Authorities say about 200 others remain stranded in severe weather as rescue operations continue.
Reports indicate that more than 500 people were caught by surprise when unusually heavy snow and rain lashed the Tingri region of Tibet, one of the main routes to ascend the world's highest mountain. Those rescued on Sunday were taken to the small township of Qudang, a critical staging point for climbers on the northern approach to Everest.
Some 200 trekkers who remained trapped as of Sunday were expected to arrive in Qudang in phases under the guidance and support of local government-organised rescue teams, according to China Central Television (CCTV).
The report did not clarify whether all local guides and support staff had been accounted for, nor whether trekkers closer to the mountain's north face were affected.
Heavy snowfall began late Friday and continued into Saturday, battering valleys at elevations averaging 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). The unexpected storm quickly created whiteout conditions and dropped temperatures to dangerous levels.
Ticket sales and entry into the entire Everest Scenic Area were suspended from late Saturday, the local Tingri County Tourism Company announced on its official WeChat account, warning visitors to avoid the mountain until conditions stabilise.
'It was so wet and cold in the mountains, and hypothermia was a real risk,' said Chen Geshuang, part of an 18-member trekking group that reached safety in Qudang, speaking to Reuters.
'The weather this year is not normal. The guide said he had never encountered such weather in October. And it happened all too suddenly.'
The blizzard has drawn renewed attention to increasingly unpredictable climate patterns in the Himalayas, where mountaineers and guides have warned of shifting weather seasons. Rapid, unforecasted storms like this one increase the risks for trekking groups and strain rescue capacities.
While Chinese authorities lead the ongoing evacuation efforts on the northern slopes, Nepal is simultaneously battling related heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods. Nepali officials have reported dozens of fatalities from weather-linked disasters across the border.
Rescue operations in Tibet are expected to continue into the week, with teams working to bring down those still stuck at high altitude. Conditions remain challenging, but improving visibility may allow more helicopters and ground crews to reach remote areas.
Rania Umutoni
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/more-than-350-trekkers-rescued-after-sudden-everest-blizzard
