Major rescue operation launched on Mount Everest after 1,000 people trapped by snowstorm

A major rescue operation is underway in the remote Tibetan slopes of Mount Everest, after nearly 1,000 people were trapped in campsites by a heavy snowstorm. Rescue teams and hundreds of local villagers joined forces to clear an access to the area, which is located at an altitude of more than 4,900 metres (16,000 feet).

Around 350 people have been rescued and taken to safety in Qudang town, according to local media reports. Heavy snow began falling on Friday evening and intensified on the eastern slopes of Mount Everest in Tibet - an area popular with both climbers and hikers. One of those rescued, Chenn Geshuang, told Reuters: "It was so wet and cold - hypothermia was a real risk.

"The weather this year is not normal. The guide said he had ever encountered such weather in October. And it happened all too suddenly."

Tibet's Blue Sky Rescue team was contacted by the stranded climbers, who said that tents were collapsing due to the heavy snow.

They also said that some of the hikers were already suffering from hypothermia, Chinese state media reported.

Ticket sales and entry to Everest Scenic Area were suspended on Saturday by the Tingri County Tourism Company.

Extreme weather is battering the region, causing chaos and much disruption.

Nepal has been hit by heavy rains, which have led to landslides and flash floods. The raging torrents of water swept away bridges and killed at least 47 people in the last two days.

Another powerful storm - Typhoon Matmo - made landfall in China, forcing the evacuation of around 150,000 from their homes.

Mount Everest is the world's highest peak at over 8,849m. Although many people attempt to climb the summit every year, it is considered an incredibly dangerous hike.

In recent years, there have been growing concerns about overcrowding and environmental damage. There have also been a number of fatal climbing incidents.