New Delhi: Teams comprising Army personnel and Jammu and Kashmir administration patrols are currently engaged in rescue efforts following a devastating avalanche in Gulmarg. The avalanche, which occurred near the Kongdoori slopes, claimed the life of one Russian skier while six others were successfully rescued from the snow-covered terrain.Helicopters deployed for rescueIn response to the emergency, helicopters were swiftly dispatched to aid in search and rescue operations. The avalanche, which struck the upper reaches of Gulmarg, caught the group of skiers off guard, leading to a frantic effort to locate and extricate those trapped beneath the snow.𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 : A massive avalanche has hit the upper reaches of #ApharwatPeak in #gulmarg #Kashmir.Three foreign skiers have been rescued alive. One dead body also recovered. . #Avalanche 😔😢 pic.twitter.com/oGzspMozNo— war repoter (@war_repoter) February 22, 2024Tourists stranded in snowAs the aftermath of the avalanche unfolded, chilling visuals emerged depicting tourists stranded amidst knee-deep snow. A civilian helicopter hovered over the area, providing assistance, while a snowmobile, a popular choice for adventure enthusiasts in Gulmarg, lay buried under the avalanches aftermath.Gulmargs snowfall seasonGulmarg, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and premier skiing slopes, experienced a prolonged dry spell in the initial weeks of January. However, the town witnessed a dramatic shift in weather patterns with substantial snowfall in early February, revitalizing its allure as a prime destination for winter sports and tourism.Avalanche alert in Kashmir valleyThis tragic incident follows an avalanche in the Sonamarg region along the Srinagar-Leh Highway earlier this month. Despite occurring near the Zojila tunnel construction workshop, no casualties were reported. Authorities had issued avalanche warnings for the higher altitudes of the Kashmir Valley following heavy snowfall in the region during the initial days of February.Winter revival brings hopeThe resurgence of snowfall in Gulmarg marks a welcome revival for locals and tourists alike, following a prolonged period of sparse snow cover. The transformation of the landscape into a winter wonderland has reignited enthusiasm among winter sports enthusiasts and provided a much-needed boost to the regions tourism sector.
