After the deadliest avalanche incident in Siachen, rescuers continued operation on the fifth day to pull 138 soldiers and civilians buried under 80 feet of snow, military said on Wednesday. However, experts said there was very little hope for survivors.
Despite weather hazards, rescue operation at Gayari Sector continued at five priority points identified with the help of SPD team employed along with plant equipment, Army Search and Rescue Teams, said Inter-Services Public Relations. According to a statement issued by the ISPR, a 450-meter-long access track has been developed on the avalanche to access the priority points, adding that work on another access track has also been started to widen the search perimeter.
“Mainly plant equipment is employed at two points. The work is in progress at rapid speed on both points,” statement said. The statement noted that at the work on other three points mainly being done with the help of infantry troops who resort to manual digging with some assistance from plant equipment where required.
“A Dozer has restored the water channel, which had been blocked due to avalanche,” the ISPR said, adding that “so far two exists are available with 20 and 15 cusecs discharge. Efforts are in hand to enhance same with the help of plant equipment”.
