Buried under the snow from head to toe, Fulvio Giovannini have survived nearly an hour without being able to make the slightest movement. WION brings you the story of this Italian Avalanche survivor.

Fulvio Giovannini: The Italian man who survived Avalanche

Several high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh were wrapped in thick white sheets of snow, with many tourist destinations like Kufri, Manali and Auli receiving the season's first snowfall, while temperatures dipped in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab following rains.

Heavy snowfall and landslides in the Union Territory forced the closure of the important Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban and authorities in Kashmir have issued an avalanche warning for four districts -- Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla and Ganderbal.

The Himalayan shrines of Kedarnath and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand closed for the winters amid heavy snowfall in the upper reaches of the state.

Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 25.8 degrees Celsius, the lowest this season so far, following rains under the influence of a Western Disturbance.

However, the minimum temperature rose to 16 degrees Celsius, the highest since October 22, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

IMD officials attributed the drop in the maximum temperature and the increase in the minimum temperature to the presence of clouds in the region under the influence of the Western Disturbance.

Until now, Delhi had been witnessing a trend of low minimum temperatures this month due to the absence of cloud cover.

Clouds trap some of the outgoing infrared radiation and radiate it back downward, warming the ground.

The minimum temperature is likely to drop below the 10 degrees Celsius mark by Friday, according to the IMD.

The department said that "as the Western Disturbance withdraws from the region, the wind direction will again change to Northwesterly".

"Cold winds from hilly regions, which have received a fresh bout of snowfall, will start blowing towards the national capital," an IMD official said.

Many places in Haryana and Punjab received rains, causing a dip in the mercury, the meteorological (MeT) department said, adding that a few places, including Chandigarh, received showers on Monday morning as well.

Places that received rains on Sunday included Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Patiala, Ludhiana, Panchkula, Sonipat, Gurgaon, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Jind and Hisar.

Isolated places in Haryana were also lashed by hailstorms.

The minimum temperature in the two states dropped by a few notches after the rains, department officials said.

Upper Himalayan areas, including Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Auli and Harsil, of Uttarakhand received the season's first heavy snowfall, intensifying cold conditions across the state.

Snowfall began on Sunday night and continued till Monday morning, according to officials.

Heavy snowfall delayed the departure of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his Uttarakhand counterpart Trivendra Singh Rawat for Badrinath after they had offered prayers at Kedarnath temple and attended a ceremony for the closure of its portals for winter.

Himachal Pradesh's tourist hotspots Kufri and Manali received the first snowfall of the season, the MeT department said.

Kufri received 7 cm snowfall whereas Manali in Kullu district received 2 cm in the last 24 hours, Shimla MeT Centre Director Manmohan Singh said, adding that Sangla recoded 25 cm snowfall, Gondla 20 cm, Khadrala 18 cm, Kalpa 5.6 cm and Keylong 4 cm.

Besides, several other areas of the state including its capital Shimla experienced 21.6 mm rainfall.

The tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti's administrative centre Keylong was recorded as the coldest place in the state at minus 3 degrees Celsius, the weatherman said.

While Kalpa recorded a low of minus 0.8 degrees Celsius, Kufri's minimum temperature settled at zero degree Celsius.

Dalhousie and Shimla recorded a low of 0.6 and 3.6 degrees Celsius respectively, Singh added.

In Jammu and Kashmir, security forces have rescued 10 people, including two women and a child, after they were trapped in heavy snowfall at the high-altitude Sinthan pass, a defence spokesperson said.

The rescue operation was carried out late Sunday night after information was received about a group of civilians stranded at Sinthan pass that connects Kishtwar district of Jammu region with Kashmir's Anantnag, he said.

The rescue team, comprising army and police personnel, walked for five hours along the National Highway 244 in zero visibility conditions during the night and brought the stranded people to Sinthan ground where they were provided with food and shelter, the spokesperson said.

Heavy snowfall in the Union Territory also affected traffic on major roads.

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with rest of the country, was closed for traffic following snowfall around Jawahar Tunnel and landslides from the hillocks at several places in Ramban district, officials said.

The alternate link between the valley and rest of the country, Mughal Road, also remained closed for the third day as high-altitude areas experienced snowfall, while plains of Jammu and other parts were lashed by rains since Sunday afternoon, the officials said.

