A sudden and severe snowstorm has reportedly stranded hundreds of climbers and support staff across various camps on Mount Everest, prompting an urgent but weather-hampered rescue effort. The incident has left an estimated 200 to 300 individuals isolated in extreme conditions, with concerns mounting over dwindling supplies.
KATHMANDU, NEPAL — A sudden and severe snowstorm has reportedly stranded hundreds of climbers and their support staff across various camps on Mount Everest, prompting an urgent but weather-hampered rescue effort. The incident, which began early on October 6, 2025, has left an estimated 200 to 300 individuals isolated in extreme conditions.
Situation Overview
The storm, characterized by heavy snowfall, whiteout conditions, and high winds, rapidly deteriorated weather on the world’s highest peak during what is typically a popular post-monsoon climbing window. Most affected individuals are believed to be at Camp II (approximately 6,400 meters / 21,000 feet) and Camp III (around 7,200 meters / 23,600 feet), though communications from higher altitudes remain intermittent.
Initial reports from expedition organizers indicate that while climbers are currently sheltered in their tents, concerns are mounting over dwindling supplies of oxygen, food, and fuel for heating, especially at the more exposed higher camps. Temperatures have plummeted well below freezing, exacerbating the risks of frostbite and hypothermia.
Rescue Operations Underway
Nepali authorities and several private expedition companies have initiated a coordinated response, but adverse weather conditions are severely impeding rescue attempts. Helicopter operations, critical for evacuating individuals from higher camps, have been grounded above Everest Base Camp (5,300 meters / 17,400 feet) due to the dangerous visibility and strong winds.
“Our primary concern is the safety of all individuals on the mountain,” stated Yubraj Khatiwada, Director-General of Nepal’s Department of Tourism, in a press briefing from Kathmandu. “We are monitoring the situation closely and deploying all available resources the moment a weather window opens. The inherent risks of high-altitude climbing are always present, and we are reminding everyone to prioritize safety and conserve resources.”
Teams of experienced Sherpas are on standby at Base Camp, prepared to ascend with emergency supplies and assist with evacuations on foot if conditions allow. However, heavy snow has also made the Khumbu Icefall, the treacherous route between Base Camp and Camp I, difficult and hazardous to traverse.
Lakpa Sherpa, owner of Everest Summit Expeditions, confirmed that his teams were accounted for. “Our climbers and Sherpa staff at Camp II and Camp III are safe for now, but conditions are severe,” he communicated via satellite phone. “We are urging everyone to stay sheltered, conserve oxygen, and wait for instructions. We hope for a break in the weather soon to send up more supplies and begin evacuations.”
Families of the stranded climbers around the globe are anxiously awaiting updates, as the duration of the storm and its impact on the mountain’s residents remain uncertain. The incident underscores the unpredictable and unforgiving nature of the Himalayan environment, even during what is considered a more stable climbing period.
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