Hundreds of climbers rescued from Mount Everest after massive snowstorm

HUNDREDS of climbers have now been rescued from Mount Everest after a massive snowstorm.

Mountaineers and their guides trying to tackle the world’s tallest peak were caught out by the scale of last week’s blizzards at an altitude of more than 16,000ft.

AP

After a days-long intense rescue mission, it is estimated around 880 people were safely taken from the camps by the weekend, according to Chinese state media.

IT expert Issac Wang, 33, from Shanghai, said: “We were expecting some snow, but not on this scale.”

The blizzards became so intense, he and his group were forced to get up every hour in the night to dig out their tents.

The new snowfall was reported to be 3ft in some areas.

Mr Wang said: “The lightning was bright and red, the thunder was long, deep rumbling.”

Everest had more tourists on it than usual due to an eight-day holiday in China.

Some hikers had hypothermia and oxygen was needed by others.

At least one died, reports said.

Experts say the blizzard was down to the monsoon season now extending into autumn.

AP