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Emergency efforts are actively underway on the world's tallest mountain following a intense blizzard that left nearly 1,000 individuals isolated at campsites on the east face of the peak.

Several Hundred Guided to Safety Amid Heavy Snowfall

Hundreds of trekkers cut off by the blizzard near the eastern face of the peak were led to safety by emergency responders on Sunday, as exceptional precipitation pummelled the Himalayan region.

As of Sunday, three hundred and fifty individuals had arrived at the remote town of Qudang, while communication had been made with the other two hundred hikers.

Peak Season Led to High Crowds

Visitors to the isolated area of Karma, which leads to the eastern Kangshung face of Everest, numbered in the hundreds this week, benefiting from an eight-day National Day holiday in the region.

Heavy snow in the valley, which lies at an elevation averaging 4,200 metres (over 13,700 feet), began on Friday evening and persisted throughout Saturday.

Ongoing Efforts to Bring Remaining Trekkers to Safety

The remaining trekkers are expected to arrive the safe zone in stages under the guidance and assistance of rescuers dispatched by the regional authorities.

Hundreds of local villagers and rescue teams have been sent to help remove snow blocking access to the area.

Unclear Details Over Support Staff and North Face

Reports indicated that nearly 1,000 people had been stranded. It was not specified whether support staff and other personnel with the hiking groups had been accounted for.

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

Tourist Rush and Entry Halted

The northern slope of Mount Everest, due to its easy access by paved road, often attracts many of visitors. October is a busy period, when weather improves with the conclusion of the Indian monsoon.

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

Nearby Area Affected by Heavy Rains

To the southern side of the area, heavy rains caused mudslides and sudden flooding that have blocked roads, destroyed bridges, and claimed over forty-seven lives since Friday.

Thirty-five people died in multiple mudslides in the Ilam eastern region near the Indian border. Nine individuals were reported missing after being carried off by rising waters, and three others were fatally struck in lightning strikes elsewhere in the country.