A Italian glacier collapse leaves several in pain
A glacial ice shelf collapsed in the northern Italian alps amid higher-than-usual temperatures, resulting in causalities.
Around 7 people were killed and 14 went missing after the glacier collapse and rescue operations have kickstarted.
26 people were caught in an avalanche, as a chunk of ice broke loose on top of the Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites range.
Eight wounded were rushed to hospital while 18 were saved, as per staunch government reports.
The collapse is being viewed as one of the consequences of global warming as regions of Italy have experienced the worst drought in 70 years.
Cambridge University Professor of glaciologyPoul Christoffersen revealed, "High elevation glaciers, such as the Marmolada, are often steep and relying on cold temperatures below zero degrees Celsius to keep them stable. But climate change means more and more meltwater."
“The Marmolada glacier collapse is a natural disaster linked directly to climate change," he added.
Scorching temperatures have swept all across Europe, with many areas in Italy recording all-time records for heat in June with several cities exceeding 40 degrees.
Prime Minister Mario Draghi made a personal visit to the avalanche area on Monday to check on rescue activities.