Nearly 1,000 climbers were trapped on or near Mount Everest over the weekend, following sudden heavy snowfall.
The blizzard struck during a weeklong national holiday in China.
At least one man died from hypothermia and altitude sickness while climbing in the mountains of the neighbouring Qinghai province.
Here’s what you need to know.
Snowstorm
Tourists trekking up to the eastern face of Mount Everest were stranded when unusually heavy snow and rainfall hit the region.
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Snowfall covered one group’s camp overnight between Saturday and Sunday. The hikers were trapped at an elevation of more than 4,900 metres.
One hiker told Agence France-Presse they “had to constantly clear the snow from the tents,” and when she “collapsed from exhaustion,” her tent was buried.
Rescue
Local officials, including teams with drones, have launched rescue efforts. Villagers with oxen and horses are also aiding the mission.
Around midday on Monday (local time), Chinese state media reported at least 350 people had been rescued. Rescuers have made contact with a further 200.
Footage taken at the scene shows a long line of people descending the mountain and tents crushed beneath the snow.
