BEIJING: A massive rescue effort has successfully guided hundreds of trekkers to safety after a sudden and severe blizzard trapped them in the Himalayas near the eastern face of Mount Everest in Tibet.
The hikers, who were taking advantage of China’s eight-day National Day holiday to explore the remote Karma valley, were caught off guard by the unseasonably heavy snow and rain. Chinese state media reported Sunday that 350 of the stranded trekkers have now reached the safety of Qudang township, and communication has been established with the more than 200 who remain in the mountains.
One survivor, Chen Geshuang, recounted the terrifying ordeal after her group of 18 made it to safety. “It was so wet and cold in the mountains, and hypothermia was a real risk,” she said, noting that even their experienced guide had never witnessed such weather in October. She described a harrowing night of heavy snow combined with thunder and lightning.
With tears in her eyes, Chen recalled the emotional moment her group descended from the mountains and was greeted by local villagers offering sweet tea and a warm meal. “Back in the village, we had a meal and were finally warm,” she said.
The rescue was a significant undertaking, with hundreds of local villagers and official rescue teams working to clear snow that was blocking access to the area, where earlier reports indicated nearly 1,000 people were trapped. According to officials, the remaining trekkers are being brought to Qudang in stages with the assistance of rescue personnel organized by the local government.
(Sources: Reuters, BBC)