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Emergency efforts are ongoing on the world's tallest mountain following a intense blizzard that left nearly 1,000 individuals trapped at base camps on the east face of the summit.

Several Hundred Rescued Successfully Amid Heavy Precipitation

Hundreds of trekkers cut off by the blizzard near the eastern face of the mountain were led to safety by rescue teams on the weekend, as unusually heavy precipitation hit the Himalayas.

By the weekend, three hundred and fifty individuals had arrived at the small township of Qudang, while communication had been made with the remaining 200-plus trekkers.

Peak Season Led to High Crowds

Tourists in the isolated area of Karma, which provides access to the eastern Kangshung face of Mount Everest, totaled several hundred this period, taking advantage of an eight-day National Day holiday in the region.

Snowfall in the region, which lies at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), started late Friday and persisted throughout Saturday.

Ongoing Efforts to Rescue Others to Safety

The other hikers are expected to arrive the safe zone in phases under the support and direction of rescuers organised by the regional authorities.

Hundreds of local villagers and response units have been deployed to help clear pathways obstructing routes to the region.

Unclear Details Over Local Guides and Other Areas

Estimates indicated that close to a thousand individuals had been trapped. It was not specified whether local guides and team members with the trekking parties had been located.

It was also unclear if hikers near the northern side of Everest—also in the area—had been impacted or not.

Tourist Rush and Entry Halted

The northern slope of Mount Everest, due to its easy access by roadway, regularly draws many of visitors. October is a peak season, when weather improves with the end of the Indian monsoon.

Ticket sales and entry to the entire Everest scenic area were suspended from Saturday, according to announcements posted on local platforms.

Nearby Area Impacted by Heavy Rains

To the south of the region, heavy rains triggered mudslides and sudden flooding that have closed routes, destroyed bridges, and claimed over forty-seven lives since last week.

Thirty-five individuals died in separate landslides in the eastern Ilam district bordering India. Nine individuals were reported missing after being swept away by flood waters, and three more were fatally struck in lightning strikes in other parts of the nation.