Two climbers killed, seven missing in avalanche in southwestern Iran

Two climbers have been killed and seven others are missing following an avalanche in Oshtorankouh mountain in the Iranian southwestern province of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.

They were part of a 14-member climbing team from the northwestern city of Mashhad and a local guide who had set off for the peak on Wednesday.

The climbers were trying to reach a shelter on their way back on Thursday when the avalanche struck. Six of the hikers were found alive.

Rescue operations have been temporarily stopped due to darkness and the possibility of more avalanches in the area.

Tasnim news agency cited Reza Ariayi, the head of a crisis management committee in the western province of Lorestan, as saying that the missing have "most probably" died due to the freezing temperatures.

Oshtorankooh is one of the highest ranges in Zagros mountains and it is known as the Iranian Alps because of its numerous high peaks which are always snow-capped throughout the year.

The highest peak of the mountain is San Baran at over 4,000 meters above sea level.

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