Mount Everest Weather Fury: Blizzards, Floods, and Landslides Devastate Nepal, India, Tibet, and Bhutan

Nature's fury has unleashed unprecedented devastation across the Himalayan belt, from the icy slopes of Mount Everest to the lush hills of Darjeeling. Torrential rains and blizzards have triggered deadly landslides, flash floods, and infrastructure collapse, leaving dozens dead and hundreds stranded across Nepal, India, Tibet, and Bhutan.

Tibet Cut Off: 1,000 Stranded Near Everest

On the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, nearly 1,000 climbers and locals remain trapped after a massive blizzard blocked all mountain routes. Chinese state media reported that rescue teams and local villagers are braving extreme conditions at altitudes above 4,900 metres to reach those stranded since Friday evening. The storm, which dumped heavy snow through Saturday, has made access routes impassable.

Nepal's Deadliest Downpour This Season

Nepal has been the hardest hit, with over 50 people killed since torrential rains began on Friday. Flash floods and landslides swept through the Koshi Province, destroying homes and roads. Between Saturday morning and Sunday morning alone, 37 deaths were reported from floods, lightning strikes, and road accidents, according to the PTI.

Darjeeling Drenched: Iron Bridge Collapses

In neighbouring India, Darjeeling and North Bengal witnessed relentless rain that exceeded all forecasts. The collapse of the Dudhia iron bridge on Sunday underscored the severity of the deluge. Officials confirmed at least 20 fatalities as rivers overflowed and submerged vast areas.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the situation as "unprecedented," revealing that over 300 mm of rain fell within 12 hours in North Bengal. "There was excessive flow of water into the Sankosh river and from Bhutan and Sikkim," she said, adding that rescue and relief efforts are in full swing.

Infrastructure in Ruins

Across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Matigara, key transport routes have been washed away or blocked by landslides. Two major iron bridges collapsed, and large swathes of farmland remain underwater. Authorities have deployed disaster response teams to restore access to cut-off regions.

Bhutan Seeks India's Help

In Bhutan, flash floods near the Amochu River stranded several families and workers in temporary housing camps. With a Drukair rescue helicopter grounded due to poor visibility, Bhutan sought urgent assistance from Indian forces. A coordinated Indo-Bhutan operation is now underway to airlift those trapped.

Crisis Continues

The overall picture remains grim, with heavy rainfall forecast to continue across parts of the eastern Himalayas. Rescue teams are racing against time to reach isolated communities, even as landslides and washed-out bridges hamper operations.