A fresh avalanche has hit Indian Army post on Friday in Siachen glacier in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. Reportedly, one soldier has been missing, while another one was rescued but is in critical conditions.
Search operations are underway amidst the inclement weather conditions.
According to Skymet Weather, the Western Disturbance that is over Jammu and Kashmir has given fresh snowfall over region. This was accompanied with strong wind that triggered avalanche in world’s highest battle field.
Weather forecasters had earlier issued an avalanche warning for higher areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in wake of the approaching system.
The Western Disturbance is likely to stay over the state for another 24 hours. With this, we can expect more rain and snow to lash the region. Few areas can expect some heavy spells as well.
Last month, 10 army soldiers were buried deep under the snow after an avalanche had hit their post in Siachen on February 3.
Snowstorms in Siachen may last for several days and are invariably accompanied with very strong winds, exceeding 100 kmph. Yearly snowfall in Siachen can be well over 3 dozen feet. During the snowstorm, at least 2 to 3 soldiers have to keep using shovels to clear snow around their post, otherwise the location gets buried.
In Siachen, you are at a risk of getting a deadly frostbite if the bare skin touches steel, including gun trigger, for just over 15 seconds. The troops are also vulnerable to a score of ailments like Chilblains, loss of memory, loss of weight, sleep disorder, speech slurring, snow blindness etc. Imagine staying at a place with 10% of oxygen supply, - 50 to - 60°C temperatures and 20,000 feet above mean sea level.
Indian Army controls all of the 76 km long Siachen and its tributary glaciers. Heavy snow and frequent avalanches alter the terrain features around the respective locations and the patrol routes. For the sake of National Interest, it is essential to control these strategic heights as this advantageous position allows Indian Army to keep an eye on the activities of both Pakistan and China. It also prevents their link up in that area, in case of a conflict. “We do difficult as a routine. The impossible may take a little longer” is the motto of each soldier serving in Siachen.
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