Two people reported missing after huge avalanche in Austria
A huge rescue operation is underway after a massive avalanche in Austria.
Authorities initially believed up to 10 people were missing, but the estimated number has now fallen to two.
About 200 rescue workers are searching for those still missing who may be buried under the snow near the town of Zuers.
The avalanche happened at about 3pm local time – 2pm GMT – on the nearly 9,000ft Trittkopf mountain between Zuers and Lech am Arlberg.
Searchlights were set up to continue the search after darkness fell and dogs are being used to try to find those missing.
One person has been rescued from the snow so far.
Lech-Zuers tourism director Hermann Fercher said the remaining search would continue ‘all night if we have to.’
Today’s avalanche followed days of snow in the high alpine region and unseasonably warm weather on Christmas Day, the Austria Press Agency reported.
The cascading snow reportedly reached as far as nearby ski trails.
This morning, the local mountain rescue service had rated the avalanche danger as high.
About 200 rescue workers are searching for those still missing who may be buried under the snow near the town of Zuers.
The avalanche happened at about 3pm local time – 2pm GMT – on the nearly 9,000ft Trittkopf mountain between Zuers and Lech am Arlberg.
Searchlights were set up to continue the search after darkness fell and dogs are being used to try to find those missing.
One person has been rescued from the snow so far.
Lech-Zuers tourism director Hermann Fercher said the remaining search would continue ‘all night if we have to.’
Today’s avalanche followed days of snow in the high alpine region and unseasonably warm weather on Christmas Day, the Austria Press Agency reported.
The cascading snow reportedly reached as far as nearby ski trails.
This morning, the local mountain rescue service had rated the avalanche danger as high.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
