BEIJING — Chinese authorities have rescued 580 hikers from the eastern slopes of Mount Everest after a powerful snowstorm left nearly 1,000 people stranded in Tibet and Qinghai over the weekend, state media reported on Wednesday.

According to Xinhua News Agency, all rescued hikers — along with more than 300 local guides, yak herders, and support staff — have safely reached Qudeng township and nearby areas.

At least one hiker was confirmed dead, and access roads were blocked after heavy snow and strong winds struck the Dingri region on Saturday evening, collapsing tents and cutting off communication lines.

Emergency teams were deployed by the Dingri County government to restore communications and carry out rescue and relief operations in the affected mountain zones.

Authorities said operations were complicated by severe weather conditions and the difficult terrain along popular trekking routes near Qudeng, located on the eastern slopes of Mount Everest, known in China as Mount Qomolangma.

In response to the storm, officials temporarily closed several tourist sites on Sunday, including the Mount Qomolangma scenic area, as safety measures were enforced.

The region, which attracts thousands of trekkers each year, is known for sudden and intense weather shifts, particularly during the autumn climbing season. — Agencies