Light rain, which was triggered by the Western Disturbance, was recorded in a few areas of eastern Rajasthan since Sunday and Bari in Dholpur and Mandrayal in Karauli both received 4 cm rainfall.

Sarmathura, Dholpur, Sapotra (Karauli) recorded 3 cm while a few other places received below 3 cm rains, according to the MeT department.

The temperature last night was recorded at 12 degrees Celsius in Jaisalmer and 19.2 degrees Celsius in Kota.

Several high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh were wrapped in thick white sheets of snow, with many tourist destinations like Kufri, Manali and Auli receiving the season's first snowfall, while temperatures dipped in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab following rains.

Several high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh were wrapped in thick white sheets of snow, with many tourist destinations like Kufri, Manali and Auli receiving the season's first snowfall, while temperatures dipped in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab following rains. Heavy snowfall and landslides in the Union Territory forced the closure of the important Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban and authorities in Kashmir have issued an avalanche warning for four districts -- Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla and Ganderbal. The Himalayan shrines of Kedarnath and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand closed for the winters amid heavy snowfall in the upper reaches of the state. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 25.8 degrees Celsius, the lowest this season so far, following rains under the influence of a Western Disturbance. However, the minimum temperature rose to 16 degrees Celsius, the highest since October 22, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). IMD officials attributed the drop in the maximum temperature and the increase in the minimum temperature to the presence of clouds in the region under the influence of the Western Disturbance. Until now, Delhi had been witnessing a trend of low minimum temperatures this month due to the absence of cloud cover. Clouds trap some of the outgoing infrared radiation and radiate it back downward, warming the ground. The minimum temperature is likely to drop below the 10 degrees Celsius mark by Friday, according to the IMD. The department said that "as the Western Disturbance withdraws from the region, the wind direction will again change to Northwesterly". "Cold winds from hilly regions, which have received a fresh bout of snowfall, will start blowing towards the national capital," an IMD official said. Many places in Haryana and Punjab received rains, causing a dip in the mercury, the meteorological (MeT) department said, adding that a few places, including Chandigarh, received showers on Monday morning as well. Places that received rains on Sunday included Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Patiala, Ludhiana, Panchkula, Sonipat, Gurgaon, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Jind and Hisar. Isolated places in Haryana were also lashed by hailstorms. The minimum temperature in the two states dropped by a few notches after the rains, department officials said. Upper Himalayan areas, including Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Auli and Harsil, of Uttarakhand received the season's first heavy snowfall, intensifying cold conditions across the state. Snowfall began on Sunday night and continued till Monday morning, according to officials. Heavy snowfall delayed the departure of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his Uttarakhand counterpart Trivendra Singh Rawat for Badrinath after they had offered prayers at Kedarnath temple and attended a ceremony for the closure of its portals for winter. Himachal Pradesh's tourist hotspots Kufri and Manali received the first snowfall of the season, the MeT department said. Kufri received 7 cm snowfall whereas Manali in Kullu district received 2 cm in the last 24 hours, Shimla MeT Centre Director Manmohan Singh said, adding that Sangla recoded 25 cm snowfall, Gondla 20 cm, Khadrala 18 cm, Kalpa 5.6 cm and Keylong 4 cm. Besides, several other areas of the state including its capital Shimla experienced 21.6 mm rainfall. The tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti's administrative centre Keylong was recorded as the coldest place in the state at minus 3 degrees Celsius, the weatherman said. While Kalpa recorded a low of minus 0.8 degrees Celsius, Kufri's minimum temperature settled at zero degree Celsius. Dalhousie and Shimla recorded a low of 0.6 and 3.6 degrees Celsius respectively, Singh added. In Jammu and Kashmir, security forces have rescued 10 people, including two women and a child, after they were trapped in heavy snowfall at the high-altitude Sinthan pass, a defence spokesperson said. The rescue operation was carried out late Sunday night after information was received about a group of civilians stranded at Sinthan pass that connects Kishtwar district of Jammu region with Kashmir's Anantnag, he said. The rescue team, comprising army and police personnel, walked for five hours along the National Highway 244 in zero visibility conditions during the night and brought the stranded people to Sinthan ground where they were provided with food and shelter, the spokesperson said. Heavy snowfall in the Union Territory also affected traffic on major roads. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with rest of the country, was closed for traffic following snowfall around Jawahar Tunnel and landslides from the hillocks at several places in Ramban district, officials said. The alternate link between the valley and rest of the country, Mughal Road, also remained closed for the third day as high-altitude areas experienced snowfall, while plains of Jammu and other parts were lashed by rains since Sunday afternoon, the officials said. Light rain, which was triggered by the Western Disturbance, was recorded in a few areas of eastern Rajasthan since Sunday and Bari in Dholpur and Mandrayal in Karauli both received 4 cm rainfall. Sarmathura, Dholpur, Sapotra (Karauli) recorded 3 cm while a few other places received below 3 cm rains, according to the MeT department. The temperature last night was recorded at 12 degrees Celsius in Jaisalmer and 19.2 degrees Celsius in Kota.

