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Rescue operations are ongoing on Mount Everest following a intense blizzard that stranded close to a thousand people trapped at campsites on the eastern side of the peak.

Several Hundred Guided to Safety Amid Unusual Precipitation

Hundreds of trekkers cut off by the blizzard near the eastern face of the mountain were led to safety by rescue teams on Sunday, as unusually heavy precipitation pummelled the Himalayan region.

As of Sunday, three hundred and fifty individuals had arrived at the small township of Qudang, while contact had been made with the remaining 200-plus trekkers.

Holiday Rush Contributed to High Visitor Numbers

Tourists in the isolated area of Karma, which provides access to the eastern Kangshung face of Everest, totaled several hundred this week, benefiting from an extended holiday break in the region.

Snowfall in the region, which sits at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), began on Friday evening and continued all day Saturday.

Continued Operations to Rescue Others to Security

The other hikers are expected to arrive the safe zone in phases under the guidance and assistance of rescuers organised by the local government.

Many residents and rescue teams have been deployed to help remove snow obstructing routes to the region.

Uncertainty Over Support Staff and Other Areas

Estimates indicated that nearly 1,000 people had been trapped. Details were unclear whether local guides and other personnel with the hiking groups had been located.

Remains unknown if hikers near the northern side of the mountain—also in the area—had been impacted or not.

Tourist Rush and Entry Suspended

The northern slope of Mount Everest, due to its convenient approach by roadway, regularly draws many of visitors. October is a busy period, when weather improves with the end of the Indian monsoon.

Ticket sales and entry to the entire Everest scenic area were suspended from the weekend, according to notices posted on local platforms.

Neighboring Region Affected by Heavy Rains

To the south of the area, heavy rains caused mudslides and sudden flooding that have closed routes, washed away bridges, and claimed over forty-seven lives since Friday.

Thirty-five people lost their lives in separate landslides in the eastern Ilam district bordering India. Nine people were reported missing after being carried off by rising waters, and three others were killed in lightning strikes in other parts of the nation.