The death toll in the massive avalanche in the Alps at southeast France's Massif des Ecrins has risen to seven, BFMTV quoted Pierre Besnard, governor of the Hautes-Alples, as saying on Tuesday afternoon.

"The death toll rose to 7. The search and rescue is being conducted to make sure there are no other victims," said Pierre Besnard.

Earlier Tuesday afternoon, Besnard announced that five alpinists were killed in the avalanche and two went missing.

The avalanche was triggered around Tuesday noon at Snow Dome Ecrins, a popular peak for amateur alpinists for its ease of access.

Source: XINHUA