Iran avalanches kill 8 near mountain resort

Two avalanches have killed at last eight mountain climbers near a ski resort in northern Iran.

Two avalanches have killed at last eight mountain climbers near a ski resort in northern Iran.

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State radio says the avalanches hit yesterday near the mountain resort of Disin, some 72 kilometres north of the capital, Tehran, burying scores of people under the snow.

There has been heavy snowfall in the area since Wednesday.

State TV says four other mountain climbers were still missing. It says rescue workers found the bodies of the eight victims after an hours-long rescue operation that saved dozens.

The report, which was broadcast Friday, said four people were reported hurt and were treated at a nearby hospital. The rest were provided shelter in a nearby hotel. Four foreign nationals were among the rescued.