75 evacuated after avalanche in Italy

Around 75 people are being evacuated after an avalanche near a hotel in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy.

Around 75 tourists and residents are being evacuated after an avalanche near a hotel in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy, the news agency ANSA reports.

ANSA reported the landslide hit near the Langtauferer Hof hotel in the high Venosta Valley overnight, also coming close to a farm where children are taught about agriculture.

According to ANSA, the tourists and residents were being evacuated by helicopter.

There was no immediate word on damage.

Heavy snow in northern Italy has created dangerous conditions and higher alerts for avalanches.

Meanwhile landslides and heavy snowfall across the Alps have prompted the closure of several rail and road links, including a highway leading to Switzerland's Gotthard tunnel.

Swiss public broadcaster SRF reported the A2 highway near Gurtnellen was hit by an avalanche and will remain closed in both directions until at least midday on Tuesday.

The Swiss ski resorts of Zermatt, Andermatt and Saas-Fee are cut off from the outside world due to the risk of avalanches.

Heavy snowfall has also hampered the arrival of participants at the annual World Economic Forum in the Swiss town of Davos.


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Source: AAP


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