Chinese authorities have rescued 350 hikers from blizzard conditions on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, with over 200 more at camps expected to be evacuated in groups to Qudang, CCTV reported.

Earlier, Jimu News said roughly 1,000 climbers were trapped just below base camp at about 4,900 meters (16,076 feet).

Rescue efforts have been slowed by heavy snow and strong winds, and tents have been damaged, though no fatalities have been confirmed.

Local residents are assisting in clearing snow to improve access, while nearby Nepal has faced severe rain causing landslides and flash floods that killed dozens, the DW has reported.

Everest, the world’s tallest mountain at 8,848 meters, remains highly dangerous, having claimed hundreds of climbers’ lives since its first ascent in 1953.