A massive rescue operation unfolded on Mount Everest as Chinese authorities rushed to save hundreds of trekkers stranded by a powerful snowstorm that struck the eastern face of the mountain in Tibet.

According to Chinese state media, rescue teams successfully evacuated and relocated hundreds of hikers to safety in the nearby township of Qudang after severe blizzards and heavy rainfall swept through the Himalayas. The area, sitting at an altitude of over 4,900 meters (16,000 feet), was blanketed by deep snow that blocked access routes and cut off communication lines.

At the height of the storm, nearly 1,000 trekkers were reportedly trapped. Local villagers joined emergency crews in clearing roads and carving out paths through the snow to reach those stranded.

One trekker, Chen Geshuang, who was part of an 18-member group that made it back safely, described the ordeal: “It was so wet and cold in the mountains, and hypothermia was a real risk.”

Officials said all rescued hikers have been provided with food, shelter, and medical assistance in Qudang. The extreme weather has since eased, but authorities continue to monitor conditions as forecasts warn of more potential snowfall in the coming days.

The rare and intense storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictable dangers that come with trekking in the world’s highest peaks.