Rescue mission underway to help over 200 hikers trapped on Mount Everest slopes

Rescue teams are working hard in the snowy Tibetan slopes near Mount Everest, where a snowstorm trapped many campers over the weekend.

The snowstorm hit on Friday, October 3, trapping over 500 people at more than 4900 metres high in the Tingri region, which is a popular route for those wanting to climb the world’s tallest mountain.

So far, more than 350 people have been rescued, but around 200 hikers, including guides and tourists, are still waiting for help.

Officials estimate that most of those trapped are located between 5200 and 5800 meters in elevation.

Many of the stranded are believed to be in or around temporary rest camps situated 15 to 25 kilometres northeast of Everest’s summit, an area now blanketed by more than a meter of snow.

Rescue teams drawn from local villages, the People’s Armed Police and regional emergency services are clearing roads and trails with bulldozers and snow-cutting machinery to get to those still on the mountain.

According to reports, helicopters from Shigatse and Lhasa have been attempting to reach the higher camps, but strong winds and poor visibility have delayed them.

Authorities report no confirmed fatalities so far, though more than 40 people have been treated for frostbite and altitude sickness.

Officials also warn that another cold front is forecast to arrive within 48 hours, increasing the urgency for rescuers to reach those positioned near the glacier ridge before temperatures plunge further.

This sudden weather change has also stopped ticket sales and access to the Everest scenic area.

Meanwhile, Nepal, which shares the mountain, is facing its own weather troubles.

Heavy rains there have caused dangerous landslides and flash floods, leading to 47 reported deaths and have washed away bridges.

The eastern coast of China has also been hit by Typhoon Matmo, forcing about 150 000 people to evacuate their homes.

According to reports, the extreme weather across the region has left tourists who had planned to visit these locations in limbo. 

Mount Everest is the world's highest peak at over 8849m. It is part of the Himalaya, which spans 2400 kilometres and runs through six countries in Asia.

Although many people attempt to climb the summit every year, it is considered an incredibly dangerous hike. 

In recent years it has been plagued with concerns of overcrowding, environmental concerns and a series of fatal climbing attempts. 

The 2024 season saw unprecedented numbers of people at Mount Everest base camp, estimated at over 2000 hikers.