Siachin Glacier: 100 NLI soldiers trapped under avalanche debris
Monitoring Desk
Islamabad, April 7: At least 100 Pakistani troops have been buried by an avalanche on the Siachin glacier, located in Gilgit – Baltistan region of Pakistan.
Pakistan army spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said the avalanche had hit a military camp and a rescue operation was underway. The incident happened near the Siachen glacier in the eastern Karakoram branch of the Himalaya mountains. Thousands of troops are deployed in the remote area, which is claimed by both Pakistan and India.
Some reports suggest as many as 130 soldiers had been engulfed by the avalanche, which struck the base in the Gayari district at about 06:00 local time. The soldiers are believed to be from the NLI regiment, comprising mostly of soldiers from the Gilgit – Baltistan and Chitral region.
The military says its “priority is to save lives”, and helicopters, sniffer dogs and troops have been sent to the area to help with the rescue. Weather conditions in the area are said to be good.
The Siachen glacier is known as the world’s highest battlefield, and soldiers have been deployed at elevations of up to 6,700m (22,000 feet).
Sad news..!
May the Almighty Allah bless the survivers and the injured ones with a safe life & early recovery and an eternal peaceful life to the martyres. Aameen..!
For future, I would suggest that further rapid as well as intenstive Hazard Risk Assessment be carried out in the areas while deploying any human beings to such difficult areas.
Mehmood Hunzai
These are brave soldiers and sons of soil.
We should pray for their safety.Nation should feel proud of them.
If the Battalion was from NLI there will be lot of houses in GB who will mourn ….we are with you in your grief
The militarory personals of Gilgit Balistan have always proved bravery, periotism and high moral value to guard the border of the country. As a natiion we are proud of our soldiers who scarified there life in line of duty.we salute there bravery and hope the government of Pakistan will use all means to support the families of the the soldiers and take the full responsibilities to protect the future generation of Gilgit Baltistan.The people of the region are united as a nation and will continue to contribute in building a progressive Pakistan.