A ferocious snowstorm swept across Mount Everest over the weekend, leaving more than 1,000 climbers and trekkers stranded in subzero temperatures. The rare and violent blizzard struck suddenly, burying climbing routes under heavy snow and cutting off communication with multiple expedition groups attempting their ascent.
According to Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism, the storm hit late Saturday night, bringing gale-force winds over 120 km/h, and visibility dropped to near zero. The climbers, trapped between Camp II and Camp III, were unable to descend due to collapsed ladders, buried ropes, and snow-clogged paths.
Night Turns into Nightmare
Survivors who managed to radio the base camp described scenes of panic as tents were blown away and climbers struggled to stay warm in freezing winds. Many expedition members were forced to dig temporary snow shelters to survive the night.
“The storm came out of nowhere. Within minutes, the camp disappeared under snow,”
said Lakpa Sherpa, a local guide coordinating rescues from the base.
“It’s the worst whiteout I’ve seen in years.”
With temperatures plunging below -28°C, climbers are battling frostbite and oxygen shortages. Satellite phones are working intermittently, making coordination difficult.
Rescue Teams Race Against Time
Nepal Army, high-altitude rescue teams, and Sherpa volunteers have been mobilized from the base camp to reach stranded climbers. However, waist-deep snow and continuous gusts have slowed their progress.
Helicopter evacuations remain suspended due to turbulent winds and thick fog, though officials expect clearer skies within the next 24 hours.
“We are working round the clock to bring everyone down safely. Our teams are carrying emergency supplies, but the terrain is extremely unstable,”
said Ramesh Adhikari, head of Nepal’s Disaster Response Unit.
Foreign Climbers Among the Stranded
Authorities confirmed that among those trapped are citizens from the United States, Japan, France, and India. Several international expedition operators have confirmed their climbers’ safety via satellite beacons but remain cut off by snowdrifts and blocked paths.
In Kathmandu, anxious families are waiting for updates as communication lines remain limited.
Blizzard Disrupts Everest Tourism Season
The blizzard has dealt a severe blow to Nepal’s autumn climbing season one of the busiest times for mountaineering. The Everest region, including Namche Bazaar, Lobuche, and Gorakshep, has been blanketed with over 4 feet of snow, paralyzing local travel and cutting off supplies.
Lodge owners in high-altitude villages reported power outages and food shortages as the storm continues. Rescue helicopters are expected to deliver aid once weather conditions improve.
“We’ve never seen such a sudden storm this early in October,”
said Karma Bhutia, a resident of Namche.
“Even experienced mountaineers are struggling to survive.”
Experts Warn of Climate-Driven Chaos
Meteorologists have linked the extreme weather to shifting jet streams and rising global temperatures. Experts say unpredictable Himalayan storms are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
“Traditional weather patterns are no longer reliable. What used to be rare is now recurring,”
explained Dr. Anisha Thapa, a senior climate researcher from Kathmandu University.
Prayers and Global Concern
Rescue teams continue to fight through one of the harshest Himalayan storms in recent years. International mountaineering organizations and global leaders have expressed support and prayers for the climbers’ safe return.
If weather conditions stabilize, authorities hope to begin airlift operations within 24 hours to bring survivors down to base camp for medical care.
