Rescue operations are actively underway on Mount Everest following a severe snowstorm that has left nearly 1,000 individuals trapped in campsites on the mountain's eastern side, as reported by Chinese state media. Hundreds of trekkers, caught by the blizzard near the eastern Kangshung face of Everest in Tibet, were successfully guided to safety by rescuers on Sunday. This incident occurred amidst unusually heavy precipitation, including significant rain, that has been pummeling the Himalayas.

As of Sunday, China Central Television (CCTV) reported that 350 people had safely reached the small township of Qudang, and contact had been established with the remaining 200-plus trekkers. The remote valley of Karma, which provides access to the eastern Kangshung face of Everest and lies at an average elevation of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), had seen hundreds of visitors this week. They were taking advantage of China's eight-day National Day holiday. Snowfall in the valley commenced on Friday evening and continued throughout Saturday, leading to the current predicament.

CCTV further indicated that the remaining trekkers would arrive in Qudang in stages, under the coordinated guidance and assistance of rescuers organized by the local government. Earlier reports from state-backed Jimu News estimated that nearly 1,000 people had been trapped and highlighted that hundreds of local villagers and dedicated rescue teams had been deployed to remove snow obstructing access to the affected area. However, the CCTV report did not specify whether local guides and support staff accompanying the trekking parties had been accounted for. It also remained unclear if trekkers near the north face of Everest, also located in Tibet, had been impacted, despite this area regularly attracting large numbers of tourists due to its easy access by paved road. October is typically a peak season for Everest, known for its clear skies following the Indian monsoon.

In response to the dangerous conditions, ticket sales and entry to the entire Everest scenic area were suspended from Saturday, according to official notices posted on the WeChat accounts of the local Tingri County Tourism Company.

Beyond the immediate vicinity of Everest, the wider Himalayan region has also been grappling with extreme weather. To the south of Tibet, in Nepal, heavy rains have triggered widespread landslides and flash floods. These natural disasters have blocked critical roads, washed away bridges, and tragically claimed the lives of at least 47 people since Friday. Specifically, 35 individuals died in separate landslides within the eastern Ilam district, which borders India. Furthermore, nine people were reported missing after being swept away by floodwaters, and three others were killed by lightning strikes in other parts of Nepal.