Srinagar, January 18 (KNO) : Army on Friday said that four bodies of civilians out of ten who were buried under an avalanche Khardungla top were recovered.
Army in a statement issued to KNO said that "two trucks alongwith ten civilians were buried under an avalanche of approx 20 feet depth, approx 800metres from Khardungla Top towards South Pullu today. The message of this unfortunate incident was given to the Army detachment at Khardungla top at approx 0745hrs by the two civilian drivers."
"Immediately on receipt of this information all resources of the Fire & Fury Corps were activated. Army teams deployed near the incident site swiftly moved and commenced the search and rescue operations," Army said, adding that troops deployed at South Pullu and North Pullu were also moved to the incident site.
"Simultaneously, the Army Aviation helicopters were pressed into action to move the highly trained avalanche rescue teams of the Army called “Avalanche Panthers Teams” from Siachen Base Camp and North Pullu," the statement added.
Army said that these teams are equipped with specialized avalanche rescue equipment, medical equipment and avalanche rescue dogs, which are being utilised in the search and rescue operations.
"Army Aviation helicopters were also used to move the Deep Search Radars which can detect human beings through snow. Medical teams alongwith doctors and nursing assistants , heating blankets, medical equipment and warm clothing were moved to the avalanche site from the Army Hospital at Hunder," Army said.
Lieutenant General YK Joshi, GOC Fire and Fury Corps personally carried out an aerial assessment of the incident and issued necessary directions for the smooth conduct of the rescue operations.
"Out of the 10 civilians reported to be buried under the avalanche, four bodies have so far been recovered and mangled pieces of one of the tippers was found on the steep slopes below the road," the statement said.
The rescue operations are still in progress, however, since the Run Out Zone of the avalanche is approx 1100 metres down the steep hill side the operations may take some time. GOC, Fire & Fury Corps has assured the civil administration of complete support during the rescue operation.(KNO)