Blizzard strands nearly 1,000 on Tibet’s Mount Everest slope, rescue effort underway

Almost one thousand climbers and tourists remain trapped on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest after a severe blizzard blocked access to key camps and passages, Chinese state media report.

The storm, which began Friday evening and persisted through Saturday, dumped heavy snow and rendered roads impassable in the region above 4,900 metres (16,000 ft), according to Reuters.

Rescue teams and dozens of local villagers are now working to clear snow and re‑open routes into the area. 

Officials said that some of those stranded have already been brought down to lower ground, Reuters also reported.

Local tourism authorities have canceled ticket sales and suspended entry to the Everest Scenic Area late Saturday as the storm grew stronger.

Across the Nepal border, heavy monsoon rains triggered floods and landslides. Roads have been washed out and bridges destroyed, resulting in at least 47 deaths there since Friday.