Saint-Julien-Mont-Denis: Two men who were on their way to assist with rescue efforts in northern Italy were tragically found dead on Friday, following a severe spring storm that brought heavy rainfall and over a meter of snow to various parts of the Alps. The storm caused chaos, shutting down ski resorts, disrupting transportation, and claiming the lives of at least three individuals.
The unprecedented amount of snowfall in just a few hours caught both authorities and residents off guard, leading to widespread devastation across France, Italy, and Switzerland. In Italy, a 64-year-old man and his 33-year-old son lost their lives near Vicenza in the Venetian region while en route to help with rescue operations. The duo’s car was swept away by the powerful currents triggered by the torrential downpour, described by the regional head Luca Zaia as an “unimaginable tragedy.”
Additionally, a 92-year-old man was discovered dead in his flooded home in the northern Piedmont region, further highlighting the destructive impact of the storm. The relentless rainfall in northern Italy transformed into heavy snowfall above 1,800 meters, creating hazardous conditions for residents and emergency responders alike.
In France, a woman suffered a heart attack after being buried under an avalanche in the resort of Val Thorens, while the town of Tignes faced a staggering 1.1 meters of overnight snowfall. Authorities issued warnings for residents to remain indoors, as avalanche risks reached critical levels and ski areas were forced to close.
The Swiss town of Sion also faced significant challenges, with 36,000 people instructed to stay home due to hazardous conditions. The sheer volume of snowfall in such a short period raised concerns about potential flooding as the snow began to melt under the spring sun.
Road closures, fallen trees, and avalanche threats disrupted transportation networks in all three countries, with heavy trucks prohibited from using the main Mont Blanc tunnel. Train services were also impacted, leaving thousands of households without power in France and Italy.
The extraordinary nature of the storm left residents and officials stunned, with many describing the situation as unprecedented in their decades-long experience. As communities grappled with the aftermath of the storm, the need for swift and coordinated response efforts became increasingly apparent.
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