Hundreds of trekkers have been rescued and moved to safety after being trapped by a snowstorm in the eastern region of Mount Everest in Tibet. Reports said the group was stranded due to heavy rainfall in the Himalayas. Around 350 people have been taken to the city of Guangdong, while contact efforts are ongoing with more than 200 others.
It has been estimate that over 1,000 people may have been affected in the region. Following the incident, ticket sales for tourist sites around Mount Everest have been suspended temporarily.
China is currently observing an eight-day national holiday for its National Day, which has drawn a large number of people to adventurous destinations like Karma Valley. This valley, located in Kangshung in eastern Everest, sits at an altitude of about 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level. Snowfall in the area began on Friday evening.
According to the report, hundreds of villagers and rescue teams have been deployed to help those trapped, clearing snow and opening paths. It is still unclear whether local guides were responsible for the situation, and an investigation is underway. Authorities are also checking whether tourists visiting the northern side of Mount Everest have been affected by the snowfall or rain.
NP