Four were pulled from the snow overnight, bringing the total number rescued to nine.

Workers say they will continue efforts to free the others, and to find about 20 people still missing, informs BBC.

At least four people died when an avalanche triggered by an earthquake engulfed the Rigopiano hotel, in the Abruzzo region, on Wednesday.

On Friday, five of the survivors - four children and a woman - were pulled from the ruined hotel.

There were cheers as the survivors emerged from a hole in the snow.

They had reportedly taken refuge beneath a collapsed portion of ceiling, where they were able to light a fire to keep warm for two days.

The rescue has been hampered by deep snow blocking an access road.

There are also concerns that further avalanches could follow, Italian newspaper La Stampa reported.

Friends and relatives of the missing have been gathering at the hospital to wait for news.