Mount Everest Blizzard: Hikers Battle Hypothermia as Rescue Continues
At least one hiker has died and over 200 remain stranded on Mount Everest's eastern slopes in Tibet, an area popular with climbers and hikers, after a shock blizzard struck the region. The extreme weather conditions have forced rescuers to continue evacuating scores of people, with hundreds of local villagers and rescue workers deployed to clear out snow blocking access to the area.
According to Chinese state media, snowfall began on Friday evening and intensified over the weekend, catching many hikers off guard. Trekkers who managed to escape described facing extreme conditions, including hypothermia, as they battled relentless snowfall. "I was lucky to get out," said one hiker, who wished to remain anonymous. "The blizzard was intense, and I had to dig my way through the snow just to stay warm."
A massive rescue effort is underway, with villagers using oxen and horses to ascend the mountain in an attempt to reach stranded hikers. Chinese authorities have reported that about 350 people have made their way down from the mountain, but at least 200 remain trapped.
The blizzard has been described as unseasonable, occurring during China's Golden Week holiday, one of the country's busiest travel periods. The extreme weather conditions have put a strain on rescue efforts, with many hikers and climbers forced to spend the night in exposed areas. "It was like nothing I've ever experienced before," said another hiker, who was rescued on Saturday. "The wind was howling, and the snow was falling so heavily that it was hard to see more than a few feet in front of me."
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to reach stranded hikers, but progress has been slow due to the extreme weather conditions. According to local authorities, hundreds of rescue workers have been deployed to the area, with many more on standby.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in climbing and hiking at high altitudes. "This is a wake-up call for all hikers and climbers," said Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in mountain medicine. "We need to be prepared for extreme weather conditions and take necessary precautions to stay safe."
As the rescue effort continues, authorities are urging stranded hikers to remain calm and wait for assistance. The current status of the situation is that over 200 people remain trapped on Mount Everest's eastern slopes, with many more expected to be rescued in the coming days.
In related news, the Chinese government has announced an investigation into the incident, with officials promising to review safety protocols and emergency response procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and The Guardian.
