Qinghai rescue operation saves 251 trapped hikers after one death

A total of 251 trapped individuals were evacuated, with one person confirmed dead due to hypothermia and altitude sickness, after nearly 72 hours of emergency search and rescue operations in Qinghai's high-altitude Qilian Mountains, according to CCTV news.

On Oct 5, the public security bureau of Menyuan county in the Haibei Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Qinghai province, received an emergency alert about several hikers who had privately entered the Lenglongling area of the Qilian Mountains and been trapped in the high-altitude area.

The trapped individuals were scattered across the border area between Qinghai and Gansu provinces.

After receiving the alert, Qinghai province quickly organized forces from public security and emergency response departments to carry out search and rescue operations.

Given the high altitude, low temperatures, rugged terrain, and poor communication in the incident area, a cumulative total of over 750 rescue personnel were deployed, including 50 ecological rangers familiar with the terrain who assisted in the rescue.

Additionally, 30 horse trips were arranged to transport supplies, such as cotton coats, food, and oxygen cylinders. A drone team was formed, utilizing 11 drones for search operations. The local authorities also dispatched 34 medical personnel to provide services to the trapped hikers.

The rescue mission was completed on Oct 7.

Qinghai authorities said that the government will further enhance online patrol efforts, focusing on monitoring social platforms for unauthorized adventure recruitment information. Warning signs will be set up in key areas, and patrol teams will be organized to conduct regular inspections to curb dangerous entries into undeveloped regions.