Heavy snowfall has trapped hikers on the slopes of Mount Everest | DW News

Key Concepts

• Mount Everest Rescue Operation: Efforts to guide hundreds of hikers to safety after an unexpected storm.
• Tibetan Plateau: High-altitude, desolate, and exposed area on the north side of Everest where many trekkers were stranded.
• Unforeseen Storm: An unusually heavy snow and rainfall event in the Himalayas, atypical for the time of year.
• Under-equipment: A significant factor contributing to the severity of the situation for many stranded tourists.
• Frostbite and Exposure Injuries: Primary risks faced by individuals exposed to the harsh post-storm conditions.
• Yak Herders: Local Tibetan individuals who played a crucial role in creating trails through deep snow for rescue.
• Plan B: The necessity for trekkers and tour operators to have contingency plans for unexpected mountain weather.

Himalayan Storm and Stranded Hikers

Hundreds of hikers were trapped on Mount Everest following an "unusually heavy snow and rainfall" event that pounded the Himalayas. Chinese state media reported that rescuers successfully guided many trekkers to the small township of Chu Dang. Contact was made with over 200 remaining hikers, though tragically, one person has died.

Expert Insight: Conditions on Everest's North Side

Kenton Cool, a British mountaineer and one of the world's most experienced Everest guides, provided critical insights into the conditions. Having summited Everest an "unbelievable 19 times" – more than any other non-Nepali – Cool described the storm as "somewhat unforeseen" and "unusual this time of year," though not impossible, citing a similar "unfor snowfall event" he experienced in Chinese Tibet a decade prior, which deposited "perhaps a meter of snow" at base camp.

The stranded individuals were primarily on the "north side of Everest," specifically on the "Tibetan plateau," a "very high five to 5 and a half thousand meter plane." This area is characterized as "very high desolate exposed." Those who survived the initial storm now face "incredibly deep snow, very cold temperatures," and a "high wind forecast," despite improving weather. The primary risks are "potential frostbite and exposure injuries" for those still exposed to the elements.

Rescue Operations and Methodologies

The majority of the stranded trekkers were on the Chinese side of the Himalayas. Kenton Cool explained that this area is "surprisingly... frequented relatively well by a road network." Rescue efforts involved a combination of resources:

• Authorities: Mobilized "pretty quickly" to deploy "4x4s into the area."
• Tibetan Yak Herders: Played a vital role, using "trains of yaks to literally burst... a trail through the deep snow" to reach the stranded trekkers.

The Problem of Under-equipment

A significant contributing factor to the crisis was the inexperience and inadequate preparation of many of the stranded individuals. Kenton Cool highlighted that many were "holiday trekkers," not experienced mountaineers. The incident coincided with the start of an "8-day holiday in China," and the majority of those stranded were Chinese tourists. Reports indicated that "the majority, not all of them, the majority were under equipped for the storm that they... faced."

In contrast, on the southern, Nepalese side of the mountain, which was "hit in a less ferocious manner," trekkers were "better equipped for it." They also benefited from better infrastructure, allowing them to "find shelter much more quickly." Consequently, the "numbers of trekkers stranded on the Nepali side are way less," with reports suggesting "pretty much everybody is safe on the Nepalese side." This stark difference underscored the issue of the Chinese tourist trekkers being "very much... under equipped for what they were attempting."

Lessons Learned for Tour Operators and Trekkers

Kenton Cool emphasized crucial lessons for tour operators and individuals:

• Unpredictability of Mountain Weather: "Mountain storms do come along unforcast," regardless of location (Alps or Himalayas).
• Essential Equipment: Trekkers must always be "equipped for these things," including "warm clothing, good waterproofs," irrespective of the forecast or initial appearance of the weather.
• Contingency Planning: It is vital to "have a plan B in case something like this happens."

Conclusion

The incident on Mount Everest highlights the severe dangers of high-altitude trekking, particularly when combined with unpredictable weather and inadequate preparation. While rescue efforts, including the unique contribution of Tibetan yak herders, were successful in guiding many to safety, the tragedy of one death and the ongoing risks of frostbite and exposure underscore the critical importance of proper equipment, experience, and robust contingency planning for all mountain expeditions. The contrast between the well-equipped trekkers on the Nepalese side and the under-equipped tourists on the Chinese side serves as a stark reminder for tour operators and individuals alike to prioritize safety and preparedness above all else.