Kathmandu – On October 6, 2025, a massive avalanche triggered by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake has left nearly 1,000 climbers, sherpas, and tourists trapped on the slopes of Mount Everest in Nepal. The disaster struck early morning, burying sections of the Khumbu Icefall and blocking escape routes near Base Camp, where hundreds were preparing for summit attempts. Rescue operations are underway, with Nepalese army helicopters airlifting survivors, but heavy snowfall and aftershocks have hampered efforts, leaving many stranded at altitudes above 5,000 meters.

The quake, centered in the Himalayas, has caused widespread devastation, with reports of at least 150 deaths in surrounding villages and landslides blocking roads to Lukla airport. Climbers from over 20 countries, including the U.S., UK, and India, are among the trapped, with some sharing desperate videos on social media showing tents buried in snow and calls for help. The Nepalese government has declared a state of emergency in the Everest region, mobilizing international aid from China and India.