After the discovery of two bodies on Wednesday, the death toll from Sunday’s collapse of a large block of the Marmolada Glacier, the highest peak of the Italian Alps is increasing. Maurizio Fugatti (president of Trentino's autonomous province) said that nine victims were confirmed during a press conference.
"The research led to the identification and transport of two bodies to the valley," confirmed Luca Zaia, president of Veneto region. He added that three people are still missing. "We are doing all we can to locate the families of those still wanted." Research continues with drones which have proven their importance," said Maurizio Fugatti.
The new assessment was announced as families claim that authorities left the glacier open despite dangerous climbing conditions. Some testimonies state that hikers and guides warned about the dangers of the glacier in recent weeks, as it was being weakened by global warming, as well as record temperatures in Italy this year, which were 10 degrees Celsius at the Marmolada's top the day before the tragedy. . It became unstable because of the high temperatures and water accumulation under its ice cap.
Trento's public prosecutor has opened an investigation into the cause of the tragedy. It was caused by the loss of a serac, which in turn caused an avalanche ice-rocks that swept away many roped parties who were climbing this glacier. The highest peak in the Dolomites, at more than 3300m.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC), melting of ice or snow is one of the ten most serious threats from global warming. It disrupts ecosystems and threatens certain infrastructures. .
