VIENNA, Austria (AP) — At least five individuals have tragically lost their lives due to a series of avalanches that struck western Austria, as reported by local authorities on Saturday. The government office of the Tyrol region indicated that heavy snowfall over the past week resulted in snow accumulations of up to 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet). This combination of substantial snowfall, along with strong winds and a weak snowpack beneath the surface, created conditions that were particularly prone to avalanches.
On Friday afternoon, Tyrol police reported that five off-piste skiers were caught in a massive avalanche, which was nearly 450 meters (around 490 yards) wide, in the St. Anton am Arlberg area, located at an altitude of about 2,000 meters (approximately 6,500 feet). Among the deceased were an American and a Polish skier, while a 21-year-old Austrian succumbed to injuries after being rushed to the hospital.
The emergency response involved numerous members of mountain rescue teams, ambulance personnel, and firefighters, along with several search dog units, all of whom were deployed to assist in the rescue operation. The situation was dire; many victims were caught while skiing in risky, off-piste areas, emphasizing the dangers associated with such activities during extreme weather conditions.
Earlier on the same day, in the Nauders-Bergkastel resort, a 42-year-old German man and his 16-year-old son found themselves caught in a separate avalanche. The teenager managed to survive, albeit with injuries, and was able to call for help, but unfortunately, his father perished as a result of the incident.
Additionally, in the nearby Vorarlberg region in Klösterle, a 39-year-old Swiss snowboarder was killed in an avalanche while snowboarding off-piste, as stated by local police. These incidents have raised serious concerns regarding avalanche safety, particularly given the current situation where snowfall has been attracting many adventurers to the mountains, including those choosing risky off-piste routes.
Tyrol governor Anton Mattle expressed his sorrow regarding the multiple avalanches resulting in injuries and fatalities. His office reported that nearly three dozen avalanche incidents occurred on Friday alone, contributing to a total of over 200 incidents throughout the week. Alarmingly, 11 individuals have lost their lives in avalanches during this month alone, indicating a worrying trend that demands immediate attention.
The governor's office outlined that no immediate relief from the hazardous conditions is anticipated, stating, "The weather remains turbulent," suggesting that the risk of further avalanches may persist in the coming days. As officials continue to monitor the situation closely, the combination of unpredictable weather patterns and hazardous snow conditions remains a considerable concern for the safety of those in mountainous areas.
