12 Indian soldiers killed in Kashmir avalanches

Feb 23, 2012, 11:26 GMT

Srinagar, Kashmir - At least 12 Indian soldiers were killed and another seven left trapped after two avalanches hit India-administered Kashmir, officials said Thursday.

Nine soldiers were killed when an avalanche hit a workshop of the army brigade headquarters in the northern town of Gurez, on the border with Pakistan, army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel JS Brar said.

Three territorial army soldiers were killed by another avalanche in the Ganderbal district, he said. Both areas are situated in northern part of the state.

'Operations are continuing to rescue seven more soldiers trapped under the avalanche,' Brar said. 'But the death toll might rise as heavy snowfall is hampering the operations,' he added.

Poor visibility was also making it difficult for military helicopters carrying rescue teams to reach the site.

Thirteen soldiers had been rescued so far in Gurez, he said. Both incidents happened in the night from Wednesday to Thursday.

Avalanches are common in Kashmir due to heavy snowfall in the upper reaches of the state during winter.

Last month, eight soldiers were killed after an avalanche hit the Kupwara district, also situated in the northern region.

A large number of Indian soldiers are deployed along the Line of Control, the de facto border between the Indian and Pakistani parts of the disputed territory of Kashmir.

Weather officials have predicted more rain and snow in the region over the next few days.