Beijing: Chinese authorities have intensified evacuation efforts near the eastern slopes of Mount Everest after a severe snowstorm left hundreds of trekkers stranded in Tibet. Rescue teams are working to bring to safety the remaining group of over 200 people who became trapped by heavy snow in the remote Karma Valley, which leads toward the mountain’s Kangshung face.

According to reports, more than 350 trekkers have already been rescued and led to safety in the past two days. Local villagers, herders, and emergency personnel have been assisting the ongoing operations, using horses and oxen to navigate snow-covered trails as communication lines remain disrupted in parts of the region.

The blizzard struck during China’s week-long National Day holiday, a peak travel period when many domestic tourists visit high-altitude destinations. Survivors described extreme conditions, with blinding snow, freezing winds, and tents collapsing under the weight of accumulating ice. Many trekkers were forced to clear snow every few minutes to avoid being buried.

Chinese state media confirmed that rescuers have managed to contact all the stranded trekkers. Authorities expect the final evacuations to be completed by late Tuesday, though harsh terrain and continued snowfall have slowed progress.

While reports indicate that at least one person has died in connection with the storm in the broader Himalayan region, there are no official figures yet on casualties in Tibet.

The affected area lies on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, where the terrain remains treacherous and temperatures have dropped sharply. Officials have yet to issue a full statement, but sources say rescue efforts will continue until all trekkers are accounted for.

The snowstorm, which began over the weekend, has been described by witnesses as unusually severe for this time of year, raising concerns about unpredictable weather patterns in the Himalayas.