In a tragic incident, a Russian skier lost his life while seven others from the same group were hit by a massive avalanche in Gulmarg, a prominent ski resort town in Jammu and Kashmir. The avalanche struck the upper reaches of Gulmarg, near the Kongdoori slopes, earlier today. Fortunately, six of the skiers have been successfully rescued from the treacherous conditions.
Prompt search and rescue efforts were launched following the avalanche, with personnel from the Army and a patrolling team of the Jammu and Kashmir administration leading the operations. Helicopters were deployed to aid in the search and rescue operations, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Visuals from the aftermath of the avalanche depict tourists stranded in knee-deep snow, with a civilian helicopter hovering over the affected area. Additionally, a snowmobile, commonly used for adventure sports in Gulmarg, was found stuck in the snow-covered slope post-avalanche.
Despite the unfortunate incident, all participants of the ongoing Khelo India Games, inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Kumar Sinha in Gulmarg, are reportedly safe. The Russian Embassy in India has been in constant communication with local authorities regarding the situation.
Attributing the avalanche to heavy snowfall since February 17, the embassy highlighted that a medium danger level avalanche warning had been issued for Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir on February 21. This underscores the precarious conditions prevalent in the region due to recent weather patterns.
Gulmarg, which experienced a dry spell in early January, has witnessed substantial snowfall since the beginning of February. This resurgence of snow has revitalized the town, known for its picturesque landscapes and world-class skiing slopes, attracting adventure enthusiasts and tourists alike.
However, this avalanche incident is not an isolated event. Earlier this month, a massive avalanche struck the Sonamarg area on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, albeit without causing any reported damage. The authorities had issued avalanche warnings for the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley following heavy snowfall in early February.
Sources By Agencies