Hikers Caught in a Dangerous Storm near Mount Everest

Erica Siaulnski, Staff Writer

Hikers caught in a dangerous storm near Mount Everest battle hypothermia as they all return to safety. A party of 580 hikers and 300 guards hurried to China’s side of Everest in hopes of catching a glimpse, at the Eastern side of the mountain as a lucky landing holiday allowed them to make the trip but an awful snowstorm caught them all off guard. On Saturday, October 4th, a severe snowstorm struck and resulted in cutting off access to the hikers from the ground. 350 of the hikers were able to descend and make it to safety on Monday, and the remainder of the party was able to reach safety between Monday and Wednesday. 

Many were reported to suffer from hypothermia and were met with food, shelter and medical attention almost on site once they reached safety. The hikers recount the heavy snowfall and how they had to clear their tents of snow nearly every 20 minutes in fear that if they didn’t, that the weight of the heavy falling snow would suffocate whoever was sleeping inside. Hikers also recount the difficult journey, through the heavy and difficult snowfall. The snow storm continued to affect the surrounding areas. In Nepal, a South Korean climber died in the storm at the summit of Mera Peak which is a Himalayan mountain, south of Everest. 

Surrounding villages and cities also faced the effect of this snow storm and received more snow than natural for the time of year. Across the western part of China at least two other dangerous early season snowstorms hit, and resulted in one death on the road due to the ice and snow. Of the dangers that come with climbing in the area, the weather taking a turn in such a way isn’t something everyone prepares for in the early weeks of October. 

Another snow storm also trapped 251 hikers to the North of Tibet in the Chinese mountains. They were rescued on October 7th due to Chinese satellite images, only one of the individuals passed away from hypothermia and altitude sickness, and other hikers are in stable condition and making a speedy recovery. After further survey of the area, further west it was discovered that 300 hikers were heading for the same area. Luckily authorities were able to convince them it was unsafe, and the group turned back before finding themselves in a similar situation. It’s being advised that those ambitious to hike the same trail, rethink for the time being due to the weather’s unstable conditions. 

Officials advise that all hikers should carry a tracking device on them, with a way to contact authorities in case the weather does take a turn as it had for the two parties this week.