Four Hikers Found Dead After Avalanche in Central Greece
A tragic incident has unfolded in the Vardousia Mountains, where four hikers were discovered deceased after being buried by an avalanche. This incident occurred on Christmas Day, and the search efforts continued until the bodies were found, highlighting the dangers associated with mountain hiking under unpredictable weather conditions.
Recovery Efforts Underway
– Location: The bodies of three men and one woman were located on Friday evening on a steep, inaccessible slope near the summit of Korakas peak at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) in the mountainous region of Fokida.
– Discovery: The hikers were reported missing when a friend raised the alarm after they failed to return as expected. Search operations were impeded by difficult weather conditions including low temperatures and poor visibility.
The Incident Unfolds
– Weather Conditions: Initially, the hikers began their ascent under favorable weather. However, conditions rapidly deteriorated as they climbed, complicating their journey and ultimately contributing to the avalanche.
– Rescue Challenges: Vasilis Vathrakogiannis, spokesperson for the Hellenic Fire Service, noted that the harsh weather made it challenging for both drones and helicopters to carry out effective searches.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
– Complex Operations: The recovery process was deemed extremely challenging due to the location’s remoteness. One body was successfully airlifted, while efforts continue to transport the remaining three to a nearby plateau using a winch.
– Ground Team: Haris Asariotakis, head of the Hellenic Rescue Team, indicated that if helicopter access remains unattainable, the team would continue on foot, alongside firefighters and mountain guides.
This unfortunate incident serves as a stern reminder of the inherent risks posed by hiking in mountainous regions, particularly during adverse weather conditions. As recovery efforts progress, our thoughts remain with the families and friends affected by this tragedy.
Additional reporting has highlighted similar incidents, including an avalanche in Italy that claimed five lives, underscoring the dangers climbers face in unpredictable environments.