Mount Wutai hikers rescued after extreme weather strands groups
No casualties have been reported after heavy snow and strong winds left some hikers stranded near the summit of Mount Wutai in Shanxi province over the weekend, Xinhua News reported.
According to the Mount Wutai Scenic Area Administration Committee, weather conditions in the high-altitude area had stabilized by Monday, leading to a sharp decrease in emergency rescue calls.
The scenic area's law enforcement team has established six checkpoints at key junctions starting Saturday to intercept and turn back hikers. It's also providing ongoing rescue support alongside emergency management, police, fire and other departments.
Snowfall and strong winds hit the summit area from midday Saturday to Sunday afternoon, causing temperatures to drop sharply. Rescue teams immediately began emergency search and rescue operations from midday Saturday after receiving reports of stranded hikers.
The Chaotai hiking route on Mount Wutai, a popular pilgrimage trail, attracted large numbers of hikers during the May Day holiday. Authorities said that while hiker numbers are declining, some individuals are still trying to cross the mountain through unofficial routes.
Rescuers warned that extreme weather can occur in the summit area and urged the public not to enter undeveloped areas for hiking, pilgrimage walks, camping, exploration or outdoor cooking.
































