• Source:JND
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The Himalayan region is reeling under extreme weather as a severe blizzard trapped nearly 1,000 trekkers on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, while torrential rains in neighbouring Nepal unleashed flash floods and landslides that have killed at least 47 people in just two days.  State media in China announced that the blizzard hit on Sunday, leaving scores of trekkers stranded at altitudes greater than 4,900 meters (16,000 feet). The rescue effort was underway right away, with villagers and professional rescue teams called in to remove obstructed paths.

At least 350 trekkers reached the tiny township of Qudang by Sunday evening, while over 200 others were contacted. Authorities indicate the remaining stranded climbers will be descending in phases with assistance from coordinated rescue teams.

Collapsed Tents And Hypothermia

The blizzard, which began on Friday evening and lasted through Saturday, brought unusually heavy snowfall to the Everest Scenic Area. According to Tibet’s Blue Sky Rescue Team, emergency calls reported collapsed tents and trekkers showing symptoms of hypothermia.

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“It was so wet and cold in the mountains, and hypothermia was a real risk,” said one trekker who managed to reach Qudang. “The guide told us he had never seen weather this extreme in October.”

Local tourism authorities suspended ticket sales and entry to the Everest Scenic Area from late Saturday, citing safety concerns.

Nepal Ravaged By Floods And Landslides

While Tibet faced heavy snow, neighbouring Nepal was battered by torrential rain that triggered flash floods, landslides, and lightning strikes. The Koshi Province was among the hardest hit, with homes and bridges washed away. At least 37 people died between Saturday and Sunday morning alone, while the overall death toll has risen to over 50 since Friday.

Road accidents linked to the treacherous conditions further added to the casualties, with dozens injured across the affected districts. Rescue efforts are ongoing as villages remain cut off by floodwaters and mudslides. 

The extreme weather in the Himalayas comes as Typhoon Matmo made landfall in parts of China, forcing nearly 150,000 people to evacuate their homes. Authorities have warned that the combination of storms, blizzards, and floods highlights a worsening cycle of extreme weather events in the region.

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Despite the dangers, officials confirmed that no trekkers remain unaccounted for in Tibet, and staged evacuations are expected to bring all stranded hikers to safety. Meanwhile, Nepal continues to grapple with widespread devastation, with disaster management teams bracing for further landslides as rains persist.