Representational image: Reuters
Avalanches have hit two army outposts in Jammu and Kashmir, with media channels reporting that at least 17 soldiers are feared dead so far. The avalanches hit the army outposts at Dawar in the Gurerz sector, and Sonmarg, Kupwara. Rescue operations are being hit by bad weather as helicopters cannot operate in the heavy snow, but thirteen soldiers have been rescued and six bodies recovered so far. At least ten are still missing.
Three soldiers have been killed in Dawar, while at least 14 are feared dead in Sonmarg. Officials say that the toll is likely to rise further.
The snow has also buried a large number of army shelters.