SOLUKHUMBU: There has been heavy snowfall in the Everest region since early this morning. Snow is falling in the area above Dingboche in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, while rain is falling in the lower areas like Namche Bazaar and its surroundings.

Lama Kaji Sherpa, the Chairman of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, said, “There has been heavy snowfall above Dingboche, and it is raining in the lower areas. Tourists are all inside the hotels. It is not possible to go outside.”

It is currently estimated that there are approximately 3,000 or more foreign tourists in this area. On Monday alone, nearly 800 foreign tourists arrived in Lukla from Kathmandu.

As there is a risk of tourists getting lost due to low visibility from the snowfall, the District Administration Office has urged tourists not to venture out on treks. Chief District Officer Lila Kumari KC Pandey said, “Due to adverse weather, all tourists have been requested to remain safe and stay inside hotels or settlements.”

The District Administration has kept rescue teams on standby. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Manojit Kunwar of the District Police Office, there is a temporary police post in Dingboche, and continuous contact is being maintained with the police there to gather information about the tourists.

It is estimated that there are approximately 2,000 foreign tourists above Dingboche. The continuous snowfall and rain have increased the cold. Pemba Sherpa, a local of Khumjung, said, “It has been very cold since this morning; snow has covered the village, and everyone is inside their homes.”

The continuous snowfall has affected daily life in the Khumbu region. Namche Bazaar, which usually buzzes with crowds of tourists, has become deserted. “Kopila Ghatani, a teacher in Khumjung, said, “The snow has presented a beautiful view, but it has made daily life difficult.”

(RSS)