J&K avalanche: Operations continue in Siachen to rescue soldiers
"Ten soldiers of an Army Post located at an altitude of 19600 feet were hit by a massive avalanche in the early hours of 3rd February 2016. Operations by specialized teams of the Army and the Air Force have entered the second day today," read a government statement.
"Specialised equipment was flown in to Leh today morning to further boost the rescue efforts. The glaciated area presents temperatures ranging from a minimum of minus 42 degrees in the night to maximum of minus 25 degrees during the day. Rescue teams are braving adverse weather and effects of rarified atmosphere to locate and rescue survivors," it said.
The statement said chances of finding survivors are 'very remote'.
" However, it is with deepest of regrets that we have to state that chances of finding any survivors are now very remote," read the statement.
Lt Gen DS Hooda, Army Commander, Northern Command has expressed his grief on the tragic incident.
He said, “It is a tragic event and we salute the soldiers who braved all challenges to guard our frontiers and made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty”.
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