Italy avalanche death toll rises to 24

ROME (AA) - The death toll from last week's avalanche disaster which hit a mountain resort in central Italy has climbed up to 24, local media reported Wednesday.

Firefighters located the bodies of six more victims, ANSA news agency said, adding five people still remained missing under the Rigopiano Hotel on the Gran Sasso mountain range in central Abruzzo region.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni praised the efforts of Italy's emergency and rescue services on Wednesday, adding "every effort" had been made to save lives after the disaster, ANSA said.

"We are proud of our rescuers, they are exemplary Italian citizens," Gentiloni was quoted as saying as he updated the Senate on the situation.

He also said the government would approve an emergency decree next week.

A total of 11 people have survived last Wednesday's avalanche, which is thought to have been caused by an earthquake that shook the mountainous region last Tuesday.