“Everest Blizzard Rescue: Hundreds of Stranded Trekkers Airlifted to Safety”

KATHMANDU, April 24 — Hundreds of trekkers trapped by a sudden blizzard in the Everest region have been rescued in a large-scale emergency operation. The snowstorm struck during peak trekking season, leaving hundreds stranded along the trails and basecamps with limited supplies.

The blizzard swept across the Himalayas late Monday, burying paths and drastically reducing visibility. With winds gusting over 80 km/h, trekkers and local guides were forced to take shelter in makeshift camps while temperatures dropped below freezing.

“We were caught off guard. The snow started falling heavily and the wind was fierce. There was nothing we could do but hunker down,” said Prem Thapa, a local guide from Lukla.

Authorities confirmed that around 250 hikers were evacuated by helicopters on Wednesday morning. The Nepal Tourist Police praised the coordinated effort involving rescue pilots, guides, and volunteers.

“The rescue teams worked tirelessly, braving the harsh conditions to ensure everyone’s safety,” said Tarendra Pokharel, spokesperson for the Nepal Tourist Police.

Despite the successful rescue, some trekkers have criticized the delayed response, alleging that warnings of worsening weather were ignored. Officials, however, cited “unpredictable conditions” and the remoteness of the terrain as major obstacles.

The storm has reignited discussions about stricter safety measures for trekking permits and improved weather alert systems. Tourism authorities are expected to review protocols to ensure better preparedness in the future.