Heavy snowfall in J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal; avalanche warning in four Kashmir districts

Authorities in Kashmir issued an avalanche warning in four districts of the valley on Monday as the higher reaches of the union territory received moderate to heavy snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rains.

The avalanche warning has been issued in Kupwara, Bandipora and Baramulla districts of north Kashmir, and Ganderbal district in central Kashmir, officials said.

While a medium danger avalanche warning has been issued for the higher reaches of Kupwara and Bandipora districts, a low danger avalanche warning has been issued for the higher reaches of Ganderbal and Baramulla districts, they said.

The warning was issued in view of snowfall which started on Saturday and continued till Monday morning, they added.

According to the officials, this is the season's first major snowfall in the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla and the tourist resort of Sonamarg in Ganderbal.

Gulmarg received 19 cm of snow in the last 24 hours, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district received light snowfall, the officials said.

Gurez in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, Zojilla Pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway, and Drass in Ladakh also received snowfall, they said.

Due to the snowfall, the authorities closed the Srinagar-Leh road, which connects Jammu and Kashmir with Ladakh, for traffic on Saturday, they added.

The officials said most of the areas in the plains of the Kashmir valley received rains, bringing down the temperature.

The meteorological department said while the weather improved significantly in both the UTs on Monday, light rain or snow at scattered places is likely during the next 24 hours.

Authorities in Kashmir issued an avalanche warning in four districts of the valley on Monday as the higher reaches of the union territory received moderate to heavy snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rains.

Authorities in Kashmir issued an avalanche warning in four districts of the valley on Monday as the higher reaches of the union territory received moderate to heavy snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rains. The avalanche warning has been issued in Kupwara, Bandipora and Baramulla districts of north Kashmir, and Ganderbal district in central Kashmir, officials said. While a medium danger avalanche warning has been issued for the higher reaches of Kupwara and Bandipora districts, a low danger avalanche warning has been issued for the higher reaches of Ganderbal and Baramulla districts, they said. The warning was issued in view of snowfall which started on Saturday and continued till Monday morning, they added. According to the officials, this is the season's first major snowfall in the famous ski resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla and the tourist resort of Sonamarg in Ganderbal. Gulmarg received 19 cm of snow in the last 24 hours, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir's Anantnag district received light snowfall, the officials said. Gurez in north Kashmir's Bandipora district, Zojilla Pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway, and Drass in Ladakh also received snowfall, they said. Due to the snowfall, the authorities closed the Srinagar-Leh road, which connects Jammu and Kashmir with Ladakh, for traffic on Saturday, they added. The officials said most of the areas in the plains of the Kashmir valley received rains, bringing down the temperature. The meteorological department said while the weather improved significantly in both the UTs on Monday, light rain or snow at scattered places is likely during the next 24 hours.

Avalanche warning issued for four districts in Kashmir

Over 200 people have been rescued from Mount Everest and Annapurna in Nepal on Saturday, a day after an avalanche hit a section on Annapurna circuit trekking route, Department of Tourism said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-south-korean-trekkers-among-seven-missing-in-nepal-avalanche-275074">Four South Korean trekkers among seven missing in Nepal avalanche</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Department of Tourism, Nepal: Over 200 people have been rescued from Mount Everest and Annapurna. An avalanche had hit a section on Annapurna circuit trekking route yesterday.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1218491280960806913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A search and rescue team had been deployed yesterday in the avalanche-hit areas to find several trekkers from South Korea and China who had gone missing, authorities had said.

Two helicopters that flew from Pokhara to the avalanche hit area also had an aerial survey of Macchapuchre and Annapurna base camps to check their condition.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-army-school-trains-soldiers-at-high-altitude-for-avalanche-rescue-274943/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Both base camps are intact. We are continuing our search and rescue operation but haven't got any clue about the missing ones," secretary of Chomrong Tourism Management Committee Dilip Gurung.

