Srinagar
Authorities on Wednesday rushed special rescue teams to the Lashkote forests in Lolab area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district where three persons were buried in an avalanche on Saturday last week.
The families of the missing persons on Tuesday had urged the government to trace out the missing persons. A team of rescuers comprising of police, army and SDRF had started rescue operations on Sunday but returned back due to lack of expertise.
Sub Divisional Magistrate Lolab Ahmad Hussain Bhat said that a rescue team comprising of 82 persons who have expertise in the field were deputed on Wednesday morning to the avalanche spot.
“The rescue team carries necessary equipment to retrieve the buried trio,” Bhat said, adding that the arrangement of food has also been made for the rescuers.
SDM said the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara has already requested the government for providing helicopter service which is expected soon.
A senior army officer of 18 RR under whose supervision the rescue operation is being carried out said their sleuths “who are well trained” are carrying the avalanche rescue equipment which includes rods, cords and digging equipment.
“Besides it, the army personnel have also carried the radio sets along with them in order to communicate with their concerned quarters from time to time regarding the rescue operation as the terrain is tough and challenging amid inclement weather there,” the officer said.
Five persons had gone to the area for hunting. As the avalanche struck, the two among them had a miraculous escape.
Those buried in the snow were identified as Altaf Ahmad Mir son of Bashir Ahmad Mir, Bashir Ahmad Ganie son of Ghulam Rasool Ganie and Ghulam Mohd Lone son of Ali Mohd Lone all residents of Warnow, Lolab. (GNS)
