- Thirty-three fatalities in the Bavarian Alps.
In the beautiful Bavarian Alps, 33 lives have been tragically claimed this year, and unfortunately, the main hiking season hasn't even kicked off yet, as pointed out by Bavaria's Interior and Sports Minister Jürgen Schmidtbauer (CSU) during an emergency drill at the Berggasthof Hocheck close to Oberaudorf.
During the corresponding period last year, 21 souls departed from the Bavarian Alps. During the entire year of 2023, the toll reached 41.
The danger zone in skiing and mountaineering this year appears to be around the Zugspitze, where six people have already met their end.
Persisting snow until the summer season
As per Minister Schmidtbauer, climate change is amplifying the perils in the mountains. "The melting of permafrost can cause more frequent rock slides, potentially damaging or even making paths impassable," he explained. "Furthermore, the unusually high altitude precipitation last winter has resulted in snow persisting well into the summer season, increasing the likelihood of accidents." Minister Schmidtbauer advised mountain enthusiasts: "Thoroughly plan your mountain expedition, steer clear of unnecessary risks, and show respect towards your fellow climbers."
As per the head of the Alpine Safety Committee, Klaus Stöttner, physical fitness plays a significant role in mountain safety. "Heart and circulatory diseases are the primary cause of accidents in the Bavarian and Austrian Alps, as shown by accident statistics," he stated.
The Commission has expressed concern over the increasing number of accidents in the Bavarian Alps, with 41 lives lost this year. Following Minister Schmidtbauer's observations, the Commission is also investigating the role of climate change in amplifying mountain perils.
