Hundreds of rescuers launched operations on Sunday to assist more than a thousand hikers trapped on Mount Everest after a fierce blizzard swept across the eastern slopes of the world’s highest peak.

According to BBC, at least one person has died and rescue operations are ongoing for hundreds of others stranded in Tibet’s Everest region. Reuters, citing an unnamed government source, said that evacuations were under way and that conditions were improving after days of severe weather.

South Coast local among those caught in ordeal

South Coast Herald reports that among those caught in the ordeal was Lee Maree from Oslo Beach on the South Coast of KZN. He reached Everest’s base camp on Friday.

“We finally made it to base camp at 5 364m. We were hit with a snow blizzard the entire day. Views weren’t what we wanted but the euphoria of being there was unbelievable. It was a tough day, the altitude really got to me and had to dig deep to get to the top. Thanks for all the amazing messages from loved ones friends and colleagues. It was truly a team effort.”

Maree described the past four days as tough, but said his group managed to walk through the blizzard to make it out safely.

“We’ve been hiking in the storm for the past three days. There were landslides everywhere, so we had to take many detours. But we are safely through now,” said Maree.

‘We pushed through the blizzard to get out’

While some hikers sought shelter and became trapped, Maree and his group pressed on through the storm.

“We pushed through the blizzard to get out. The guys that stayed got caught up there. Thank goodness our guides pushed us through the blizzard and the rain. They knew what was coming. Hard four days but we all good,” he explained.

When Maree spoke to the newspaper, he said they finished only a few hours ago.

“We are just waiting for a flight out. Small airport has been shut down for four days.”

He added that all roads going into Kathmandu were closed, meaning they were seeking helicopter or private plane evacuations to nearby airports hours away.

Nepal reels from floods and landslides

Al Jazeera reported that landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy rains have killed at least 47 people, blocked roads and washed away bridges in Nepal.

With the first clear skies in days, Maree said there had been ‘lots of action with rescue helicopters flying all day today’.

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