Hundreds of trekkers stranded on Mount Everest in Tibet as blizzard hits
Illustrative photo: Everest climbs temporarily banned (Getty Images)
On the eastern slope of Mount Everest in Tibet, hundreds of trekkers were stranded by a blizzard that blocked access to the mountain's base camps, reports Reuters.
The stranded trekkers are at elevations above 4,200 meters (13,779 feet). Hundreds of local residents and rescuers have been clearing snow to reach them, and some tourists have already been evacuated.
The heavy snowfall began on October 3 and continued through October 4, turning into a full-blown blizzard. Authorities suspended ticket sales and banned tourists from climbing the mountain.
Meanwhile, on the Nepalese side of Everest, heavy rains triggered floods and landslides. Roads were blocked, and bridges were washed away. At least 47 people died. Another 35 were killed in landslides near the India border. Nine people remain missing after the floods, and three others died from lightning strikes.
Flooding in Odesa, Ukraine
While Everest faced blizzards and heavy rain, Ukraine also suffered severe weather. On September 30, a powerful downpour hit Odesa, turning streets into rivers and stopping traffic. Multiple streets and buildings were flooded, and at least 10 people died.
By October 3, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine identified areas and streets at risk of re-flooding in case of more heavy rain. Their warning proved timely, as on October 4, another severe downpour once again flooded several streets in Odesa.
