The scene following a deadly ice avalanche in the Italian Alps

July 3

An avalanche set off by the collapse of the largest glacier on Marmolada mountain in Canazei, the highest in the Dolomites, in the Italian Alps killed at least six people and injured at least eight others.

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July 3

Among those missing after the avalanche were 11 Italians, four Czech nationals, three Romanians, and one French national, local news agency ANSA said Monday.

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July 3

A UNESCO World Heritage sign near Marmolada mountain and glacier, where a serac, or pinnacle of ice, collapsed.

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July 3

A rescue team helps with drones at night by illuminating the site where the ice collapsed.

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July 3

The slide occurred during an early heat wave that saw temperatures rise to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit on Marmolada in recent days. The rescue corps said the heat was “abnormal,” the Guardian newspaper reported.

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July 4

Experts have long warned that avalanches are becoming more common as global temperatures rise, saying the warming can destabilize mountain climates and speed the melting of glaciers.

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July 4

Poor conditions in the Dolomites forced rescuers to halt the search operation.

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July 4

People look at Marmolada mountain from Canazei after the avalanche.

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July 4

The glacier collapse happened near Punta Rocca, a route climbers use to reach the top, said Veneto's regional president, Luca Zaia.

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July 4

A rescue helicopter flies over the collapsed glacier.

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July 4

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, center, visits the base of rescue operations.

Filippo Attili

July 4

Marmolada, which rises to about 11,000 feet, is the highest peak in the eastern Dolomites. The mountain is referred to as the “queen of the Dolomites,” an area popular with nature and adventure enthusiasts.

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July 4

The Veneto region's President Luca Zaia speaks to the news media in Canazei as rescuers resume the search for survivors.

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July 4

A rescue team gathers near the foot of Marmolada mountain.

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July 4

Helicopter rescuers take part in search operations.

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July 4

A report by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change this year outlined the devastating impact of climate change, including irreversible loss of glaciers by the end of this century. “Mountain regions have always been affected by either too much or too little water,” the report said. “Because of climate change, hazards are changing rapidly and becoming even more unpredictable.”

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