Huge debris flow in Sexten Dolomites: Two slightly injured

A significant debris flow swept through the Sexten Dolomites on Tuesday, prompting a large-scale emergency response. The initial moments were marked by intense concern, as numerous hikers were present in the area, raising fears that individuals might have been buried.

The debris flow left behind a cone of rubble, earth, and mud up to 15 meters high, covering parts of the terrain. Emergency services, including mountain rescue, firefighters, the White Cross, and air ambulance helicopters, launched an extensive search operation. Search dogs were also deployed to comb the area.

Several people were precautionary airlifted from the site. The search for potential victims lasted over three hours. The relief was palpable when, shortly after 5 p.m., authorities announced that no one had been buried by the mudslide.

Ultimately, two individuals suffered minor injuries, and all other hikers escaped the event unharmed, though shaken. Concurrently, a smaller debris flow occurred in the Fischlein Valley, also without causing serious injuries or fatalities. Authorities attributed both events to severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall that passed over the Sexten Dolomites earlier that day.