Five people were killed on Friday in a massive avalanche in Ladakh. Many people are stranded as Srinagar-Leh highway remains blocked, while snow clearance and rescue operations are underway, according to PTI. The incident took place at Zoji La.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, took to X and said, “Heard the unfortunate news of an avalanche at Zoji La. I have directed the DC & SSP of Kargil to visit the spot immediately and mobilise relief and rescue operations.
He added that all government agencies, including disaster response teams and the Border Roads Organisation, have been placed on high alert, and that he is personally overseeing the situation.
Among the deceased were three men, one woman, and a child.
Officials indicated that the death toll may increase, as several vehicles remain completely buried under the snow, according to Hindustan Times.
'More than 100 involved in rescue ops' Sub divisional magistrate Drass, Vishal Atri stated that rescue operations are ongoing from both ends of the highway—one from the Sonamarg side in Kashmir and the other from the Drass side in Ladakh.
He stated, “A large stretch of the highway has been affected and when we reached the site we saw some 12-15 vehciles under the snow. We couldn't go to the back side of the avalanche.”
He further said that the administration subsequently coordinated with Beacon and the Army to initiate rescue operations from both sides. He added that the operation had been underway for five hours since 1 pm and was likely to continue for another three to four hours, the report noted.
"More than 100 people will be involved in the rescue operation besides the snow clearance machines. There is police, SDRF, BRO, army ambulances and we have also taken help from personnel of Megha tunnel. The rescue operation from the Kashmir side was hindered owing to the traffic jam as there was an up-convoy from that side," he added.