In the north Kashmir district of Kupwara, an avalanche killed three soldiers on Friday, according to the Indian army.
News agency AP reports that a slide of snow hit the Machil sector of Kashmir, trapping three soldiers on patrol, said Indian army spokesperson Col. Emron Musavi. After being rescued, the three were rushed to a hospital, where they died.
Mukesh Kumar, Gaikwad Lakshma Rao, and Souvik Hazra have been identified as the deceased. A 56 Rashtriya Rifle regiment was responsible for them.
In addition to the two soldiers rescued and evacuated to the Military Hospital, Kupwara, another soldier developed hypothermia and was evacuated as well. The three bravehearts did not survive,” the Army said.
There was a fresh spell of snowfall in the higher reaches the day before the avalanche hit Machil, as predicted by the meteorological department.
On Nov 19 and 20, the weather office predicts cloudy weather with light to moderate rain in plains and scattered snowfall in higher elevations.
Soldiers guarding forward posts have been issued a fresh weather advisory, advising them to take precautionary measures while performing duties in avalanche-prone areas.
It should be noted that avalanches and landslides occur frequently in the Valley. Indian and Pakistani armies camping in the region have suffered heavy casualties due to avalanches.
Three avalanches killed at least 20 Indian soldiers in 2017 in a similar incident.
One hundred and twenty-nine Pakistani soldiers were killed in a massive avalanche that struck the Valley earlier in 2012.