Agencies
Srinagar, January 19:
At least five bodies have been recovered so far from Jammu and Kashmir after a snow avalanche hit the Khardung La mountain pass in Ladakh region on Friday. Reports inform that ten persons are feared dead after the avalanche buried the two trucks under 20 feet of snow while they were travelling in at Khardung La pass. In the wake of the tragic incident, the state government has announced a relief of Rs. 5 lakhs to the families of the five deceased.
According to details by Police, the chances of survival of the remaining 5 men are bleak but efforts are underway to find them. Reports inform that as soon as the Army detachment at Khardungla Top was alerted about the incident, all resources of the Fire and Fury Corps were activated. Avalanche Warning in Jammu & Kashmir.
Soon after the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik expressed grief over the loss of lives due to an avalanche in Ladakh region. Malik prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families in their hour of grief. Kashmir to Receive Heavy Snowfall for 5 Days Starting January 19, MeT Department Issues Avalanche Warning.
According to a defence spokesman, the two trucks, carrying 10 civilians, came under an avalanche at Khardungla pass, which is one of the highest motorable roads in the world at 17,500 feet, at 7 am on Friday. The official informed that the trucks were buried 20 feet deep under debris, nearly 800 metres from Khardungla Top towards South Pullu. The spokesman further informed that Army Aviation helicopters were pressed into service to move the highly trained avalanche rescue teams of the Army-Avalanche Panthers Teams — from Siachen Base Camp and North Pullu.
