Officials in Turkey have confirmed that 33 people have been killed by an avalanche during a rescue mission.
According to reports in Turkey, the 33 people were killed whilst carrying out a rescue mission in Bahcesehir in Van province, eastern Turkey.
It is understood the rescue crew were searching for two people after an avalanche struck on Tuesday.
Authorities say the first avalanche resulted in the deaths of five other people which now brings the death toll to 38.
It is reported that dozens more are still trapped under the snow as hundreds were searching in the region at the time of the second avalanche.