At least 24 Indian troops were feared dead in two avalanche tragedies in Bandipore and Ganderbal districts of Indian-held Kashmir. Sources said the first of the two avalanches hit the Brigade Headquarters of the Indian Army at Dawar in Gurez. The troops deployed there were unaware, giving them no chance to escape. Eight bodies had so far been recovered from Dawar, while 10 soldiers were still trapped at Davar, Indian army officials told reporters. At least 14 were being feared dead in Sonmarg in Ganderbal in the second avalanche. Bodies of three other troops, including one junior commissioned officer, had been recovered. The third avalanche destroyed over a dozen hutments in Ramwari area of Ganerbal during the night, but no loss of life occurred. The Indian Army has launched rescue operations in both the hit places. Due to heavy snow in Dawar, no helicopter movement was possible, the official said, adding that they expected a “large number” of fatalities.
