What's happened
As of October 7, 2025, nearly 1,000 hikers and over 300 guides were trapped on Mount Everest's eastern Tibetan slopes after a severe blizzard began Friday. About 580 trekkers and guides have since been rescued to Qudang township, while over 200 remain stranded but in contact with rescuers. The storm caused hypothermia and collapsed tents. Meanwhile, Nepal faces deadly floods and landslides killing at least 47 people.
What's behind the headline?
Scale and Complexity of Rescue
The rescue operation on Everest's eastern Tibetan slopes is one of the largest in recent years, involving coordination between local villagers, rescue teams, and government authorities. The terrain's remoteness and altitude (over 4,900 meters) complicate efforts, with heavy snow and risk of hypothermia threatening stranded trekkers.
Climate Change and Unpredictable Weather
The blizzard's timing and severity surprised even experienced guides, highlighting increasing unpredictability in Himalayan weather patterns. This aligns with broader climate change trends causing more frequent extreme weather events, posing heightened risks to climbers and local communities.
Tourism and Risk Management
The incident underscores tensions between growing adventure tourism and safety. The influx of trekkers during China's Golden Week increased exposure to hazards. Authorities have suspended ticket sales and closed the Everest Scenic Area temporarily, reflecting a reactive approach to managing risk.
Regional Impact and Broader Context
Simultaneously, Nepal faces deadly floods and landslides, killing dozens, illustrating how extreme weather is affecting the entire Himalayan region. These events emphasize the vulnerability of mountain communities and the need for improved disaster preparedness.
Forecast and Consequences
Rescue efforts will continue until all stranded individuals are safely evacuated. The event will likely prompt stricter regulations on trekking permits and enhanced emergency response protocols. It also raises awareness about the environmental and safety challenges posed by increased tourism in fragile mountain ecosystems.
What the papers say
Jorge Fitz-Gibbon of the New York Post reports that nearly 1,000 adventurers were trapped after a massive blizzard swept Mount Everest's eastern face, with tents collapsing and hypothermia cases rising. He notes the suspension of ticket sales by the Tingri County Tourism Company and highlights the mountain's dangers, citing over 300 deaths historically. Al Jazeera's coverage emphasizes the scale of the rescue, stating that 580 hikers and over 300 guides and yak herders reached safety in Qudang township, with local officials organizing orderly returns. They also highlight social media criticism in China about the perceived frivolity of such risky tourism. The South China Morning Post provides detailed context on the blizzard's impact, noting over a meter of snow accumulation and the closure of local tourist attractions. It also reports on related extreme weather in neighboring Qinghai province and Nepal, where floods and landslides have caused significant fatalities. The Guardian and The Independent echo these details, focusing on the rescue efforts and the suddenness of the storm, with trekkers describing the unprecedented weather. Reuters and Chinese state media (CCTV, Xinhua) provide updates on the evacuation progress and the logistical challenges faced by rescuers. Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a large-scale natural disaster compounded by human factors such as tourism and climate change, with ongoing rescue operations and regional weather crises.
How we got here
Mount Everest's eastern face in Tibet is a popular trekking route, especially during China's Golden Week holiday. In early October 2025, an unexpected blizzard struck the region, dumping heavy snow and rain, collapsing tents, and trapping hundreds of hikers and guides at high altitudes. Rescue operations were launched amid challenging weather and terrain.
Go deeper
- How did the rescue teams manage to evacuate so many people?
- What caused the sudden blizzard on Mount Everest?
- What are the safety measures for future Everest expeditions?
Common question
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What’s Happening on Mount Everest? Latest Weather Crisis Explained
A severe blizzard has trapped nearly 1,000 trekkers on Mount Everest, causing major rescue efforts and raising concerns about extreme weather impacts in the Himalayas. Many are wondering how this crisis is unfolding, what safety measures are in place, and how local communities are affected. Below, we answer the most common questions about this ongoing situation and what it means for climbers and residents alike.
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What’s the Latest on Everest Rescue Operations? Are Trekkers Safe Now?
Recent severe weather near Everest has led to a major rescue effort, with hundreds of trekkers stranded and in need of help. Curious about how many are affected, what caused the storm, and whether it’s safe to trek Everest right now? Here’s everything you need to know about the ongoing rescue operations and the risks involved.
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Mount Everest is Earth's highest mountain above sea level, located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. The China–Nepal border runs across its summit point.
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