At Least 6 Dead from Glacier Collapse in Italian Alps... Heatwave Suspected as Possible Cause

[Photo by AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] As Europe suffers from a heatwave, a glacier in the Alps, famous for its breathtaking scenery in Italy, collapsed, resulting in at least six deaths. The local public broadcaster pointed out that the recent abnormal high temperatures could be the cause of the glacier collapse.

According to the British daily The Guardian on the 3rd (local time), a glacier collapsed on a hiking trail leading to Marmolada, the highest peak of the Dolomites in Italy, burying hikers.

Authorities reported at least six dead and eight injured, with two of the injured in serious condition. Eighteen people were evacuated by rescue teams, and five helicopters and search dogs are being deployed for local search operations.

Marmolada, located in the Trentino-Alto Adige autonomous region bordering Austria, is the highest peak of the Dolomites at 3,343 meters, where perennial snow can be seen around the summit even in midsummer.

The Guardian reported that the cause of the glacier collapse was not immediately known, but the Italian public broadcaster RAI reported that the heatwave could be the cause.

In Italy, the heatwave has been intense since the end of June, with recent maximum temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius.