Rigopiano Hotel Tragedy: Avalanche Disaster Leaves 29 Dead, Dozens Missing

Breaking News: 41-year-old Giampiero Parete Found Alive Five Days After Disaster

Rescue Workers Continue Search for Survivors Amidst Challenges

Rome, Italy - A devastating avalanche struck the Rigopiano Hotel in central Italy on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, killing at least 29 people and leaving dozens more missing. Rescuers have been working tirelessly to locate survivors, but the ongoing search has been hampered by heavy snow and unstable conditions.

According to Italian news agency Sky TG24, a 41-year-old man named Giampiero Parete was found alive on Sunday, January 22, five days after the avalanche. Parete was trapped in the wreckage of the hotel for over 100 hours before being rescued. He is currently in stable condition at a local hospital.

While Parete's rescue provides a glimmer of hope, the search for other survivors continues amidst difficult conditions. Rescue workers are facing challenges due to the unstable structure of the hotel, heavy snowfall, and the risk of further avalanches. The Italian government has deployed additional resources to the area, including specialized equipment and personnel.

The Rigopiano Hotel is located in the Gran Sasso mountains, an area known for its heavy snowfall. The avalanche occurred after several days of intense snowfall, which had raised concerns about the stability of the mountain slopes. The hotel was reportedly housing around 30 guests and staff at the time of the disaster.

Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and pledged the government's support for the rescue efforts. The cause of the avalanche is still under investigation, but experts believe that heavy snowfall and strong winds may have played a role.

The Rigopiano Hotel tragedy has shocked Italy and the international community. Rescue workers continue to search for survivors, but the challenges they face are significant. The discovery of Giampiero Parete provides a glimmer of hope, but the fate of the remaining missing individuals remains unknown.