Italy: Two Dead, Five Injured in Avalanche in South Tyrol

At least two skiers have died and five were injured in an avalanche in the South Tyrol region of Italy. According to the Italian mountain rescue service, the avalanche occurred on Mount Hohe Ferse, near Ratschings, sweeping away a group of about ten ski mountaineers.

The avalanche started in mountainous terrain at an altitude of approximately 2,450 meters. Authorities report that several of the skiers were carrying tracking devices, which facilitated rescue efforts. Helicopters have been dispatched to the area to assist in the operations.

The European Avalanche Warning Service (EAWS) reports that at least 125 people have died in avalanches in the mountains of Europe since the beginning of October, with Italy recording the highest number of fatalities (32).

Experts attribute the unusually high number of avalanches to climate change, which is affecting snow stability due to higher temperatures and stronger winds.