Austria: Response operations ongoing following avalanche in Otztal Alps in Tyrol State as of April 11

Response operations are ongoing as of April 11 following an avalanche in the Otztal Alps in southwestern Tyrol State. A snow slide around 180 meters (600 feet) in length occurred in the Martin-Busch Hut area near the village of Vent. Around 17 people were in the area at the time, although not all were caught up in the avalanche. Authorities have reported at least three fatalities, and one other person was rescued. Response operations are ongoing in the vicinity of the avalanche and will likely cause localized disruptions to overland transport. Rising temperatures have led to an increased risk of avalanches in the region in recent days, and rescue workers are taking precautions as further slides have occurred in areas close to the incident site.

Lingering disruptions around the impacted area are likely over the coming days and additional avalanches are possible in the area. Access restrictions or evacuations cannot be ruled out due to the threat of avalanches.