Avalanche in Italy's Ortler Alps Claims Five Lives, Including Father-Daughter Duo

Breaking News: Avalanche in Italy Claims Five Lives, Including Father and Daughter Five German climbers, including a 17-year-old girl and her father, have lost their lives in an avalanche that struck the Cima Vertana mountain in Italy's Ortler Alps on Saturday. The incident occurred at approximately 16:00 local time when a fast-moving snow hit the mountaineers who were scaling the 3,545-meter (11,630ft) mountain. According to Italy's Alpine rescue service, Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico, a group of three people was fully swept away by the avalanche and all died. Separately, the father and daughter were carried away by the avalanche and their bodies were recovered on Sunday. Two other climbers in a third party survived. The alarm was raised by the survivors, triggering the rescue operation. Rescuers from the Sulden Mountain Rescue Service, led by spokesperson Olaf Reinstadler, were deployed to the scene. Reinstadler attributed the avalanche to possible receding snow, which can be a significant risk factor in high-altitude mountainous regions. The rescue operation was conducted in challenging conditions, with rescuers facing difficulties in accessing the affected area due to the harsh weather. The Ortler Alps, where the avalanche occurred, are a popular destination for mountaineers and skiers. The region's unique geography, with steep slopes and unpredictable weather patterns, makes it prone to avalanches. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks involved in high-altitude climbing and the importance of adhering to safety protocols. As the investigation into the incident continues, the focus will shift to understanding the exact cause of the avalanche and identifying potential measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Italian authorities will also be working closely with the German government to provide support to the families of the victims.