Nearly 1,000 stranded on Everest due to blizzard

According to Chinese state media, rescuers in Tibet are working to clear the routes to the eastern slope of Mount Everest, where nearly 1,000 people have been trapped by a blizzard, Reuters reports.

Local media say hundreds of rescuers and residents have been deployed to remove snow from areas located over 4,900 meters above sea level. Some tourists have already been safely evacuated to the base of the mountain.

The snowfall began Friday evening and continued throughout the day. Tingri County Tourism Company, a local travel operator, suspended ticket sales and access to Everest starting Saturday.

Meanwhile, across the border in Nepal, heavy rains and flooding have already claimed at least 47 lives.