Snowstorm Traps Hundreds of Hikers on Mount Everest During China's National Holiday
A severe snowstorm has trapped hundreds of hikers on the slopes of Mount Everest in Tibet, China, during the country's national holiday weekend. According to Chinese state media, rescue workers were helping hundreds of stranded hikers at tourist campsites on a slope of the world's highest mountain.
As of Sunday evening, about 350 hikers had reached a meeting point in Tingri county and rescuers were in contact with another 200, according to state broadcaster CCTV. However, there was no immediate update on rescue efforts on Monday, leaving many concerned about the safety of those trapped.
The snowstorm, which began on Friday, has dumped heavy snow on the mountain, making it difficult for hikers to descend. The Chinese government had warned tourists to exercise caution and stay informed about weather conditions before embarking on their climbs.
Mount Everest is a popular destination for adventure seekers, with many attempting to climb the summit every year. However, the extreme altitude and unpredictable weather make it a challenging and potentially hazardous endeavor. According to the Himalayan Database, which tracks expeditions to the Himalayas, over 4,000 people have attempted to climb Mount Everest since the first recorded attempt in 1922.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams working to evacuate stranded hikers to safety. The Chinese government has deployed rescue workers and equipment to assist in the effort. However, the exact timeline for completing the evacuations is unclear.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in climbing Mount Everest, even for experienced adventurers. "Climbing Mount Everest is not a trivial pursuit," said Mingma Sherpa, a renowned mountaineer who has summited the mountain multiple times. "It requires careful planning, physical conditioning, and mental preparation."
The stranded hikers are largely tourists from China and other countries, who were attempting to climb the mountain during the national holiday weekend. The Chinese government had encouraged citizens to take part in outdoor activities during the holidays, but warned them to be cautious of weather conditions.
As rescue efforts continue, officials are urging caution and advising those planning to climb Mount Everest to stay informed about weather forecasts and to exercise extreme caution when attempting to ascend the mountain.
The incident is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in high-altitude climbing. As one rescuer noted, "We're doing our best to evacuate everyone safely, but it's a challenging situation."
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.
