Severe Himalayan storms have killed a South Korean climber in Nepal and another hiker in China, stranding hundreds more and prompting large-scale evacuations in both mountain regions this week.
South Korean Climber Dies on Mera Peak
The Nepal Mountaineering Association confirmed on Tuesday that a South Korean climber dies after being caught in a storm. The climber had been reported missing over the weekend while attempting to summit Mera Peak.
Mera Peak is a 21,250-foot mountain located in the northern Himalayas, just south of Mount Everest. The severe weather has impacted the entire region.
Hundreds of Everest Hikers Evacuated
Hundreds of hikers stranded by the weather have started to leave the Everest region. By late Monday, 350 people had descended safely from high-altitude camps above 16,000 feet.
More than 200 other Everest hikers evacuated are being guided to a designated meeting point. The government of Nepal is overseeing the efforts on the mountain, which straddles the border with China.
Deadly Himalayan Storms Hit China
In a separate event, a storm in China’s Qilian Mountains resulted in a Qilian Mountains hiker death. The hiker reportedly died from hypothermia and altitude sickness.
A hiker identified by the surname Dong said “he had never seen such a severe storm, describing intense snowfall and lightning.” Many of the hikers had entered the remote area in Qinghai province after it was promoted on social media.
Difficult Mountain Search and Rescue Continues
Chinese authorities have evacuated 213 hikers from the Qilian Mountains region since Sunday. Search operations, including drones, were launched for those trapped in the Laohugou valley.
Search teams were still combing the area on Tuesday. The high-altitude mountain search and rescue operation is being conducted above 13,100 feet and is hampered by difficult terrain and ongoing weather.
