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Emergency efforts are ongoing on the world's tallest mountain following a intense blizzard that stranded nearly 1,000 people isolated at campsites on the east face of the peak.

Several Hundred Guided to Safety Amid Heavy Precipitation

Numerous hikers stranded by the snowstorm near the eastern face of the peak were led to safety by emergency responders on Sunday, as unusually heavy snow and rain hit the Himalayas.

As of Sunday, 350 people had reached the remote town of the rescue base, while communication had been made with the other two hundred hikers.

Holiday Rush Contributed to High Visitor Numbers

Tourists in the isolated area of the Karma valley, which leads to the eastern Kangshung face of Everest, numbered in the hundreds this week, taking advantage of an extended holiday break in the region.

Heavy snow in the region, which sits at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (13,779 feet), began on Friday evening and continued throughout Saturday.

Ongoing Efforts to Rescue Others to Safety

The remaining trekkers are scheduled to reach Qudang in phases under the guidance and assistance of rescuers organised by the local government.

Many residents and rescue teams have been deployed to help clear pathways obstructing routes to the area.

Uncertainty Over Support Staff and North Face

Reports indicated that nearly 1,000 people had been trapped. It was not specified whether local guides and other personnel with the trekking parties had been accounted for.

It was also unclear if trekkers near the northern side of the mountain—also in the area—had been affected or not.

Tourist Rush and Access Suspended

The northern slope of Everest, due to its easy access by roadway, regularly draws large numbers of visitors. October is a busy period, when skies clear with the conclusion of the monsoon season.

Admission tickets and entry to the whole Mount Everest region were suspended from Saturday, according to announcements posted on official channels.

Nearby Area Affected by Severe Weather

To the southern side of the area, torrential downpours caused landslides and flash floods that have blocked roads, washed away bridges, and killed at least 47 people since last week.

Thirty-five individuals lost their lives in separate landslides in the eastern Ilam district near the Indian border. Nine people were reported unaccounted for after being carried off by rising waters, and three more were killed in lightning strikes in other parts of the nation.