The Austrian Times reports that hail in Salzburg has wiped out almost 90 per cent of the area's wildlife. Hunters found thousands of dead deer, rabbits and birds. Farmers are believed to have suffered more than Euro66.5 million (about HK$770 million) in damages to crops and buildings.

Meteorologists said Austria and Germany had seen some very early snowfall, and temperatures which rose to 30 degrees Celsius last week plunged this week to minus 5. Snow closed mountain roads and ski resorts, which usually only open next month, had enough snow to open early.