Hundreds of people are stranded in a snowstorm on Everest, three die of hypothermia

Hundreds of tourists have been stranded in the Tibetan region of Karma after an unexpected snowstorm near the east face of Everest. Heavy snowfall and lightning caused several hikers to suffer from hypothermia, with some surviving only because they continuously shoveled snow off their tents.

By Sunday, 350 people had been brought to safety, and contact had been made with the rest. Local authorities, together with residents, launched a large-scale rescue operation to clear the snow-covered roads and evacuate more than 500 other people.

The region, which is normally a popular tourist destination in October, experienced exceptionally bad weather – something that tour guides said had never been seen before at this time of year. Several tourists reported cold, wet and completely impassable roads.

In Nepal, south of Tibet, heavy rains caused landslides and flash floods that killed at least 47 people. In response to the exceptional conditions, Chinese authorities suspended ticket sales for the region around Everest and are advising visitors to avoid the area.

(reuters, lup)