Death toll in Kashmir avalanches climbs to 19

Death toll in Kashmir avalanches climbs to 19
# 27 January 2017 11:10 (UTC +04:00)

The death toll in avalanches in the Himalayan region of Kashmir has risen to 19 after the bodies of four more Indian soldiers were recovered on Friday, army and police officials said, APA reported citing Reuters.

Kashmir has seen heavy snow this week and authorities have warned of the "high danger" of avalanches over the next two days. Power and communication lines have also been cut in some areas.

The army recovered the bodies of the four soldiers who had been patrolling near the Line of Control that divides the territory when the snowslide struck on Wednesday, bringing the military toll to 15, said spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia.

Four civilians who were also killed included two children from a family whose house was hit by a separate avalanche on Wednesday.

More avalanches hit the region on Thursday, although there were no reports of further casualties.

Kashmir, divided between India and Pakistan, has long been a source of tension between the neighbours.

#
#

THE OPERATION IS BEING PERFORMED