Dead found in Italian hotel hit by avalanche after quakes, reports say

A man is seen in the town of Val Vomano, central Italy, following a series of earthquakes and a snow avalanche hitting a hotel in central Italy, January 19, 2017. REUTERS/Emiliano Grillotti

PENNE, Italy (Reuters) - Hopes of finding survivors dwindled on Thursday more than 24 hours after an avalanche struck a luxury mountain hotel in Italy burying up to 30 people under tonnes of snow and debris.

The Civil Protection department said just two bodies had been recovered but its chief said the search for victims and possible survivors would continue through the night.