Zojila, March 28: The death toll in the Zojila avalanche has risen to seven after rescue teams recovered two more bodies during predawn hours on Saturday, officials said.
The fresh recoveries come a day after an avalanche struck the Zojila axis, leaving multiple persons trapped under snow and triggering a large-scale rescue operation in harsh weather conditions.
Officials said one of the deceased has been identified as Bakir Ali, son of Mohsin Ali, while the identity of the other victim is being ascertained.
Earlier, five persons were confirmed dead and six others injured in the incident, which occurred amid heavy snowfall and unstable snow conditions along the strategic pass.
Rescue teams, comprising police, army personnel and local volunteers, continued search operations through the night despite low visibility and sub-zero temperatures, officials said.
“The bodies were retrieved during early morning hours after sustained efforts by rescue teams,” an official said, adding that identification of the second victim is underway.
Authorities said the injured are undergoing treatment at nearby medical facilities, while efforts are ongoing to ensure no one remains trapped under the snow.
Locals said the avalanche hit suddenly, giving little time for those in the area to react, while frequent snowfall in recent days had increased the risk of such incidents.
Avalanches are common in the Zojila sector during winter months, often disrupting movement and posing risks to travellers and workers stationed along the route.
The Zojila pass, which connects Kashmir with Ladakh, remains vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, particularly during heavy snowfall periods. [KNT]
