Rescue teams on Sunday found the body of a soldier, Vijay Kumar K, who was missing after an avalanche triggered by a minor earthquake struck an Indian Army post in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil sector. Kumar's remains were found under more than 12 feet of snow. Spokesperson for the Northern Command Colonel SD Goswami said on Saturday that two soldiers were swept away in the avalanche that hit around 10.45 pm on Thursday. Goswami added that one of them had been rescued and was “medically stable”, The Times of India reported. NDTV reported that search operations were launched immediately after the quake hit the post, which is located at an altitude of 17,500 feet.
Last month, 10 Indian Army personnel were killed in an avalanche that struck Ladakh’s Siachen Glacier (pictured above). The army post at Siachen is 19,600 feet above sea level – the highest in the world. Lance Naik Hanamanthapa, who was found buried under 25 feet of ice six days after the avalanche, died at a hospital in Delhi after being in critical condition for days.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!