Oslo Beach adventurer marked safe after braving Everest shock blizzard
Lee Maree survives a four-day severe snow storm as stranded hikers battle hypothermia and freezing conditions while rescuers race to bring hundreds to safety.
Hundreds of rescuers launched operations yesterday (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.
It is believed that one hiker has perished, with others stranded.
According to Chinese state media there could be as many as 200 on the mountain’s eastern slopes in Tibet.
Among those caught in the ordeal was Oslo Beach resident, Lee Maree, who reached Everest’s base camp on Friday.
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“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 his group managed to walk through the blizzard to just make it out.
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 – Maree.
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.
Maree said they finished finally about a few hours ago.
“We are just waiting for a flight out. Small airport has been shut down for four days.”
Maree said that all roads going into Kathmandu are closed, meaning that they are seeking helicopter or private plane evacuations to nearby airports hours away.
Aljazeera News 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 has been lots of action with rescue helicopters flying all day today.
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