Four hikers who went missing on Christmas Day have been found dead after being buried by an avalanche in the Vardousia Mountains in central Greece. The bodies of three men and a woman were located on Friday evening after a large-scale search in the mountainous region of Fokida, according to the Greek state broadcaster ERT. Fire authorities discovered the bodies partially covered by snow on a steep and inaccessible slope near the summit of Korakas peak, at an altitude of about 2,000m (6,561ft). The group was reportedly swept away by the avalanche.
Authorities noted that the hikers started their ascent in favorable weather, but conditions quickly worsened as they climbed. Vasilis Vathrakogiannis, a spokesperson for the Hellenic Fire Service, revealed that the alarm was raised by a friend after the group failed to return at the expected time. He mentioned extreme weather conditions, including low temperatures and poor visibility, hampered rescue efforts involving drones and helicopters. Recovery operations are ongoing, with one body successfully airlifted, while efforts to retrieve the others continue amidst the challenging terrain.
Authorities noted that the hikers started their ascent in favorable weather, but conditions quickly worsened as they climbed. Vasilis Vathrakogiannis, a spokesperson for the Hellenic Fire Service, revealed that the alarm was raised by a friend after the group failed to return at the expected time. He mentioned extreme weather conditions, including low temperatures and poor visibility, hampered rescue efforts involving drones and helicopters. Recovery operations are ongoing, with one body successfully airlifted, while efforts to retrieve the others continue amidst the challenging terrain.
