A large-scale search and rescue mission is currently underway in the Swiss Alps following the disappearance of six skiers. Departing from Zermatt, renowned for the Matterhorn mountain, they embarked on a ski excursion towards Arolla along the Swiss-Italian border on Saturday. Near the 3,706m high Tete Blanche mountain, their whereabouts became unknown.

Local authorities report that all available rescue teams along the route have been notified, yet harsh weather conditions are impeding the operation. The Swiss police have confirmed to the BBC that the missing skiers are all Swiss nationals, ranging in age from 21 to 58 years old.

Persistent high winds and heavy snowfall have been prevalent in the Alps for several days, resulting in Saas-Fee, a neighboring winter resort to Zermatt, being snowbound.

Anjan Truffer, the head of Zermatt's air rescue service, informed the BBC that the current weather conditions are too severe for flying, citing very strong winds, heavy snow, high avalanche risks, and zero visibility.

It is very popular, but suitable only for the most experienced skiers, and can take several days.

The rescue services say there is a good chance the missing skiers can survive, despite temperatures of -16C (3.2F) and winds of up to 80km/h (50mph), if they have managed to dig themselves a snow hole.

The hope now is that the weather will clear, allowing the rescue helicopters to fly.

"We can land up there, that's not the problem, we do that all the time. But we need the flying condition," said Mr Truffer.

I pray the whole victims are eventually rescued in Jesus name AMEN.

God have mercy