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Rescue operations are ongoing on the world's tallest mountain following a intense blizzard that left nearly 1,000 individuals trapped at campsites on the eastern side of the peak.

Several Hundred Rescued Successfully Amid Heavy Precipitation

Hundreds of trekkers stranded by the snowstorm near the eastern face of the peak were safely guided by emergency responders on the weekend, as unusually heavy precipitation pummelled the Himalayan region.

As of Sunday, three hundred and fifty individuals had reached the small township of Qudang, while communication had been established with the remaining 200-plus trekkers.

Peak Season Led to High Crowds

Visitors to the isolated area of the Karma valley, which provides access to the Kangshung east side of Mount Everest, totaled several hundred this period, benefiting from an eight-day National Day holiday in the region.

Snowfall in the region, which lies at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (13,779 feet), began on Friday evening and persisted throughout Saturday.

Ongoing Efforts to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Security

The other hikers are expected to arrive the safe zone in phases under the guidance and assistance of emergency teams dispatched by the regional authorities.

Hundreds of local villagers and rescue teams have been deployed to help remove snow blocking access to the area.

Unclear Details Over Local Guides and North Face

Reports indicated that close to a thousand individuals had been stranded. It was not specified whether local guides and team members with the hiking groups had been accounted for.

It was also unclear if trekkers near the north face of Everest—also in the region—had been impacted or not.

Peak Season and Access Suspended

The northern slope of Mount Everest, due to its convenient approach by roadway, often attracts many of visitors. This month is a busy period, when weather improves with the end of the Indian monsoon.

Ticket sales and entry to the whole Mount Everest region were halted from Saturday, according to notices posted on local platforms.

Neighboring Region Impacted by Heavy Rains

To the south of the region, heavy rains caused landslides and sudden flooding that have blocked roads, washed away bridges, and claimed over forty-seven lives since last week.

Thirty-five people died in multiple mudslides in the Ilam eastern region bordering India. Nine individuals were reported unaccounted for after being swept away by flood waters, and three more were killed in electrical storms in other parts of the nation.