Italy

Italian Alps Glacier Collapse: 6 Killed, 15 Missing

JUL 4 2022·Updated DEC 28 2022

Story

Image credit: news

The Facts

At least six people are dead and 15 are missing after a glacier collapsed in the Dolomite mountain range of the Italian Alps.
guardian
The glacier broke loose on Sun. afternoon releasing a torrent of ice, snow, and rocks onto hikers on a popular trail. The glacier is the largest in the Marmolada range and while it's a popular ski destination, it has experienced rapid melting in recent years.
CBS News
Rescue operations are ongoing and the death toll is expected to rise. The National Alpine and Cave Rescue Corps said that at least five helicopters and rescue dogs are being used in the search and rescue operations.
Al Jazeera
It's unknown how many people were in the area at the time of the collapse. Rescuers are matching the license plates to determine who is safe, and who is missing.
Independent
It's unclear what caused the collapse. The soaring temperatures in Italy throughout June could have played a role. In recent days temps have reached an abnormal 50°F [10°C] in the mountainous region.
Time
18 people who were above the collapse area were evacuated by the Alpine Rescue Corps. Others reportedly may have escaped via cable car.
Time

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

This glacier collapse is directly linked to climate change. This will, unfortunately, become a regular event in the years to come across similar mountain ranges. These high peaks with steep slopes require snow and ice to remain stable and with global temps increasing these hiker hotspots are vulnerable to tragedies like this.

guardian

Narrative B

It's easy to dismiss any extreme weather event as a consequence of climate change, but in reality, they're usually influenced by a myriad of factors that have nothing to do with it. More research is needed before we can establish any direct causal link between the two.

Financial Times