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Haute-Savoie: Hiker swept away by a mudslide found dead

Haute-Savoie: Hiker swept away by a mudslide found dead
Haute-Savoie: Hiker swept away by a mudslide found dead

The body of the hiker who went missing on Tuesday in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval was found on Wednesday, August 5. The 56-year-old vacationer, originally from the Oise region, had been swept away by a mudslide after a violent storm that surprised residents of this town in Haute-Savoie. Rescue teams launched a search on Tuesday, but the sudden rise in water levels hampered operations.

A sudden, violent storm

A sudden and intense localized storm caused a flash flood on Tuesday in the river that runs through the natural amphitheater of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Residents had no time to react. The torrent of water and mud swept over the area, carrying away the hiker who was nearby. The difficult weather conditions delayed the discovery of her body, which was finally located the following day.

Severe weather struck this popular tourist area, renowned for its alpine scenery, with unusual violence. The victim was staying in the area at the time of the tragedy. Local authorities regularly remind the public of the risks associated with mountain storms, but this type of event remains unpredictable and can occur in a matter of minutes.

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