The victims are currently unidentified (Image: @domaineskiable/Reuters)

Four people have been killed and nine others injured in a devastating avalanche in the French Alps.

The avalanche hit the Armancette Glacier southwest of Mont Blanc on Sunday.

People skiing in the interior of the mountains were trapped and two helicopters were sent to assist in a rescue.

The avalanche covered an area of ​​one kilometer by 500 meters (half a mile by 550 meters) at an elevation of 3,500 meters.

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The avalanche hit the Armancette Glacier on Sunday (Image: Twitter @jpclement38/via Reuters)

The overall picture shows the aftermath of an avalanche near the Armancette Glacier in the French Alps, as seen from Mont Joux, France on April 9, 2023 in this social media photo. Twitter @jpclement38 via REUTERS THIS IMAGE IS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALE. NO ARCHIVES.

Two helicopters were sent out to assist in a rescue (Image: Twitter @jpclement38/via Reuters)

Haute-Savoi local authorities spokesman Emmanuel Coquand said officials were in the process of confirming the names of the victims.

He added that they were investigating the causes of the tragedy.

President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute on Twitter, saying his thoughts are with the victims and their families.

He posted at 3 p.m. and said emergency services continued to search for more victims.

The Alps are an excellent holiday destination during the long Easter weekend in France.

The Armancette Glacier is close to the village and ski area of ​​Les Contamines-Montjoie.

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