Armyman Among 5 Killed in Avalanches in Kashmir

Kashmir is reeling under heavy snowfall, with the weather affecting air and road links to the region.

Heavy snowfall in the Valley has affected air and road links. (Photo: IANS)

One Army man and four members of a family were killed after parts of Kashmir were struck by avalanches in the intervening night of 24-25 January.

One person was killed at an avalanche at an Army camp in Sonamarg area in Ganderbal district. Several casualties were reported at the site while eight people were rescued.

The family of four, who were killed in the avalanche at Badoogam village in Tulail area of Gurez, were identified as 55-year-old Mehraj-ud-Din Lone, his wife Azizi, 22-year-old son Irfan and 19-year-old daughter Gulshan.

The family’s house collapsed after the avalanche struck in the wee hours of Wednesday, police said.

Another son, Reyaz Ahmad, was rescued by the authorities and admitted to a hospital, the official said.

Authorities in Kashmir have issued avalanche warnings in the higher reaches of the Valley, following fresh snowfall. People have been advised to stay away from the mountains and foothills.

(With inputs from PTI, ANI)