Avalanche kills Russian skier in Gulmarg

Srinagar: One Russian skier was killed after he was buried alive by an avalanche in Gulmarg area of Jammu and Kashmir. Four other persons, who were with him, were however rescued. They have been admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment

An avalanche overran the skiing resort in Gulmarg on Thursday. In fact, an avalanche warning has been issued for Jammu and Kashmir till Saturday. The warning was issued by the Chandigarh-based Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE). The alert has advised the people not to go to avalanche prone areas.

Avalanches are common during the winter seasons in the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan areas of North India.

The SASE said that there could be avalanche threat to Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Anantanag, Ramban, Ganderba, Kargil and Leh districts. It said that the avalanche threat will be of a lower scale for Anantanag, Ramban, Ganderbal, Kargil and Leh.

This is the second incident of an avalanche hitting foreign skiers at Gulmarg this year. A Swedish skier was killed on January 18 due to an avalanche.