More than 200 hikers are currently stranded on Mount Everest following a blizzard that hit the world’s highest peak. A rescue operation is now in progress to bring them safely down. The storm caused significant damage in the Himalayan region, triggering landslides and floods on the Nepalese side of the mountain, leading to the unfortunate loss of 40 lives. According to Chinese state media, 350 individuals on Everest have already been evacuated, with efforts ongoing to reach the remaining 200 stranded hikers.
The rescue mission is actively underway, with reports of stranded hikers resorting to preparing instant noodles as they await assistance. This year, hikers have encountered unusual weather patterns, disrupting their plans to climb Everest during the typically peak hiking season in October when skies are clearer and conditions are more favorable.
Eric Wen, part of a group of 18 hikers, revealed that continuous snowfall forced them to relocate from their campsite. He recounted the challenging conditions, mentioning constant rain and snow, obstructing their views of Everest. Despite wearing appropriate gear for the expedition, two men and a woman suffered from hypothermia, emphasizing the need to constantly clear snow from their location every 10 minutes.
Eric described their struggles, including sleepless nights in a large tent due to heavy snowfall at the Oga Campsite in the Karma Valley, which is a less-traveled route to the Everest base camp. This route demands a certain level of mountaineering expertise and physical fitness from trekkers, with strict regulations in place like other paths leading to the summit.
Mount Everest remains a popular destination, attracting around 540,200 visitors in 2024, although most visitors do not aim to reach the summit. Approximately 1,000 people successfully reached the summit last year, highlighting the mountain’s allure and challenges for adventurers worldwide.
