Footage of local residents, who live in villages near where a devastating avalanche struck a mountain hotel in Abruzzo, Italy last week, being evacuated by the Italian military.

The video, filmed yesterday, shows the stranded people being helped down mountains before being evacuated by helicopter.

Six people reportedly died when the Rigopiano Hotel was hit by the avalanche five days ago, with more than 20 still missing.

Rescuers have managed to find some people alive, including children, and have not given up hope that others may have survived in air pockets in the buried ruins.

According to reports, three puppies were also pulled from the building by rescuers who have tunnelled into the hotel.