30 civilians stuck in twin avalanches rescued by Army in Kupwara
Srinagar: Army during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday rescued 30 civilians stuck on Chowkibal-Tangdhar road (NH-701).
“As soon as the information of civilians getting stuck closer to Khooni Nala and SM Hill reached the troops at NC pass, two rescue teams comprising avalanche rescue teams from Indian Army and a team of GREF were mobilised for rescuing the civilians who were stuck in their vehicles. Despite adverse weather conditions compounded by twin avalanches, 14 civilians were rescued and brought to Neelam and 16 civilians to NC pass, which is also commonly known as Sadhna pass,” a defence spokesman said.
He said that 12 vehicles were retrieved during the day on 18 January post avalanche and snow slides clearance from the road.
“GREF played a difficult but stellar role in snow clearance amidst dangerous conditions. The entire effort took about five to six hours,” the spokesman said.
