At least nine people were confirmed killed in Sunday’s avalanche in Marmolada, which at more than 3,300 meters (10,830 feet) is the highest peak in the Dolomites, the Alps mountain range in eastern Italy that stretches across the Trento regions. and Veneto, Reuters reported.
Maurizio Fogatti, head of the Trento region, said searches using drones would continue because three more people, all Italians, would remain unaccounted for.
A police team specializing in DNA analysis has also been set up to assist in the identification process.
Much of Italy was baking in an early summer heatwave and scientists said climate change was making previously stable glaciers more difficult to predict.
Rescue coordinators hope to complete the work of the drones and helicopters by sending a team of experts and search dogs to the bottom of the site on Thursday, when clearer weather is expected.
Parts of the mountain will remain closed to tourists to allow rescue teams to operate and prevent climbers from reaching potentially dangerous areas.
The local Vasa Valley will hold a day of mourning on Saturday to honor the victims, including two tourists from the Czech Republic.
MI