Srinagar, Jan 18 : Army on Tuesday said it alongside GREF rescued thirty civilians stuck in two avalanches amid fresh snowfall on Chowkibal-Tangdhar road (NH-701) on the intervening night of January 17 and 18.
“As soon as the information of civilians getting stuck closer to Khooni Nala and SM Hill on NH 701 reached the troops at NC pass, two rescue teams comprising ‘avalanche rescue teams’ from Indian Army and a team of GREF were mobilised for rescuing the civilians who were stuck in their vehicles”, PRO Defence in a statement issued to GNS said.
“Despite adverse weather conditions compounded by twin avalanches, 14 civilians were rescued and brought to Neelam and 16 civilians to NC pass, which is also commonly known as Sadhna pass. All the rescued civilians were provided food, medical care and shelter for the night”, it said adding twelve vehicles were later retrieved during the day on 18 January post avalanche and snow slides clearance from the road.
“GREF played a difficult but stellar role in snow clearance amidst dangerous conditions. The entire effort took about five to six hours.”
“It may be highlighted that last year also civilians were rescued by the troops near Khooni Nala, closer to NC pass, as the area is prone to avalanches and snow slides it said, remarking further that Indian Army stands by its tradition of helping out the citizens during their hour of need.” (GNS)
