IAF rescues 11 civilians from Kashmir avalanche

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday rescued 11 civilians from Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district in Kashmir as authorities issued a fresh avalanche warning in the area.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday rescued 11 civilians from Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district in Kashmir as authorities issued a fresh avalanche warning in the area.

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On the instructions of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Asgar Samoon, IAF airlifted 11 civilians from Sonamarg to Gund town of Ganderbal as there was a possibility of fresh avalanche striking the area, an official spokesman said.

All the civilians have been evacuated out of Sonamarg and adjoining snow-bound areas, he said.

Sonamarg has been the site of one of the two massive avalanches that hit army camps in Kashmir on Wednesday.

Three soldiers were killed when a massive avalanche hit an army camp at Sonamarg and another massive avalanche hit the headquarters of 109 Infantry Brigade at Dawar area of Gurez sector, near LoC, in Bandipora district on Wednesday night resulting in the death of 14 soldiers while two others are still missing.

Meanwhile, the search operation for the two missing jawans in Gurez continued for the fourth day on Sunday, defence sources said.

Sources said inclement weather was hampering the search for the two jawans, who remain buried under 18 feet of snow.