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Rescuers race to find survivors of Italian avalanche

Rescuers face a race against time to find survivors after an avalanche engulfed an Italian ski hotel.

As least two people were killed and dozens were buried under rubble and snow. The avalanche struck on Wednesday after multiple earthquakes in the region.

Rescue teams searched through the night for survivors, with at least 25 people believed to be missing.

Two bodies were recovered from the ruins of the Rigopiano hotel in the central Abruzzo region, where rescuers battled the elements to reach the site.

Searchers said they had not given up hope of discovering more survivors, despite finding no signs of life, the BBC reported.

The rescue attempt came as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued an alert for British skiers in Italian resorts following the series of earthquake felt in the regions of Lazio, Abruzzo and Marche.

“If you’re visiting a ski resort you should take advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel and familiarise yourself with local skiing laws and regulations,” the FCO said in an updated travel advisory.

Travellers should also check the European Avalanche Warning Service website for more information about the avalanche risk.

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