J-K avalanche: Mortal remains of four soldiers recovered, rescue ops continue

Srinagar, (Jammu and Kashmir), [India], Jan. 27 (ANI): With rescue operations entering its second day today after a deadly avalanche struck an Army camp in Gurez Sector of Jammu and Kashmir yesterday, the mortal remains of four soldiers have been recovered this morning. The rescue team is awaiting fair weather for transportation of all mortal remains to Srinagar on helicopters. At least 10 Army personnel lost their lives in the deadly avalanche yesterday. Rescue operations were immediately launched in the extremely bad weather and heavy snow fall. However, the operations were halted yesterday due to the terrible weather. On Thursday, four members of a family were killed as their house was buried after an avalanche struck Badoogam village of Gurez sector near Line of Control in Kashmir. "Four people of one family died in Badoogam village of Tulail area due to an avalanche. Avalanche warning was already issued everywhere but due to bad luck avalanche struck and they came under this tragedy," said Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Bashir Ahmed. An army personnel also died after an avalanche hit an army camp at Sonamarg in Ganderbal district. An avalanche also struck Ladakh region, cutting off phone lines and internet services. Authorities in Kashmir had issued avalanche warning post snowfall on Tuesday and asked people to stay away from the mountains and foothills. Kashmir is currently going through its 40-day period of harshest winter. Temperatures dip to sub-zero levels during this time and the blanket of thick snow covers the state. (ANI)