Climbers at Mount Everest face perilous conditions after a severe snowstorm trapped nearly 1,000 individuals on the eastern side of the mountain. Emergency operations have been launched to extract stranded trekkers, with hundreds of rescue climbers deployed to the area.

Chinese state media reported that rescuers guided over 350 people to safety in the Qudang township by Sunday, while contact was established with more than 200 others still in the region. The storm, which began Friday evening, brought relentless snowfall and freezing temperatures to the Karma valley, situated at an elevation of approximately 4,200 meters.

Chen Geshuang, part of an 18-member trekking group that reached Qudang, described the conditions as “wet and cold,” warning of severe hypothermia risks. A guide reportedly noted the weather was “unusual” for October, with the storm striking unexpectedly.

Tibet’s Blue Sky Rescue team received reports of collapsed tents and hikers suffering from hypothermia, according to state media. Tingri County Tourism Company halted operations at the Everest Scenic Area amid the crisis.

The region is grappling with extreme weather, compounded by heavy rains in Nepal that caused landslides and floods, killing at least 47 people. In China, Typhoon Matmo displaced 150,000 residents.

Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, remains a perilous destination despite annual climbing attempts. Recent years have seen heightened concerns over overcrowding, environmental degradation, and fatalities.