🔗 Share this article World's Highest Peak Emergency Operation In Progress as Snowstorm Traps Nearly 1,000 People Rescue operations are ongoing on Mount Everest following a severe snowstorm that left nearly 1,000 people trapped at base camps on the eastern side of the summit. Hundreds Guided to Safety Amid Unusual Snowfall Hundreds of trekkers cut off by the snowstorm near the east side of the peak were safely guided by rescue teams on the weekend, as exceptional snow and rain hit the Himalayan region. As of Sunday, three hundred and fifty individuals had arrived at the small township of Qudang, while contact had been made with the other two hundred hikers. Peak Season Contributed to High Crowds Visitors to the remote valley of Karma, which leads to the eastern Kangshung face of Mount Everest, numbered in the hundreds this period, benefiting from an eight-day National Day holiday in the region. Heavy snow in the valley, which sits at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (over 13,700 feet), started late Friday and continued throughout Saturday. Ongoing Efforts to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Safety The other hikers are expected to arrive Qudang in phases under the guidance and assistance of emergency teams organised by the local government. Many residents and rescue teams have been deployed to help remove snow blocking access to the area. Uncertainty Over Local Guides and Other Areas Reports indicated that close to a thousand individuals had been trapped. Details were unclear whether support staff and other personnel with the hiking groups had been accounted for. It was also unclear if hikers near the northern side of Everest—also in the region—had been affected or not. Peak Season and Entry Halted The northern slope of Everest, due to its easy access by roadway, often attracts many of tourists. October is a peak season, when skies clear with the conclusion of the monsoon season. Ticket sales and entry to the entire Everest scenic area were suspended from Saturday, according to notices posted on official channels. Nearby Area Impacted by Heavy Rains To the southern side of the area, heavy rains triggered mudslides and flash floods that have closed routes, destroyed bridges, and claimed over forty-seven lives since Friday. Thirty-five individuals lost their lives in multiple mudslides in the eastern Ilam district bordering India. Nine people were reported missing after being swept away by flood waters, and three others were killed in electrical storms in other parts of the nation.