A tragic avalanche hit the high-altitude Zojila Pass in Ladakh in January as at least two people were killed, and many others were trapped under piles of snow in Ladakh.
The event took place near zero point in the Srinagar-Leh national highway over the Kashmir to Ladakh border. First reports were that the avalanche engulfed vehicles traversing through, and trapped passengers under snow.
Rescue teams, particularly local officials and security forces came right away to help their relatives. The snow is buried deep beneath the surface and it's already difficult to see those who are caught in those avalanches.
Vehicles Swept Away by Snow.
There are accounts from witnesses of vehicles getting caught out of routine in the cold as a result of the avalanche. The snow broke beneath the cars in just seconds and little was done to rescue those at the time.
And they fear that more people are going to be found dead as rescue continues so effectively. The exact number of trapped people is still to be determined.
High-Risk Zone for Avalanches
Zojila Pass, a mountain pass at an altitude of over 3,500 meters in the Himalayas with a dangerous range that keeps people scrambling to get relief, is known for its extreme weather and avalanches (especially in winter and early spring).
The route remains one of the most dangerous mountain passes in India because of heavy snowfall, narrow roads and unpredictable weather patterns.
Rescue Operations Underway
Emergency response teams have been putting heavy machinery on scene using snow to get those trapped vehicles. Medical teams are also on call to assist victims.
Officials recommend to keep away from the route until clear terrain is safe because there are still risks of further avalanches in the land that's already at record-high danger level in the area so far.
A Recurring Danger
Avalanches of this type are not new in Zojila and at a very high level can lead to traffic disruptions and they can prove particularly perilous for people who rely on this area in some cases. As weather condition changes around the area people are always assessing it and may have to temporarily stop moving as a measure to keep themselves safe, as well, says a source from the government.
So far, efforts continue to save men and women from further tragedy in one of India’s most dangerous mountain routes.
