TYROL, Austria: Eight people have died in avalanches in the Austrian state of Tyrol, police officials announced.
More than 50 avalanches have been reported in the Tyrol region during the 48 hours following days of heavy snowfall.
The fatal avalanche struck near the Austrian-Swiss border in the town of Spiss, according to officials.
The identities and nationalities of the victims have not yet been released.
Four of the avalanches took place in Solden and Zillertal, resulting in people being injured.
The avalanche in Soelden saw five people being buried, though all were rescued.
Austrian and Swiss emergency crews continue looking for victims.
Three skiers were killed in Austria in December due to avalanches.
