(MENAFN) At least one hiker has died and hundreds have been evacuated after a sudden snowstorm struck Tibet and Qinghai over the weekend, Chinese media reported on Monday.

According to a state broadcaster, the victim died from hypothermia and altitude sickness on Sunday in the Laohugou area of Qinghai province. Nearly 1,000 people were initially stranded after heavy snowfall blocked access roads and collapsed tents.

As of Monday, 137 stranded individuals had been safely rescued and were in stable condition. Another 350 trekkers who had been trapped near the eastern slope base camp of Mount Everest have also reached a designated rescue point, authorities said.

Rescue teams have established contact with more than 200 additional people, who are expected to be brought to safety soon. Around 300 rescuers, supported by two drones, are continuing operations in Laohugou despite what officials described as “very challenging” weather conditions.

Laohugou, located at an altitude of over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), remains blanketed by continuous snowfall. Reports also indicate that hundreds of hikers were stranded on the eastern slopes of Mount Everest in Tibet over the weekend as rescue efforts continue.

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