J&K avalanche: Two bodies recovered, rescue operations on

One of the deceased is identified as a labourer working on the tunnel project in the area

SRINAGAR | Updated: 12 January, 2023 6:20 pm IST

Mortal remains of one of the two deceased, which were recovered by the rescue teams

Rescue teams recovered the bodies of two persons who were buried under the debris after an avalanche hit the Srabal area of the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir on the morning of January 12.

While the police are yet to ascertain the identity of the deceased, the locals claimed that one of the bodies was that of a labourer working in the area.

The body was recovered following a rescue operation by local police, the Army, SDRF, Beacon and the Mega Tunnel project team. A search and rescue operation is still going on in the area.

Officials said the area was closed for the time being as a precautionary measure and the residents were advised to stay indoors and not venture out unnecessarily.

Meanwhile, police in Central Kashmir’s Budgam rescued 34 stranded tourists and helped a pregnant woman reach the hospital amid snowfall and slippery road conditions.

A police official said that Police Station Khansahib received a distress call that a lady from the Shennipora area of Khansahib was in labour pain and needed to be shifted to SDH Hospital immediately. They are unable to take the lady to the hospital due to the snowfall and slippery conditions of the road.

Responding to the call, a police team from Police Station Khansahib was deputed and the lady was brought to SDH hospital Khansahib safely.

Meanwhile, another distress call was received at Police Station Khansahib that some tourists were stuck at Rayar due to sudden snowfall. Accordingly, a police party from Police Station Khansahib facilitated their transport to Yarikhah Doodhpathri.

The police said that 34 tourists were provided with necessary assistance and help and subsequently, they travelled safely in their vehicles.

Meanwhile, weather officials have predicted more snowfall and rainfall for the area beginning January 12. The minimum temperature in Jammu and Kashmir is also dipping below the freezing point.