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One hiker has died, and hundreds of others have been rescued after sudden heavy snowfall struck China’s northwestern and western mountain regions over the weekend, state media reported on Monday.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, more than 200 hikers trapped by severe weather near the eastern face of Mount Everest were expected to gradually make their way to safety by Sunday evening.
Outdoor enthusiasts had flocked to scenic mountain areas during China’s eight-day national holiday, but many were caught off guard by the unexpected extreme weather.
In Qinghai’s Tiger Valley, one hiker died from hypothermia and altitude sickness, CCTV reported. Over 130 others were rescued after hundreds of emergency workers and two drones were deployed to the area. Search operations are still underway to locate additional missing hikers.
In neighbouring Tibet, 350 trekkers trapped by heavy snow in a valley leading to Mount Everest’s eastern face safely reached the town of Qudang on Sunday night.
Authorities also established contact with more than 200 other hikers still on the slopes of Karma Valley, which rises above 4,000 metres (13,000 feet). They are expected to reach safety in stages.
Videos shared by a rescued hiker showed tents almost completely buried under snow during the storm. He confirmed he had safely arrived in Qudang on Sunday.
Meanwhile, across the border in Nepal and India, landslides and floods triggered by heavy rainfall have killed more than 70 people, with rescue teams struggling to access isolated mountain communities.
