In the month of November, Western Disturbances start travelling in the lower latitudes and affect the Western Himalayas. The active Western Disturbances give moderate to heavy snowfall and this fresh snow sometimes leads to avalanche. A similar incident was witnessed yesterday in Siachen where six people have been killed.
Four soldiers from Dogra regiment and two civilian porters are among the dead. The avalanche struck them at an altitude of 19,000 ft in the Northern Glacier yesterday around 3.30 pm. Soon after the Army troops launched the rescue and recovery operations.
The initial reports said that at least eight army jawans were buried under the snow as the avalanche hit the army post at Siachen glacier in Ladakh.
As per the official statement by the army, all eight personnel were pulled out of the avalanche debris. Then all the seven individuals who were critically injured were accompanied by medical teams and were provided critical care and admitted to the nearest Military Hospital, where all lifesaving resuscitative measures were instituted.
However, despite best efforts, six casualties, which include four soldiers and two civilian porters succumbed to extreme hypothermia.
Avalanche is very damaging. Sometimes avalanches also occur post snowfall when the sun comes up and results in the melting of snow.
When there is freshly accumulated snowfall it tends to melt from the base.
Avalanche occurs spontaneously during storms under increased load due to snowfall or erosion.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed sadness and extended condolence to the families of the deceased. In a tweet on Tuesday morning, Rajnath Singh said, "Deeply pained by the demise of soldiers and porters due to avalanche in Siachen. I salute their courage and service to the nation. My heartfelt condolences to their families."
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