The situation at Gran Sasso mountain in Italy is critical after an avalanche smashed into a hotel claiming the lives of 2, with up to 30 more missing (based its estimate on guest registration and staff numbers) according to CNN.

To worsen matters, road conditions accessing the area are slow moving with due to recent snow (over 3 feet of snow in recent days) and persistent avalanche conditions, delaying the brigades of rescuers trapped on the access road. The first rescuers on scene travelled by ski, followed by several crews flown in by helicopter.

The impact from the avalanche on the hotel was severe as evidenced by nearby uprooted trees and a debris field scattered as far as 100 meters from where the hotel stands, making it a large search area.

We are keeping the folks buried in our prayers and hope road conditions improve and reinforcements arrive soon. We will continue to update the situation as information comes in. Pray for Italy.

screen-shot-2017-01-19-at-11-43-20-am

 

[images from CNN]

Unofficial Networks Newsletter

Get the latest snow and mountain lifestyle news and entertainment delivered to your inbox.

Hidden
Newsletters
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.