Srinagar February 08 (KMS): In occupied Kashmir, at least six Indian Army officers were killed and more than 450 personnel went missing, today (Monday), when a massive avalanche struck a high altitude warfare training camp in Baramulla district.

Personnel of the Indian Army’s High Altitude Warfare School were trapped in an avalanche at Khilanmarg Mountain in Gulmarg area of the district. A massive rescue and relief operation has been started in the area.

On the other hand, snow Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) had issued an avalanche warning on Sunday evening and advised people living in the high altitude areas, receiving heavy snowfall for the past three days, not to venture out. “Avalanche warning exists in the high altitude areas for the next 24 hours. People living in the areas are cautioned to avoid movement during snowfall and not to venture out in avalanche prone areas,” the SASE had said.

The areas where high danger avalanche warning exists included Sonamarg, Gagangir, Bhimbat, Drass, Batalic, Dhudi and S M Hills in Kargil district. The areas where medium danger of avalanche warning exists included Khilanmarg, Uri, Baaz, Razdan Top, Z-Gali, Keran, Furkian top, Machil, Sadna Top, Urez, Niru, Baruab and Chowkibal in Kupwara and Baramulla districts. »