7 army men trapped in Arunachal avalanche found dead

New Delhi, Feb 08: Seven Army personnel who were struck by avalanche in high altitude area of Kameng Sector in Arunachal Pradesh on 6 Feb have been confirmed dead, their bodies retrieved from the avalanche site, said Indian Army.

The Army personnel were part of a patrolling team and were hit by the avalanche on Sunday.

The Army had launched a search and rescue operation on Sunday after the soldiers went missing. "Bodies of all seven individuals have been recovered from the avalanche site.

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, all seven have been confirmed deceased," the Army said in a statement. The officials said the area located at an altitude of 14,500 feet had been witnessing inclement weather with heavy snowfall in the last few days.

"The bodies of the soldiers are currently being transferred from the avalanche site to the nearest Army medical facility for further formalities," the Army said.

Officials said the soldiers were part of a patrol that was struck by the avalanche on February 6. "Search and rescue operations were launched immediately, including airlifting of specialised teams," the Army said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the loss of lives of Army personnel in an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh and said "we will never forget their exemplary service to our nation".Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the loss of lives of Army personnel in an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh and said "we will never forget their exemplary service to our nation".

"Saddened by the loss of lives of Indian Army personnel due to an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh," Modi tweeted. "We will never forget their exemplary service to our nation. Condolences to the bereaved families," he said.