It is now confirmed that at least nine people were killed in Sunday’s avalanche on the Marmolada, which at over 3,300 meters (10,830ft) is the highest peak in the Dolomites, a chain of the Italian Alps eastern straddling the regions of Trento. and Veneto.
Maurizio Fugatti, president of the Trento region, said the search using drones would continue because three other people, all Italian, are still missing.
A police team specializing in DNA analysis has also been mobilized to help with the identification process. Much of Italy baked in an early summer heatwave and scientists said climate change was making previously stable glaciers more unpredictable.
Rescue coordinators hope to complete the work of the drones and helicopters by sending a team of experts and search dogs to the lower part of the site on Thursday, when the weather looks clearer.
Parts of the mountain will remain closed to tourists to allow rescue teams to operate and prevent climbers from accessing potentially dangerous areas.
The local Fassa Valley will hold a day of mourning on Saturday to honor the victims, including two tourists from the Czech Republic.
