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Good weather blamed for mountain deaths

The return of good weather has led to a sharp increase in the number of fatalities in Switzerland's mountains. Three deaths were reported on Wednesday, bringing the total number in August to 17.

More people have died in the mountains so far this month than in June and July combined.

Rescue workers say the combination of good weather and large quantities of snow in the mountains is to blame.

Climbers tempted by the return of summery conditions are heading for Alpine summits where last month’s snow has still not melted away. According to rescue workers, climbers are at risk of slipping in the wet snow, or triggering rockslides.

The latest victim was a 29-year-old Spanish climber, who slipped and fell while ascending one of Switzerland’s most famous mountains, the Matterhorn.

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SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR