UPDATE 2 - 'Many dead' after Italian hotel hit by avalanche

ADDS RESCUE SPOKESPERSON'S STATEMENTS AND FURTHER DETAILS

By Baris Seckin

ROME (AA) – Many people are feared dead after an avalanche hit a hotel in Italy's Gran Sasso mountain in the country’s central Abruzzo region on Thursday.

Local media quoted rescue team leaders saying they feared many casualties.

Fabrizio Curcio, Italy's director general of civil protection, said there were up to 30 people in the Rigopiano hotel at the time of the avalanche.

"We know that there were 20 guests and 10 employees at the hotel," Curcio said. "Our teams are continuing their efforts despite the tough conditions."

Curcio also said two people who had informed the authorities about the avalanche had been rescued.

The avalanche is thought to have been caused by an earthquake which shook the mountainous region on Wednesday.

Walter Milan, a spokesperson for the rescue mission, told Anadolu Agency: "We are there and we are working to reach those who are trapped. The situation is very complex."

"We are excavating by hand," Milan added. "We cannot give a death toll right now. But we are sure that there are bodies under the avalanche."

Milan said machines were not being used in the search in order to avoid injuring possible survivors trapped under the snow.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni arrived at the city of Rieti to attend meetings of a crisis management team.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Thursday afternoon extending the country’s condolences to the families of the victims.

"It is with deep sadness that we learned of the earthquake and the avalanche disaster in Italy. We share the grief of the people of Italy, our friend and ally, and want them to know that we stand in solidarity with them," the statement read.

"Turkey stands by Italy’s side in these difficult times and is ready to assist in every possible way if needed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," it added.

Like Italy, much of Turkey is situated in an active earthquake zone. The 1999 Marmara earthquake in northwestern Anatolia took 17,000 lives.