Avalanches hit Indian Kashmir, 16 soldiers Died

23.02.2012

Two avalanches swept over military camps in Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing at least 16 soldiers and leaving eight others missing, authorities said Thursday.

The avalanches hit the two army camps Wednesday in the health resort of Sonamarg and at Dawar, a town close to the line that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

"The first avalanche hit the Sonamarg camp, burying several army troopers. We rescued all but three," said Lt. Col. J.S. Brar, a defense spokesman. "The bodies of two soldiers and an officer have been recovered."

A second avalanche hit the Dawar camp, burying 29 soldiers alive, the spokesman said.

"We safely rescued 13 troopers. Bodies of eight soldiers have also been recovered while a search for eight others is continuing," he said.

Bad weather was hampering rescue efforts.