Security Forces Rescue Avalanche-hit in Srinagar

New Delhi, Feb 8 (UNI) Security personnel today rescued 45 people, including women and children, in south Srinagar after an avalanche hit the area which had been experiencing heavy snowfall overnight.

In a major rescue operation, personnel from the 49 Rashtriya Rifles saved the lives of the avalanche-hit in Gulabgarh village near Kajigund in south Srinagar early this morning, according to an official spokesperson here.

An avalanche hit the village at 0700 hrs this morning and the army's Avalanche Rescue Team rushed to the spot within an hour to commence rescue operations. Despite heavy snowfall, the security personnel succeeded in rescuing the buried persons within less than five hours, the spokesperson said.

Three of those rescued were ''very critical'' and first aid was immediately provided to them but one of them succumbed, the spokesperson said.

UNI DG MSJ DS1700