An avalanche struck the renowned ski destination of Gulmarg in Kashmir on Thursday, February 22, resulting in the death of one foreign skier and leaving several others trapped under mounds of snow, according to officials.
The picturesque region, known for its snow-capped mountains, has been grappling with challenging weather conditions, receiving approximately five feet (1.5 metres) of snowfall this week.
Following the sustained snowfall, authorities had issued an avalanche warning for Gulmarg, emphasising the heightened risk in the area.
Manzoor Ahmad, the head of the rescue team, told reporters, "So far one skier has died and five have been rescued."
The nationality of the deceased remains unconfirmed, while the majority of the trapped skiers are reported to be of foreign origin, he added.
Waseem Raja, CEO of Gulmarg Development Authority, declared the initiation of a "massive rescue operation" aimed at extricating those still trapped beneath the snow.
The challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions have added complexity to the rescue efforts, requiring a coordinated response from the authorities.
Gulmarg, nestled in the Himalayan region of Kashmir, has long been a favoured destination for winter sports enthusiasts. However, increasingly, avalanches are a recurring threat for skiers and visitors.
Last year in February, two Polish skiers lost their lives, and 19 others were rescued following an avalanche in the same Gulmarg region.
First Published: Feb 22, 2024 6:34 PM IST
