At least nine people have already been confirmed dead in Sunday’s avalanche on Marmolada, which at more than 3,300 meters (10,830 feet) is the highest peak in the Dolomites, a range in the eastern Italian Alps that crosses the Trento and Veneto regions .
Maurizio Fugatti, president of the Trento region, said the drone search would continue as three more people, all Italians, remained unaccounted for.
A police team specializing in DNA analysis has also been brought in to help with the identification process. Much of Italy was baking in an early summer heatwave, and scientists said climate change was making previously stable glaciers more unpredictable.
Rescue coordinators hope to supplement the work of drones and helicopters by sending a team of experts and search dogs to the lower part of the site on Thursday, when the weather is expected to be clearer.
Parts of the mountain will remain closed to hikers to allow rescue teams to work and prevent climbers from reaching potentially dangerous areas.
The local Fasa Valley will hold a day of mourning on Saturday to honor the victims, who include two tourists from the Czech Republic.
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