"We are continuing our efforts to locate the missing four Koreans and a Chinese who has gone missing since Friday morning after an avalanche hit Himku near the Annapurna Base Camp," Gurung added.

The missing Koreans include Li Min Su (57), Kim Suk Ja (53), Jiyong Pil Bong (59) and Choi Hyo On (38).

Over 200 people have been rescued from Mount Everest and Annapurna in Nepal on Saturday, a day after an avalanche hit a section on Annapurna circuit trekking route, Department of Tourism said.

Over 200 people have been rescued from Mount Everest and Annapurna in Nepal on Saturday, a day after an avalanche hit a section on Annapurna circuit trekking route, Department of Tourism said. Also read: Four South Korean trekkers among seven missing in Nepal avalanche Department of Tourism, Nepal: Over 200 people have been rescued from Mount Everest and Annapurna. An avalanche had hit a section on Annapurna circuit trekking route yesterday. — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2020 × A search and rescue team had been deployed yesterday in the avalanche-hit areas to find several trekkers from South Korea and China who had gone missing, authorities had said. Two helicopters that flew from Pokhara to the avalanche hit area also had an aerial survey of Macchapuchre and Annapurna base camps to check their condition. "Both base camps are intact. We are continuing our search and rescue operation but haven't got any clue about the missing ones," secretary of Chomrong Tourism Management Committee Dilip Gurung. "We are continuing our efforts to locate the missing four Koreans and a Chinese who has gone missing since Friday morning after an avalanche hit Himku near the Annapurna Base Camp," Gurung added. The missing Koreans include Li Min Su (57), Kim Suk Ja (53), Jiyong Pil Bong (59) and Choi Hyo On (38).

Nepal avalanche: Nearly 200 rescued from Mount Everest and Annapurna

Avalanches killed six people in Austria Sunday in two separate incidents, police said.

At least five people were swept away Sunday morning by a large avalanche on a mountain in Upper Austria, part of a group walking in snowshoes on the Dachstein range.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/20-killed-several-injured-as-heavy-rains-lash-pakistan-284953">20 killed, several injured as heavy rains lash Pakistan</a>

Local police said five bodies had been recovered from the avalanche, which began 9,200 feet&nbsp;up. The victims were thought to be from the Czech Republic, they added.

Although they did not think there were other victims, mountain rescue workers were searching the site, team leader Christoph Preimesberger told the sources.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austria-slams-turkey-for-blackmailing-eu-over-migration-283989">Austria slams Turkey for 'blackmailing' EU over migration</a>

In January 2019, about 60 residents in the town of Ramsau-am-Dachstein, which also lies in the Dachstein range, escaped another large avalanche which caused significant damage but no casualties.

Elsewhere Sunday, a 33-year-old police officer died in an avalanche in the southern Carinthia region on the Grossglockner peak.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hitlers-opera-composition-on-displayed-in-austria-objects-collected-by-august-kubizek-283678/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Local police said he died while taking part in a training exercise.

Avalanches killed six people in Austria Sunday in two separate incidents, police said. At least five people were swept away Sunday morning by a large avalanche on a mountain in Upper Austria, part of a group walking in snowshoes on the Dachstein range.

Avalanches killed six people in Austria Sunday in two separate incidents, police said. At least five people were swept away Sunday morning by a large avalanche on a mountain in Upper Austria, part of a group walking in snowshoes on the Dachstein range. Also read: 20 killed, several injured as heavy rains lash Pakistan Local police said five bodies had been recovered from the avalanche, which began 9,200 feet up. The victims were thought to be from the Czech Republic, they added. Although they did not think there were other victims, mountain rescue workers were searching the site, team leader Christoph Preimesberger told the sources. Also see: Austria slams Turkey for 'blackmailing' EU over migration In January 2019, about 60 residents in the town of Ramsau-am-Dachstein, which also lies in the Dachstein range, escaped another large avalanche which caused significant damage but no casualties. Elsewhere Sunday, a 33-year-old police officer died in an avalanche in the southern Carinthia region on the Grossglockner peak. Watch: × Local police said he died while taking part in a training exercise.

