PARIS: Four people were killed and several others injured in an avalanche that occurred on Sunday near Mont Blanc in southeastern France. The incident took place as a group of hikers was exploring the Glacier d’Armancette in the Haute-Savoie department of France.
The avalanche measured 1,000 meters long by 100 meters wide, and nine people were involved in the incident apart from the four who died.
According to Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, the emergency responders are still at work, and the toll is provisional.
The identities of those involved have not yet been determined, and no avalanche warning was issued for the region by the weather authority, Meteo France.
President Emmanuel Macron took to Twitter to express his condolences and show solidarity with the families of the victims.
He said that the emergency services had been mobilized to find those still trapped in the snow.
Emergency responders have deployed a helicopter and specialist mountain rescue dogs to the scene, and they are still combing the area, although the prefecture warned that another avalanche cannot be ruled out.
Deadly avalanches in Glacier d’Armancette
The Glacier d’Armancette is a popular tourist destination, but it has been the site of several deadly avalanches in the past.
In 2014, two brothers died in an avalanche on the same glacier. They were both experienced climbers in their 20s.
The incident has sparked a nationwide debate on the need for more effective measures to ensure the safety of hikers and tourists visiting the French Alps. The authorities have been asked to take appropriate measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
The families of the victims are still reeling from the shock of the tragedy and have called for prayers and support during this difficult time.
