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Snow Avalanche Kills 17 Indian Soldiers, 63 Rescued in Kashmir

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Feb 8: At least 17 Indian soldiers were killed when a snow avalanche hit Army's High Altitude Warfare School at Khilanmarg, some 72 kms North of the summer capital Srinagar in Indian administered Kashmir (IaK) on Monday morning while 63 soldiers buried under snow were rescued.

A senior police officer said that Indian army's High Altitude Warfare School at Khilanmarg in North Kashmir was hit by a snow avalanche at around 1100 hours on Monday. "At least 401 soldiers including trainers, porters and civilians were present in army's warfare school when the avalanche hit it. About 80 soldiers got trapped in the avalanche while the rest managed to reach to safety," he said.

The area along with other parts in North Kashmir has been experiencing heavy snowfall since Friday and the Weather department had warned of snow avalanches in the upper reaches. At present at least 4.5 ft of snow had got accumulated on the area, which was hit by the avalanche.

Police, army and the local tourism department launched a joint rescue operation to rescue the trapped soldiers. The rescue operation continued despite heavy downpour.

Indian army's spokesman in Srinagar, Lt Col J S Brar while giving details of the incident said that an avalanche struck the training area at Khelan Marg of High Altitude Warfare School, Gulmarg at 1100 hours wherein 400 troops were undergoing training.

"80 soldiers were trapped in the avalanche. Prompt action was launched by police, army and civil teams to rescue the trapped soldiers. Despite the best efforts of the rescue team, one officer and 16 soldiers lost their lives and the 63 trapped were rescued safely. Of them 17 others were injured and have been hospitalized," he said.

He said that the rescue operation has been called off.

Located at an altitude of 9,500 ft at Gujjar Huts Khilanmarg- 600 meter ascent from Gulmarg-the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) was established by Indian Army to train its personnel for high altitude warfare, counter intelligence and survival. The course is mainly offered to the Army personnel posted in Siachen Glacier or the mountainous ranges bordering Pakistan on the Himalayas.

Meanwhile, the Snow Avalanche Study Establishment had issued an avalanche warning and advised people living in high altitude areas not to venture in the area which has been receiving heavy snowfall for the past three days.

It has also cautioned the Indian army soldiers deployed in mountains and high altitude areas to take necessary precautions and restrict their movement. They have also been advised to be ready for any kind of eventuality.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.