Seven people were killed and five others injured in a massive avalanche in Ladakh on Friday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on X. Earlier, officials said five people lost their lives in the tragic incident.
Many people are stranded as the Srinagar-Leh highway remains blocked while snow clearing and rescue operations are underway, reports PTI. The incident took place at Zoja La.
Ladakh Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena joined X and said, “Heard the unfortunate news of the avalanche at Zoji La. I have directed the DC & SSP of Kargil to immediately visit the site and mobilize rescue and relief operations.
He added that all government agencies, including disaster response teams and the Border Roads Organisation, had been put on high alert and that he was personally monitoring the situation.
Singh said, “Saddened to learn of the tragic death of 7 persons and injuries of 5 after an avalanche hit a vehicle at Zojila pass. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. All necessary assistance is being provided to the injured.”
Officials said the death toll could rise as several vehicles remain completely buried under the snow, according to the Hindustan Times.
“More than 100 involved in rescue operations”
Drass Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Vishal Atri said rescue operations are underway from both ends of the highway – one from the Sonamarg side in Kashmir and the other from the Drass side in Ladakh.
He said: “A large section of the highway was hit and when we got to the scene we saw about 12-15 vehicles under the snow. We couldn’t get to the back of the avalanche.”
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He further stated that the administration subsequently coordinated with Beacon and the military to initiate rescue operations from both sides. He added that the operation was going on for five hours from 1 pm and was likely to continue for another three to four hours, the HT report noted.
“Apart from snow clearing machines, more than 100 people will be involved in the rescue operation. There is police, SDRF, BRO, army ambulances and we have also taken Megha Tunnel personnel to help. The rescue operation from the Kashmir side was hampered by traffic jam as there was a convoy from that side,” he added.
Previous incidents
In related news, an avalanche hit Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield in Ladakh, claiming the lives of three soldiers, PTI officials said. In September last year, an avalanche hit the Siachen base camp area at a height of 12,000 feet and trapped three soldiers, including two Agniveers.
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A rescue operation was quickly launched and the bodies of the soldiers were recovered. In 2021, another avalanche in the Haneef sub-sector resulted in the death of two soldiers, although several other soldiers and porters were rescued after a difficult six-hour operation.
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A similar incident occurred in 2019 when an avalanche claimed four soldiers and two porters while they were on patrol near a post at 18,000 feet. Earlier, on February 3, 2016, a massive avalanche at a height of 19,600 feet buried ten soldiers, including Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppada, who was initially rescued alive but later died of multiple organ failure.
Known as the world’s highest battlefield, the Siachen Glacier poses extreme risks due to its harsh climate and high altitude. In addition to the threat of enemy action, soldiers stationed here face life-threatening challenges such as frostbite, lack of oxygen and deadly avalanches.
