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Emergency efforts are actively underway on Mount Everest following a severe snowstorm that stranded close to a thousand individuals isolated at campsites on the east face of the peak.

Hundreds Rescued Successfully Amid Unusual Snowfall

Hundreds of trekkers stranded by the blizzard near the eastern face of the peak were safely guided by rescue teams on Sunday, as exceptional snow and rain hit the Himalayan region.

By the weekend, three hundred and fifty individuals had arrived at the remote town of the rescue base, while communication had been made with the other two hundred hikers.

Peak Season Led to High Crowds

Visitors to the isolated area of Karma, which provides access to the Kangshung east side of Everest, numbered in the hundreds this week, taking advantage of an eight-day National Day holiday in the area.

Snowfall in the valley, which lies at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (13,779 feet), started late Friday and continued throughout Saturday.

Ongoing Efforts to Rescue Others to Safety

The remaining trekkers are scheduled to reach Qudang in stages under the guidance and assistance of rescuers organised by the regional authorities.

Hundreds of local villagers and rescue teams have been deployed to help remove snow blocking access to the area.

Unclear Details Over Support Staff and North Face

Estimates indicated that nearly 1,000 people had been trapped. It was not specified whether local guides and team members with the hiking groups had been accounted for.

It was also unclear if trekkers near the north face of the mountain—also in the area—had been impacted or not.

Peak Season and Entry Suspended

The northern slope of Everest, due to its convenient approach by paved road, often attracts large numbers of visitors. October is a busy period, when skies clear with the end of the Indian monsoon.

Admission tickets and entry to the entire Everest scenic area were suspended from the weekend, according to announcements posted on official channels.

Nearby Area Affected by Severe Weather

To the southern side of the area, torrential downpours triggered landslides and flash floods that have closed routes, washed away bridges, and killed at least 47 people since last week.

Thirty-five individuals died in separate landslides in the eastern Ilam district bordering India. Nine individuals were reported unaccounted for after being swept away by flood waters, and three others were fatally struck in lightning strikes in other parts of the nation.