BEIJING (AP) – Rescue workers are currently assisting hundreds of hikers who have become trapped by heavy snowfall at tourist campsites on the slopes of Mount Everest in Tibet, according to reports from Chinese state media on late Sunday.

Approximately 350 hikers have reached a meeting point in Tingri County, as rescuers maintain communication with an additional 200 individuals still caught in the adverse weather conditions, as reported by the state broadcaster CCTV. As of Monday, there was no immediate update regarding the ongoing rescue efforts.

The hikers are stranded at elevations exceeding 4,900 meters (16,000 feet). Mount Everest itself stands at about 8,850 meters (29,000 feet) tall, making the situation critical as the altitude can severely impact the health and safety of those trapped. An anonymous hiker who was able to descend before the snowfall intensified reported that others still on the mountain indicated that the heavy snow had crushed tents, raising fears for those who remained.

According to reports from Jimu News, a Chinese online news outlet, hundreds of rescuers were dispatched up the mountain on Sunday to clear paths and aid in extricating those who are trapped. These rescue efforts come during a weeklong national holiday in China, which typically sees an increase in outdoor activities and travel among locals and tourists alike.

The snowstorm has created urgent challenges for hikers and rescue teams, as swift action is required to ensure the safety of those still on the mountain. The authorities are likely to continue monitoring the situation closely and providing updates as more information becomes available. The combination of high altitude and adverse weather conditions makes this one of the more severe situations faced by hikers on Mount Everest in recent years.