Avalanches kills six in Austria

Heavy&nbsp;snow, chilling winds and poor visibility hampered the&nbsp;search&nbsp;Sunday for four South Koreans and three Nepalis caught in an avalanche in the popular <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-avalanche-nearly-200-rescued-from-mt-everest-and-annapurna-275170">Annapurna</a> region of the Himalayas, officials said.

Relatives of the&nbsp;missing&nbsp;Koreans have arrived in <a>Kathmandu</a> alongside several officials sent by Seoul to help with the emergency rescue efforts, Ang Dorjee Sherpa of the&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;Alpine Federation said.

The&nbsp;missing&nbsp;group was near the Annapurna base camp around 3,230 meters (10,600 feet) above sea level when the avalanche struck after&nbsp;heavy&nbsp;snowfall on Friday.

"Search&nbsp;and rescue efforts are underway but weather and&nbsp;snow&nbsp;in the area have made it difficult to make much progress," said Mira Acharya from&nbsp;Nepal's tourism department.&nbsp;

Helicopters were sent out on Saturday to rescue about 200 people stranded around Annapurna and other nearby mountains after the incident.

Photos from the area shared on social media showed guesthouses along the trekking route blanketed in a thick layer of&nbsp;snow.

Tek Gurung, a guesthouse owner aiding in the&nbsp;search&nbsp;operation, said more than two meters of&nbsp;snow&nbsp;(6.6 feet) had fallen on the hiking trails.

"We have been searching since yesterday but have not found anything yet. It is very windy and snowy here, to&nbsp;search&nbsp;the&nbsp;snow-covered areas on foot is difficult," Gurung said.

"There are still masses of&nbsp;snow&nbsp;falling from above."

<img alt="Trekkers arrive after a rescue operation from the Annapurna circuit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="135a8a31-837b-4b83-ad08-f5c4acc5f821" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2830%29_5.jpg" /> 
[ Trekkers arrive after a rescue operation from the Annapurna circuit (Courtesy: AFP) ]

Six of the&nbsp;missing&nbsp;were part of the same expedition, while one Nepali porter was escorting a different group.&nbsp;

The four foreigners which include two men and two women were part of an 11-member team of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-south-korean-trekkers-among-seven-missing-in-nepal-avalanche-275074">South&nbsp;Korean</a>&nbsp;nationals.&nbsp;

"The rest of the team are unhurt and have safely come down. We are coordinating to make the&nbsp;search&nbsp;operation effective," said Dilip Gurung of the tourism management committee in Chhomrong, which lies on the trekking route.

Education officials in Seoul said they were part of a team of volunteer teachers working with children in&nbsp;Nepal.&nbsp;

Two more South Koreans were due to arrive in&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;on Sunday to help with the&nbsp;search, the country's foreign ministry said.

Sherpa said it had snowed heavily around Annapurna in recent days, making the trek risky.

"The weather and&nbsp;snow&nbsp;got worse and, feeling it was becoming dangerous and difficult, they decided to turn. As they were heading back the avalanche hit," Sherpa said&nbsp;on Saturday.

Annapurna is an avalanche-prone and technically difficult mountain range with a higher death rate than Everest, the world's highest peak.&nbsp;

Thousands of&nbsp;trekkers&nbsp;visit the route every year for its stunning views of the Himalayas.

A&nbsp;snowstorm&nbsp;killed about 40 people on the circuit in 2014, in one of the biggest trekking tragedies to hit&nbsp;Nepal.

Heavy snow, chilling winds and poor visibility hampered the search Sunday for four South Koreans and three Nepalis caught in an avalanche in the popular Annapurna region of the Himalayas, officials said.

