The bodies of two hikers were found in the Italian Alps near Switzerland after being hit by an avalanche.
The force of the avalanche, which occurred around 12 noon on Sunday, pushed one victim into a lake near the bottom of the slope, while the other's body was found buried in the snow. Italy Alpine Rescue Service said.
Authorities said a search was launched after rangers at a nearby dam reported seeing the avalanche hit the hikers.
An initial search on foot failed to find the hikers, prompting the use of a helicopter.
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Despite the strong winds, a helicopter was able to land a rescue team with the help of a dog unit.
The identities of the victims, who the rescue team said were wearing snowshoes, were not revealed.
The rescue service said the avalanche occurred at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) in the Formazza Valley in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy.
