VIENNA- Austrian authorities deployed military helicopters to evacuate hikers from mountain huts in the Tyrol region following mudslides triggered by heavy storms, state officials reported on Tuesday.
Approximately 50 people were airlifted to safety.
Authorities had initially announced plans to evacuate around 100 people, but the number was revised downward after it became possible to descend on foot from one of the huts in the affected area.
A descent from three other huts near Gschnitz, a village with about 400 residents, had previously been deemed unsafe, prompting helicopter evacuations.
According to the Austrian Press Association, several residents of Gschnitz were flown out on Monday evening.
Mayor Andreas Pranger confirmed that there were no injuries and said cleanup efforts were underway to remove mud from several houses.
Other areas affected by mudslides include Neustift in the Stubai Valley and the Landeck district, according to Tyrol state authorities.(dpa/NAN)
