An Avalanche or Snow slide is a rapid flow of snow down a slope such as a hill or a mountain. An avalanche most commonly refers to the sliding of huge mass of snow, ice and rocks rapidly down an inclined slope such as a mountainside.
The precise prediction for Avalanche is not possible. However, we can identify the avalanche prone areas. Assessments accompanied with alarm and alert are dependent purely on the climatic conditions.
The risk of an avalanche is at its peak during the winter season and precisely more over the hills. Avalanche is a result of incessant rain and snow activities that keep stacking the snow and they ultimately collapse because of their own weight.
Unfortunately, 7 Indian Army personnel have been struck by an Avalanche in Kameng area in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday. Rescue operation is underway. Since the last few days Arunachal Pradesh have been receiving moderate to heavy snowfall.
Similarly, around 19 people were killed by an Avalanche on Monday in remote mountains pass of Afghanistan and Pakistan border. During last three days, more than hundred avalanches have struck in Austria which 9 people died.
We all know that snow is a welcome feature in winters. However, it has a dark side as well, it comes unannounced at a rapid speed. It is a no notice calamity almost parallel to earthquake.