Approximately 900 people, including hundreds of mountaineers, were stranded on the Chinese side of Mount Everest due to a snowstorm. Following a rescue operation, all have been safely moved to secure locations.
World News: A sudden snowstorm on the Chinese side of Mount Everest last weekend trapped approximately 900 people. These included hundreds of mountaineers, guides, and other support staff. The storm made it impossible to reach tents located at an altitude of over 4,900 meters. This incident has once again highlighted the critical need for safety protocols designed for mountaineering.
Local administration and rescue teams immediately launched a rescue operation. According to state media, providing assistance to these individuals was challenging due to the severe weather, but rescue efforts continued unabated.
Continuous Rescue Operation
A total of 580 mountaineers and over 300 guides, yak herders, and other support staff were caught in the snowstorm. The administration reported that approximately 350 mountaineers were safely brought down by Monday afternoon. The remaining individuals were moved to secure locations by Tuesday.
Working under challenging conditions, rescue teams transported all stranded individuals to safe locations. This involved combined efforts from helicopters, local guides, and teams of mountaineering experts.
Mountaineers Affected by Hypothermia
According to Xinhua News Agency, some mountaineers were affected by hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops to dangerously low levels. The affected individuals received immediate first aid and were subsequently moved to secure locations.
For safety reasons, all scenic and mountaineering areas of Mount Everest have been temporarily closed. The administration has warned that mountaineering in the current weather conditions can be dangerous.
Significance of October for Mountaineering
Mount Everest, known as Mount Qomolangma in China, is the world's highest peak, exceeding 8,849 meters in altitude. October is generally considered the safest month for mountaineers because temperatures are stable and the sky is clear.
