At least eight people have died in avalanches in the Austrian Alps, and authorities are warning about dangerous conditions following recent snowfall.

On Saturday, at least eight people were killed following avalanches in the Austrian Alps, according to authorities and mountain rescue services. Conditions remain dangerous due to recent snowfall, and over 200 rescuers and several helicopters have been deployed for intervention. The avalanches occurred in the Grossarl Valley in the Salzburg region, in Bad Hofgastein, and in Pusterwald in the Styria region.

Among the victims, four skiers died when an avalanche struck a group of seven skiers who were skiing off-piste on the Finsterkopf peak, at an altitude of 2,150 meters. Another victim was a woman killed in an avalanche in the Bad Hofgastein area. Additionally, three Czech tourists died after being buried by an avalanche in Pusterwald.

Emergency services managed to locate and partially dig out the victims, but unfortunately, they were found deceased. Their four companions, who were not caught in the avalanche, were evacuated and received medical care. Authorities have warned that the fresh snow is poorly bonded to the older snow on the peaks, which causes repeated avalanches, and the situation is considered "precarious."