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Mount Everest: Rescue under way for hundreds trapped after snowstorm Mount Everest blizzard: Hikers battle hypothermia and heavy snow
(about 4 hours later)
Watch: Video captures hikers wading through snow near Mount EverestWatch: Video captures hikers wading through snow near Mount Everest
Rescue efforts are under way in the remote Tibetan slopes near Mount Everest, after a snowstorm hit campsites housing hundreds on the eastern side of the mountain, according to Chinese state media. Hikers caught in a shock blizzard near Mount Everest have spoken of experiencing hypothermia as they battled relentless snowfall, while rescuers continue to evacuate scores of people.
Hundreds of local villagers and rescue workers have been deployed to clear out snow blocking access to the area, which sits at an altitude of more than 4,900m (16,000ft). At least one hiker has died and more than 200 are still stranded on Everest's eastern slopes in Tibet, an area popular with climbers and hikers, Chinese state media reported.
Rescuers have guided 350 people to safety in the small township of Qudang. They have also contacted 200 hikers who are still on the mountain. Snowfall began on Friday evening and intensified over the weekend. Hundreds of local villagers and rescue workers have been deployed to clear out snow blocking access to the area, which sits at an altitude of more than 4,900m (16,000ft).
Heavy snowfall began on Friday evening and has intensified on Everest's eastern slopes in Tibet, an area popular with climbers and hikers. Rescuers have guided 350 people to safety in the small township of Qudang. Authorities are in contact with all the hikers who are still trapped.
Geshuang Chen, a 29-year-old outdoor enthusiast, had set off from Qudang township on 4 October, with plans to reach Cho Oyu Base Camp - a trek that offers views of the Himalayan peaks - five days later. Nature photographer Dong Shuchang was among hundreds of tourists who flocked to the area during China's Golden Week holiday.
When Ms Chen checked the weather forecast, it was expected to snow on 4 October but clear up by the next day. So her group of more than 10 people decided to proceed. He was looking forward to capture the Himalayan marvel from the Tibetan slopes - when the snowstorm hit just hours after his trek started on Saturday.
But their plans went awry when a severe blizzard hit. "The lightning and thunderstorms [on Saturday] would not stop. The snowfall was so heavy I could hardly sleep," said Mr Dong.
"When we woke up the next morning, the snow was already about a metre deep," Ms Chen told the BBC, adding that her group then decided to turn back. His group had reached an altitude of 4,600m before they decided to turn back.
"Our windbreakers and raincoats were no match for the snow. We were all drenched," Mr Dong said, adding that several people in his group of 20 showed signs of hypothermia.
The 27-year-old had been to the Himalayas more than a dozen times, but said he has "never experienced weather like this".
Mr Dong's escape from the trail was lined with wet snow and falling sleet.
"Everyone was moving slowly. The route was very slippery. I kept falling because of the ice," he said.
His group spent last night in a hotel room in Qudang, where they relied on a generator for electricity.
When they left the hotel this morning, the snowstorm had finally subsided.
"We're just so relieved to get help and support," Mr Dong said.
Chen Geshuang, who was part of Mr Dong's hiking group, said the snow was about a metre deep when the group started their retreat on Sunday.
"All of us are experienced hikers," Ms Chen said. "But this blizzard was still extremely difficult to deal with. I was so lucky to get out.""All of us are experienced hikers," Ms Chen said. "But this blizzard was still extremely difficult to deal with. I was so lucky to get out."
She is now on her way back to Lhasa city. "This year's snow was exceptional," said the 29-year-old outdoor enthusiast.
"Many people come here to hike during the Golden Week, but this year's snow was exceptional," she said. Their guide also said such weather on the eastern slope of Everest was highly unusual, she added.
China is in the middle of its week-long National Day holiday known as Golden Week, a peak season for local tourism.
Many hikers have made their way to the Karma Valley hiking trail, a lesser-known but scenic route to the base of Everest - which also offers a view of the world's tallest peak.
The showstorm hit during Golden Week, a peak season for local tourism in ChinaThe showstorm hit during Golden Week, a peak season for local tourism in China
A woman in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen told the BBC on Monday that her husband, who had been stuck in the snowstorm, was slowly retreating from the mountains. Another woman told the BBC that her husband who had been stuck in the snowstorm was slowly descending from the mountains, but thick snow cover has made his retreat extremely difficult.
But the route back was extremely difficult because of the thick snow. "Even for rescuers, it's not easy, they need to clear snow to make a path," said the woman, who declined to be named.
"Even for rescuers, it's not easy, they need to clear snow to make a path," she said. "I hope my husband's team reaches [the rescue team] safely. "I hope my husband's team reaches [the rescue team] safely."
She said her husband told her that he barely slept in his tent because he was afraid of being buried in the snow. She said her husband told her he barely slept in his tent because he was afraid of being buried in the snow.
Another hiker, Eric Wen, told Reuters that three people in his group suffered from hypothermia even though they were adequately dressed.Another hiker, Eric Wen, told Reuters that three people in his group suffered from hypothermia even though they were adequately dressed.
They hardly slept because it was snowing too hard and his group had to clear the snow every 10 minutes. "Otherwise our tents would have collapsed," he said. They hardly slept because it was snowing too hard and his group had to clear the snow every 10 minutes.
The region is facing extreme weather at the moment, as neighbouring Nepal has been battered by heavy rains which triggered landslides and flash floods that have washed away bridges and killed at least 47 people in the last two days. "Otherwise our tents would have collapsed," he said.
On the other side of China, Typhoon Matmo has made landfall on the country's eastern coast, forcing about 150,000 people to evacuate from their homes. China is in the middle of its week-long National Day holiday known as Golden Week, a peak season for local tourism.
Mount Everest is the world's highest peak at over 8,849m. Although many people attempt to climb the summit every year, it is considered an incredibly dangerous hike. October usually provides clear skies and friendly temperatures, making it one of the favoured months to hike in the Mount Everest area.
Many hikers have made their way to the Karma Valley hiking trail, a lesser-known but scenic route to the base of Everest - which also offers a view of the world's tallest peak.
Although many people attempt to climb the summit every year, it is considered an incredibly dangerous hike.
In recent years it has been plagued with concerns of overcrowding, environmental concerns and a series of fatal climbing attempts.In recent years it has been plagued with concerns of overcrowding, environmental concerns and a series of fatal climbing attempts.
Mr Dong's escape from the trail was lined with wet snow and falling sleet
The region is facing extreme weather at the moment.
Neighbouring Nepal has been battered by torrential rains and floods that has killed at least 47 people, blocked roads, and washed away bridges.
On the other side of China, Typhoon Matmo has made landfall on the country's eastern coast, forcing about 150,000 people to evacuate from their homes.