Ganderbal, Jan 12: At Least two labourers were killed after an avalanche hit Sarbal area of Sonamarg in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Thursday.
Official sources told Rising Kashmir that two labourers, who were working with Mega Engineering Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) were buried alive under several feet of snow after a massive Snow avalanche struck at Sarbal areai in Sonamarg.
They said soon after the incident a massive search and rescue operation was launched by Police, SDRF, Medical Teams, Army, Beacon, APCO Company, Locals and MEIL teams.
Project Manager Mega Engineering Infrastructure Limited (MEIL) Harpal Singh told Rising Kashmir two dead bodies were recovered under several feet of snow at Sarbal after it was hit by an avalanche on Thursday.
“Deceased have been identified as Bala Krishna Son of Bansi Lal and Sandeep Kumar son of Munshi Ram both the residents of Gara and Sara Padar Kishtwar,” he said.
He further said that the company will provide immediate relief of one lac to each family.
Meanwhile, high-altitude areas of Ganderbal district are receiving heavy snowfall from yesterday
The Tehsil Admin already has issued an advisory to the general public in view of snowfall and slippery road conditions in several areas.
“In view of the recent snowfall in the jurisdiction of Tehsil Gund, the General Public is requested to remain cautious and not to venture out in slopes, Hilly areas or avalanche prone areas till weather improves,” the order reads.
The snow avalanche struck today along the upper reaches of the Ranga Morh and accumulated at Sarbal area of Sonamarg. Initially no report of loss of life and property was reported. However, later on when the snow settled, Management of Megha Company ( Tunnel Company) reported that two of the labourers of their company reportedly gone missing and got buried under the snow.
In continuation to the earlier update about the search and rescue operation, the deployed Police, Army and civil administration recovered a second dead body from the debris of snow.
Sonamarg Police, ART teams of Army and SDRF teams reached the spot and started search and rescue operation. The site was still vulnerable as small snow slides were still coming from the top of the hill.
The officials said that the rescue and search operation was stopped as both the bodies are recovered. They said the snowfall continued at Ranga Morh, Sarbal making the area more vulnerable to snow slides. Megha company management has been asked to shift the workers to safe location till the weather gets cleared.
According to officials a helpline by District Police Ganderbal has already been issued in view of inclement weather. Till the weather improves general public has been advised not to venture out in vulnerable areas.
