse weather events.
