France avalanche: Four die in southern Alps Published duration 2 March 2018

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At least four people have been killed in an avalanche in south-east France, police say.

The avalanche hit near the ski resort of Entraunes, in the French Alps near the border with Italy, at around 13:00 local time (12:00 GMT).

One person is thought to be missing and another is injured.

The avalanche struck in an area where people were skiing off-piste near the Mercantour national park, local media report.

A mountain rescue was underway on Friday afternoon, local officials said.

media caption Could causing an avalanche save lives?

There have been a number of deadly avalanches in the French Alps this winter, with 16 deaths recorded since the ski season began in November.

How dangerous is off-piste skiing?

Off-piste refers to any area not marked out and maintained for use by skiers

These slopes are not groomed by snow ploughs, so rocks, precipices and cliffs may be hard to spot, especially in poor visibility

Avalanches are a major risk as marked pistes are usually protected by controlled explosions and the use of snow ploughs

But ski resorts do not have the same responsibilities for off-piste areas

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