Heavy snow, chilling winds and poor visibility hampered the search Sunday for four South Koreans and three Nepalis caught in an avalanche in the popular Annapurna region of the Himalayas, officials said. Relatives of the missing Koreans have arrived in Kathmandu alongside several officials sent by Seoul to help with the emergency rescue efforts, Ang Dorjee Sherpa of the Korean Alpine Federation said. The missing group was near the Annapurna base camp around 3,230 meters (10,600 feet) above sea level when the avalanche struck after heavy snowfall on Friday. "Search and rescue efforts are underway but weather and snow in the area have made it difficult to make much progress," said Mira Acharya from Nepal's tourism department. Helicopters were sent out on Saturday to rescue about 200 people stranded around Annapurna and other nearby mountains after the incident. Photos from the area shared on social media showed guesthouses along the trekking route blanketed in a thick layer of snow. Tek Gurung, a guesthouse owner aiding in the search operation, said more than two meters of snow (6.6 feet) had fallen on the hiking trails. "We have been searching since yesterday but have not found anything yet. It is very windy and snowy here, to search the snow-covered areas on foot is difficult," Gurung said. "There are still masses of snow falling from above." [ Trekkers arrive after a rescue operation from the Annapurna circuit (Courtesy: AFP) ] Six of the missing were part of the same expedition, while one Nepali porter was escorting a different group. The four foreigners which include two men and two women were part of an 11-member team of South Korean nationals. "The rest of the team are unhurt and have safely come down. We are coordinating to make the search operation effective," said Dilip Gurung of the tourism management committee in Chhomrong, which lies on the trekking route. Education officials in Seoul said they were part of a team of volunteer teachers working with children in Nepal. Two more South Koreans were due to arrive in Nepal on Sunday to help with the search, the country's foreign ministry said. Sherpa said it had snowed heavily around Annapurna in recent days, making the trek risky. "The weather and snow got worse and, feeling it was becoming dangerous and difficult, they decided to turn. As they were heading back the avalanche hit," Sherpa said on Saturday. Annapurna is an avalanche-prone and technically difficult mountain range with a higher death rate than Everest, the world's highest peak. Thousands of trekkers visit the route every year for its stunning views of the Himalayas. A snowstorm killed about 40 people on the circuit in 2014, in one of the biggest trekking tragedies to hit Nepal.

Heavy snow hampers search for missing South Korean, Nepal trekkers

Seven&nbsp;trekkers, including&nbsp;four&nbsp;South&nbsp;Koreans, went&nbsp;missing&nbsp;in&nbsp;Nepal's northwest Himalayan region after an&nbsp;avalanche&nbsp;hit their trail, local police and hiking officials said on Saturday.

The area where the&nbsp;avalanche&nbsp;struck the group, which also included three local guides, is estimated to be about 150 km (93.21 miles) northwest of&nbsp;Nepali capital <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/worlds-shortest-man-khagendra-thapa-magar-dies-in-nepal-at-27-274952">Kathmandu</a>, according to the officials. The&nbsp;avalanche&nbsp;was triggered by heavy rain and snowfall, they said.

"Four&nbsp;of our&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;clients, who were trekking in the Annapurna region are not in contact and are&nbsp;missing&nbsp;since an&nbsp;avalanche&nbsp;struck them on Friday," Sandesh Pandey, who runs the tour company which organized the hike, told reporters.

Mount Annapurna, in northwest&nbsp;Nepal, is the world's tenth highest mountain at 8,091 meters (26,545 feet) and its base camp is popular with thousands of&nbsp;trekkers&nbsp;who visit annually.

The three&nbsp;Nepali guides are also not reachable, said Mira Acharya, a tourism department official in Kathmandu.

Four&nbsp;helicopters have been deployed for the search and rescue mission with police and local volunteers also looking for the&nbsp;trekkers, Acharya said, adding, however, that rough weather conditions were making the operation difficult.

The incident comes as the annual trekking season in&nbsp;Nepal, home to eight of the world's 14 highest mountain peaks including Mount Everest, is drawing to a close.

It could potentially dampen the mood for the Himalayan nation's tourism industry, yet to recover from a devastating earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people in 2015 including 18 climbers and their guides at the base camp of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/satellite-images-find-grass-shrubs-in-mount-everest-273403">Mount Everest</a>.

Cash-strapped&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;earns 4 per cent&nbsp;of GDP through income from tourists.

About 8 per cent of the nearly 1.1 million tourists who visited the country in 2019 went hiking or mountain climbing, according to official estimates.

Separately,&nbsp;four&nbsp;rescue helicopters on Saturday evacuated nearly 200&nbsp;trekkers&nbsp;in the Annapurna region about 140 of them foreigners&nbsp;to safer locations, police said. Their nationalities are not yet known.

Seven trekkers, including four South Koreans, went missing in Nepal's northwest Himalayan region after an avalanche hit their trail, local police and hiking officials said on Saturday.

