Rescue workers face perilous conditions in investigation and recovery operation

Rescue workers investigating and recovering debris and the remains of the 150 people on board at the site of the crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 are facing high winds aside from the treacherous terrain of the area.

Workers, who have been tied in two person teams are being hoisted down from helicopters on to the steep, icy slopes, where debris lies scattered across the vast area,

One of the workers is there to carry out the grim task of investigation and recovery whereas the other worker is charged with ensuring both their safety as they're knocked about by extreme weatherconditions.

CNN reports that Yves Naffrechoux, captain of rescue operations, has said that none of the bodies have been found whole and that winds have picked up, making it difficult for helicopters to carry the workers to the site.

“Authorities have sent 45 Alpine policemen to help forensics officers recover the bodies safely,” Naffrechoux said.

Seyne-les-Alpes, a usually calm Alpine village, has been transformed into a hub for the recovery operation since Tuesday’s tragic accident.

German, French and Spanish leaders have visited the site and the families of the victims have laid flowers and prayed at a nearby memorial, while rescue workers continue their hazardous mission.

Colonel Patrick Touron of the gendarme service said that French police working to recover remains from the Germanwings crash site have recovered between 400 and 600 pieces of remains from the victims of the incident so far.

Touron also said DNA samples had been taken from objects provided by the victims' families, such as toothbrushes, to help identify the victims. Touron added that jewellery and other objects could help in the identification process.