Seven dead in massive avalanche in Ladakh; Srinagar-Leh highway blocked; rescue ops underway

Seven people were killed and five others injured on Friday in a massive avalanche in Ladakh, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on X. Earlier, officials said that five people lost their lives in the tragic incident.

Many people are stranded as Srinagar-Leh highway remains blocked, while snow clearance and rescue operations are underway, according to PTI. The incident took place at Zoji La.

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, took to X and said, “Heard the unfortunate news of an avalanche at Zoji La. I have directed the DC & SSP of Kargil to visit the spot immediately and mobilise relief and rescue operations.

He added that all government agencies, including disaster response teams and the Border Roads Organisation, have been placed on high alert, and that he is personally overseeing the situation.

Singh said, “Saddened to learn about the tragic death of 7 persons and injuries to 5 after avalanche hit the vehicle at Zojila pass. My sincere condolences to the bereaved families. All required assistance being provided to the injured.”

Officials indicated that the death toll may increase, as several vehicles remain completely buried under the snow, according to Hindustan Times.

'More than 100 involved in rescue ops'

Sub divisional magistrate Drass, Vishal Atri stated that rescue operations are ongoing from both ends of the highway—one from the Sonamarg side in Kashmir and the other from the Drass side in Ladakh.

He stated, “A large stretch of the highway has been affected and when we reached the site we saw some 12-15 vehciles under the snow. We couldn't go to the back side of the avalanche.”

He further said that the administration subsequently coordinated with Beacon and the Army to initiate rescue operations from both sides. He added that the operation had been underway for five hours since 1 pm and was likely to continue for another three to four hours, the HT report noted.

"More than 100 people will be involved in the rescue operation besides the snow clearance machines. There is police, SDRF, BRO, army ambulances and we have also taken help from personnel of Megha tunnel. The rescue operation from the Kashmir side was hindered owing to the traffic jam as there was an up-convoy from that side," he added.

Previous incidents

In related news, an avalanche struck Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield in Ladakh, claiming the lives of three soldiers, officials told PTI. In September last year, an avalanche hit the Siachen base camp area at an altitude of 12,000 feet, trapping three soldiers, including two Agniveers.

A rescue operation was quickly launched, and the bodies of the soldiers were recovered. In 2021, another avalanche in the sub-sector Haneef resulted in the deaths of two soldiers, though several other soldiers and porters were rescued after a challenging six-hour operation.

A similar incident occurred in 2019, when an avalanche claimed four soldiers and two porters while they were on patrol near a post at 18,000 feet. Earlier, on February 3, 2016, a massive avalanche at 19,600 feet buried ten soldiers, including Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad, who was initially rescued alive but later died from multiple organ failure.

The Siachen Glacier, known as the world’s highest battlefield, poses extreme risks due to its harsh climate and high altitude. Beyond the threat of enemy action, soldiers stationed here face life-threatening challenges such as frostbite, oxygen deprivation, and deadly avalanches.