Seven trekkers, including four South Koreans, went missing in Nepal's northwest Himalayan region after an avalanche hit their trail, local police and hiking officials said on Saturday. The area where the avalanche struck the group, which also included three local guides, is estimated to be about 150 km (93.21 miles) northwest of Nepali capital Kathmandu, according to the officials. The avalanche was triggered by heavy rain and snowfall, they said. "Four of our Korean clients, who were trekking in the Annapurna region are not in contact and are missing since an avalanche struck them on Friday," Sandesh Pandey, who runs the tour company which organized the hike, told reporters. Mount Annapurna, in northwest Nepal, is the world's tenth highest mountain at 8,091 meters (26,545 feet) and its base camp is popular with thousands of trekkers who visit annually. The three Nepali guides are also not reachable, said Mira Acharya, a tourism department official in Kathmandu. Four helicopters have been deployed for the search and rescue mission with police and local volunteers also looking for the trekkers, Acharya said, adding, however, that rough weather conditions were making the operation difficult. The incident comes as the annual trekking season in Nepal, home to eight of the world's 14 highest mountain peaks including Mount Everest, is drawing to a close. It could potentially dampen the mood for the Himalayan nation's tourism industry, yet to recover from a devastating earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people in 2015 including 18 climbers and their guides at the base camp of Mount Everest. Cash-strapped Nepal earns 4 per cent of GDP through income from tourists. About 8 per cent of the nearly 1.1 million tourists who visited the country in 2019 went hiking or mountain climbing, according to official estimates. Separately, four rescue helicopters on Saturday evacuated nearly 200 trekkers in the Annapurna region about 140 of them foreigners to safer locations, police said. Their nationalities are not yet known.

Four South Korean trekkers among seven missing in Nepal avalanche

Search teams found the bodies of 14 people buried by&nbsp;avalanches&nbsp;and heavy snowfall in Pakistani-administered Kashmir Wednesday, with harsh weather hampering rescuers as they race to find any survivors, officials said.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll&nbsp;from days of bad weather now stands at 76 in Kashmir, and at&nbsp;least&nbsp;100&nbsp;across the country, according to a statement from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/gravitas-98-dead-in-avalanches-landslides-in-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-274510/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Most were killed in Kashmir's picturesque Neelum Valley, which had been hard hit by&nbsp;avalanches&nbsp;earlier in the week, said operations director of the Kashmiri disaster management authority Saeed ur Rehamn Qureshi.&nbsp;

He said "scores" of houses had been damaged, and put the&nbsp;death&nbsp;toll&nbsp;slightly higher than the national authorities, at 77 dead with 94 wounded.&nbsp;

One Neelum Valley resident, Lal Hussain Minhas, said he had pulled his cousin's wife from under the&nbsp;snow&nbsp;and debris when her house was hit by an avalanche.

Now, he told AFP by telephone, he and other locals are trying to reach two of her children trapped beneath a collapsed roof.

Some 24 people were killed in heavy snowfall in other parts of the country, the NDMA said.

Forecasts suggest more harsh weather is on the way.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday visited some of the injured in a hospital in Muzaffarabad, the capital of&nbsp;Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Authorities have shuttered schools, while several highways and roads were closed across the country's northern mountainous areas, according to officials.

Search teams found the bodies of 14 people buried by avalanches and heavy snowfall in Pakistani-administered Kashmir Wednesday, with harsh weather hampering rescuers as they race to find any survivors, officials said.

Search teams found the bodies of 14 people buried by avalanches and heavy snowfall in Pakistani-administered Kashmir Wednesday, with harsh weather hampering rescuers as they race to find any survivors, officials said. The death toll from days of bad weather now stands at 76 in Kashmir, and at least 100 across the country, according to a statement from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). × Most were killed in Kashmir's picturesque Neelum Valley, which had been hard hit by avalanches earlier in the week, said operations director of the Kashmiri disaster management authority Saeed ur Rehamn Qureshi. He said "scores" of houses had been damaged, and put the death toll slightly higher than the national authorities, at 77 dead with 94 wounded. One Neelum Valley resident, Lal Hussain Minhas, said he had pulled his cousin's wife from under the snow and debris when her house was hit by an avalanche. Now, he told AFP by telephone, he and other locals are trying to reach two of her children trapped beneath a collapsed roof. Some 24 people were killed in heavy snowfall in other parts of the country, the NDMA said. Forecasts suggest more harsh weather is on the way. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday visited some of the injured in a hospital in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Authorities have shuttered schools, while several highways and roads were closed across the country's northern mountainous areas, according to officials.

