A series of avalanches in the Italian Alps killed two people and injured several others on Friday, with strong winds hampering rescue operations, rescuers said.
A first avalanche hit the Maira Valley, in the southwest of the Alps, close to the border with France, in the Italian region of Piedmont, killing one person and injuring two others, Alpine Rescue said. One of them is in critical condition.
Rescue teams left on foot from lower altitudes after strong winds prevented helicopter crews from reaching the scene, the organization said in a statement.
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A second avalanche occurred near Pragelato, a popular ski destination about 60 km west of Turin.
A woman trapped in the avalanche managed to free herself but was unable to move due to her injuries. Rescuers were working to free her, with helicopters again limited by adverse weather conditions.
Authorities said they were monitoring reports of a third avalanche in Piedmont, but details were not immediately available.
Separately, in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, an avalanche on the slope of Vajo Gabene in the Lesser Dolomites killed a 50-year-old ski climber, Italian news agency Ansa reported.
Rescue teams reached him by helicopter, but were unable to save him.
A combination of heavy snowfall and strong winds has increased avalanche risks in the Alps in recent days, prompting warnings for skiers and hikers.
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Local authorities have urged caution and advised against off-piste excursions as conditions remain unstable.
