Experts say thawing of permafrost due to climate breakdown is causing increase in rock collapses across Alps
Hundreds of hikers and tourists were evacuated and dozens of trails closed after a series of rockfalls on the slopes of Cima Falkner in the Brenta Dolomites in the north of Italy, as experts warned of a sharp rise in landslides in the area linked to thawing permafrost.
In recent days, visitors reported hearing loud booms followed by rockfalls and thick clouds of dust rising from Monte Pelmo in the Val di Zoldo after rocky pinnacles broke away and crashed down into the valley below in the municipality of Selva di Cadore in Italy’s Belluno province.
Another collapse was recorded on Cima Falkner, where experts say the entire area is undergoing a process of erosion linked to rising temperatures and the wider climate emergency. No one was injured and the falling debris came to a stop higher up the mountain.
“Multiple rockfalls have occurred on both the western and eastern slopes of Cima Falkner in the Brenta Group,” read a statement by authorities in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige. “As a result, all climbing routes and hiking trails directly affected by the area have been immediately closed.
