An avalanche tragically struck the slopes above Zermatt, Switzerland, claiming the lives of three individuals and leaving one seriously injured. The incident occurred yesterday amidst the Easter Monday holiday around 2 pm in the Riffelberg area nestled within the heart of the ski resort.
Among the victims was a 15 year old American girl whose identity was promptly disclosed. However the names of the other two deceased individuals a man and a woman are yet to be released. The injured party a 20 year old Swiss national, was also caught in the avalanche’s path.
Eyewitnesses captured the avalanche’s harrowing descent from nearby terraces, showcasing its powerful sweep down a steep slope, which lay between the designated ski runs. The rescue operation was extensive, mobilizing 45 personnel, search dogs, and four helicopters from Air Zermatt, tirelessly scouring the area until nightfall.
The tragedy unfolded amidst a backdrop of recent adverse weather conditions, characterized by strong winds and heavy snowfall across southern and central Europe. While yesterday presented sunny skies and reduced winds, ideal for skiing, the conditions remained perilous due to unstable snow layers formed by the preceding weather.
Today, the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) assesses the avalanche risk at level 3 out of 5 in the Swiss Alps, indicating a moderate risk. Contrastingly, yesterday’s risk level stood at 4, signaling heightened danger. According to reports from The Guardian citing the SLF, this season alone has witnessed 12 avalanches resulting in 14 fatalities in Switzerland, underscoring the persistent threat posed by such natural disasters.
Source: ExplorersWeb
