A massive rescue operation is underway on the eastern slopes of Mount Everest after a powerful snowstorm left close to 1,000 trekkers stranded in Tibet, the BBC reported. The blizzard swept through the Karma Valley, a popular route leading to the Kangshung face, just as crowds had arrived for China’ s week-long National Day break.

Local villagers and rescue teams deployed

By Sunday, around 350 people had reached Qudang township, guided down by local rescuers, state broadcaster CCTV reported. Another 200-plus are still making their way down in groups, guided by rescuers. In total, almost a thousand people were believed to be stuck when the storm hit.

To clear the way, villagers and emergency teams have been digging out snow and opening blocked trails. Local media confirmed that every

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