🔗 Share this article Mount Everest Emergency Operation Under Way as Snowstorm Traps Close to a Thousand Individuals Rescue operations are actively underway on the world's tallest mountain following a intense blizzard that stranded close to a thousand individuals trapped at base camps on the east face of the peak. Several Hundred Guided to Safety Amid Heavy Precipitation Hundreds of trekkers cut off by the blizzard near the east side of the peak were led to safety by emergency responders on Sunday, as exceptional snow and rain pummelled the Himalayas. By the weekend, 350 people had reached the remote town of Qudang, while communication had been established with the other two hundred hikers. Holiday Rush Contributed to High Crowds Visitors to the isolated area of the Karma valley, which provides access to the Kangshung east side of Mount Everest, numbered in the hundreds this week, benefiting from an eight-day National Day holiday in the area. Snowfall in the region, which lies at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), began on Friday evening and continued all day Saturday. Ongoing Efforts to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Security The remaining trekkers are expected to arrive the safe zone in phases under the guidance and assistance of emergency teams dispatched by the local government. Many residents and rescue teams have been sent to help remove snow obstructing routes to the region. Unclear Details Over Local Guides and North Face Estimates indicated that close to a thousand individuals had been stranded. Details were unclear whether support staff and team members with the trekking parties had been located. Remains unknown if hikers near the north face of Everest—also in the region—had been affected or not. Peak Season and Entry Suspended The north face of Everest, due to its convenient approach by paved road, often attracts many of tourists. This month is a peak season, when skies clear with the end of the Indian monsoon. Admission tickets and entry to the entire Everest scenic area were halted from the weekend, according to notices posted on official channels. Nearby Area Impacted by Heavy Rains To the southern side of the region, torrential downpours caused mudslides and sudden flooding that have closed routes, washed away bridges, and claimed over forty-seven lives since Friday. Thirty-five people died in multiple mudslides in the eastern Ilam district near the Indian border. Nine people were reported missing after being swept away by rising waters, and three more were killed in electrical storms in other parts of the nation.