The seismic energy released was comparable to an earthquake of 0.6 M.[1] Prior to the collapse the area had seen an early heat wave, with the summit of the Marmolada recording abnormally high temperatures of around 10 °C (50 °F).

[6] The seismic energy released was comparable to an earthquake of 0.6 M.[1] The ice and rock masses fell several hundred metres down the northern slope onto the hiking trail passing below to the summit and on to just before the Fedaia reservoir about 1.5 kilometres away.

[25][26][27][28] Veneto regional governor Luca Zaia, reported that the Alpine rescue unit shared an emergency number for people to call if their loved ones had not returned from excursions on the mountain.

[2] The day after the accident, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi visited the town of Canazei, where the rescue forces' operations centre was located.

President Sergio Mattarella and other senior politicians expressed their condolences, and Pope Francis responded with a call to "find new ways conscious of humanity and nature" in the face of climate change.