Four mountaineers killed in avalanche in central Greece

Athens [Greece], December 28: Four climbers have died after being caught in an avalanche in central Greece, rescue services said on Saturday.
The accident occurred in the Vardousia Mountains in the Fokida region, the daily newspaper Kathimerini reported, citing rescue officials.
Three men were initially reported missing on Thursday evening after setting out from the village of Athanasios Diakos to climb Mount Korakas, with an elevation of about 2,500 metres.
When contact by phone was lost, friends and relatives alerted the authorities.
On Friday, rescuers discovered the bodies of the three men as well as that of a woman in her mid-30s, who was not initially reported missing and is believed to have been the partner of one of the victims, Kathimerini reported.
All four were found close together, suggesting they were taken by surprise by the avalanche and had no opportunity to escape.
Rescuers said two of the men were experienced mountaineers, initially raising hopes that the group might have found shelter.
The recovery operation to transport the four bodies down from the mountain was expected to take place on Saturday.
Source:Qatar Tribune