In a tragic incident on Thursday, a devastating avalanche struck the ski slopes of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the loss of one skier’s life while trapping several foreigners on the Kongdoori slopes. The incident unfolded as a group of foreigners ventured into the area without local guidance.
The avalanche, triggered by a swift movement of snow down the mountain, was exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall and snowfall in the region. The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority had previously issued warnings due to the precarious conditions.
Rescue efforts are currently underway, with seven skiers successfully rescued and receiving medical attention at a local hospital. Both the Army and a patrolling team from the Jammu and Kashmir administration are actively involved in search and rescue operations to locate any other potential victims.
A day before the tragedy, the disaster management authority issued a fresh avalanche warning for the Union territory’s 10 districts. Anantnag and Kulgam were placed under a low-danger level warning, while Bandipora and Baramulla faced a medium-level alert for the next 24 hours.
Furthermore, a high-danger level warning was issued for areas above 2200 meters in Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Ramban, Kupwara, and Ganderbal districts, urging residents to exercise caution and avoid avalanche-prone areas.
As the rescue efforts continue, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks associated with venturing into avalanche-prone regions during adverse weather conditions.
