Baramulla, Feb 01: Two foreign skiers were killed after coming under a snow avalanche at Afarwat peak in ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Wednesday, reports said.
Quoting SDPO Tangmarg, news agency KNO reported that a rescue operation was launched soon after the avalanche hit the area.
He said bodies of two foreign skiers were recovered during the operation while 21 others were rescued.
He said the deceased tourists were from Poland and further legal formalities were being conducted.
The Apharwat or Afarwat peak is popular with skiers.
“Avalanche hit the Afarwat peak #HapathKhud at famous ski resort in #Gulmarg.#Rescue operation has been launched by #Baramulla Police alongwith other agencies. Reports of some skiers being trapped are being corroborated. More details shall follow,” tweeted Baramulla Police.
Today morning 3 teams comprising 21 Foreign nationals and 2 local guides went to Affarwat Gulmarg for skiing. At about 12.30 pm a massive avalanche hit Hapatkhud Kangdori where these skiing teams got trapped. 1/3@JmuKmrPolice@KashmirPolice@DIGBaramulla@DCBaramulla@Amod_India
— Baramulla Police (بارہمولہ پولیس) (@BaramullaPolice) February 1, 2023
LG Manoj Sinha has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the mishap. “Saddened by the loss of lives due to an avalanche in Gulmarg. My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their loved ones in this mishap. DC & Divisional Commissioner Office is providing all possible assistance to those affected,” he said, in a tweet.
Saddened by the loss of lives due to an avalanche in Gulmarg. My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their loved ones in this mishap. DC & Divisional Commissioner Office is providing all possible assistance to those affected.
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) February 1, 2023