Tibet, Oct 6 (V7N) — A powerful blizzard has stranded nearly one thousand climbers on the eastern slope of Mount Everest in Tibet, according to Chinese state media reports. Rescue operations have been intensified since Sunday as local authorities began clearing blocked mountain roads to reach those trapped at high altitude.

Citing Jimu News, Reuters reported that hundreds of villagers and rescue personnel are working tirelessly to remove thick snow piles and open access routes to the affected area, which lies at an altitude of about 4,900 meters (16,000 feet) above sea level.

Officials from Tingri County Tourism Company said that some tourists have already been safely evacuated to lower altitudes. The company’s official WeChat account confirmed that snowfall began on Friday evening and persisted throughout Saturday, prompting authorities to suspend all ticket sales and close entry to the Everest Scenic Area on Saturday night.

In addition to the crisis on the Tibetan side, neighboring Nepal is also facing severe natural disasters. Heavy rainfall since Friday has triggered landslides and flash floods across several regions. Nepalese police reported that at least 47 people have died so far, with dozens more missing or injured.

In the eastern district of Ilam, near the Indian border, landslides killed 35 people, while flash floods claimed nine more lives. Three others were killed by lightning strikes in separate incidents across the country.

Both China and Nepal’s mountainous regions have experienced widespread disruption in transportation and communication. Collapsed bridges, blocked roads, and power outages have severely hampered rescue operations. Local authorities stated that efforts will accelerate once weather conditions improve, as rescuers continue battling freezing temperatures and treacherous terrain to reach the stranded climbers and affected residents.

END/WD/SMA/