Hundreds evacuated after series of rockfalls in Italy’s Brenta Dolomites

Experts say thawing of permafrost due to climate breakdown is causing increase in rock collapses across Alps

A view of the Dolomiti mountains. File picture: Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images

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.