Germany and Austria call State of Emergency as Troops save Residents from NECK-DEEP snow after 21 Deaths in Worst winter for more than 30 years

A state of emergency has been declared across parts of Europe and tanks are being used to rescue homeowners from neck-deep snow in Germany and Austria following the deaths of at least 21 people, amid a devastating once in a generation winter whiteout.

 In Switzerland, a 1,000ft-wide avalanche ploughed through the front of a hotel while diners were eating.

 They all survived but there have been 21 deaths on the European mainland after the worst snowfalls in living memory. A brief break in the weather is allowing workers in southern Germany to try and clear heavy loads of snow from roofs and roads.

 Heavy snow has paralyzed parts of Europe in recent days, cutting off mountain villages, disrupting transport.

 

 

 

Emergency workers attempt to free a bus trapped in the snow at the Hotel Saentis in Schwaegalp

 

SOURCE:dailymail