Death toll rises to at least 100 after Pakistan snow, avalanches

More 67 people died and many missing after avalanches in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to a report, the worst hit was the Neelum Valley area where at least 19 people lost their lives. Also, 4 Indian army soldiers lost their lives in Jammu & Kashmir.

Several Avalanches hit PoK, over 67 dead

At least 57 people died and others were missing after avalanches in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir over the last 24 hours, senior government officials informed on Tuesday.

Dozens killed in avalanches in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

Two soldiers were killed after an Army patrol operating in Southern Siachen Glacier was hit by an avalanche.

Indian Army spokesperson, Colonel Rajesh Kalia said, "An Army patrol operating at an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet in Southern Siachen Glacier was hit by an avalanche during the early hours of November 30."

An Avalanche Rescue Team (ART) following the patrol immediately rushed and managed to locate and pull out all members of the patrol.

Simultaneously, Army helicopters were pressed into service to evacuate the avalanche victims.

However, despite best efforts by the medical teams, two Army personnel succumbed in the avalanche.

Indian Army's Northern Command in a tweet paid tributes to the two bravehearts who lost their life.

"Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, ArmyCdrNC and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of Nb Sub Tsewang Gialshan and Rfn Padma Norgais; offer deepest condolences to the families," the Northern Command said in a tweet.

On November 18, six persons including four soldiers and two porters were killed in an avalanche in the Siachen Glacier.

Siachen Glacier is the world's highest battlefield and more troops have been killed in weather and terrain-related incidents in the area than in enemy firing.

India has deployed troops in its territory since 1984 after Pakistan tried to usurp the glacier by sending its troops and mountaineering expeditions in the area.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Two soldiers were killed after an Army patrol operating in Southern Siachen Glacier was hit by an avalanche. Indian Army spokesperson, Colonel Rajesh Kalia said, "An Army patrol operating at an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet in Southern Siachen Glacier was hit by an avalanche during the early hours of November 30.

Two soldiers were killed after an Army patrol operating in Southern Siachen Glacier was hit by an avalanche. Indian Army spokesperson, Colonel Rajesh Kalia said, "An Army patrol operating at an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet in Southern Siachen Glacier was hit by an avalanche during the early hours of November 30." An Avalanche Rescue Team (ART) following the patrol immediately rushed and managed to locate and pull out all members of the patrol. Simultaneously, Army helicopters were pressed into service to evacuate the avalanche victims. However, despite best efforts by the medical teams, two Army personnel succumbed in the avalanche. Indian Army's Northern Command in a tweet paid tributes to the two bravehearts who lost their life. "Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, ArmyCdrNC and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of Nb Sub Tsewang Gialshan and Rfn Padma Norgais; offer deepest condolences to the families," the Northern Command said in a tweet. On November 18, six persons including four soldiers and two porters were killed in an avalanche in the Siachen Glacier. Siachen Glacier is the world's highest battlefield and more troops have been killed in weather and terrain-related incidents in the area than in enemy firing. India has deployed troops in its territory since 1984 after Pakistan tried to usurp the glacier by sending its troops and mountaineering expeditions in the area.

Two soldiers killed in avalanche at Siachen

The bodies of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-world-class-climbers-presumed-dead-in-canadian-avalanche-211737">three world-renowned professional mountaineers</a> -- two Austrians and an American -- were found Sunday after they went missing during an avalanche on a western Canadian summit, the national parks agency said.

American Jess Roskelley, 36, and Hansjorg Auer, 35, and David Lama, 28, of Austria went missing late Tuesday at Banff National Park. Authorities launched an aerial search the next day.

The three men were attempting to climb the east face of Howse Pass, an isolated and highly difficult route. They were part of a team of experienced athletes sponsored by American outdoor equipment firm The North Face.

"Parks Canada extends our sincere condolences to their families, friends and loved ones," the agency said in a statement. "We would also like to acknowledge the impact that this has had on the tight-knit, local and international climbing communities. Our thoughts are with families, friends and all those who have been affected by this tragic incident."

Roskelley was the son of John Roskelley, who was also considered one of the best mountaineers of his own generation. Father and son had climbed Mount Everest together in 2003. At the time, the younger Roskelley was only 20 years old, and became the youngest mountaineer to climb the planet's highest mountain above sea level.

Auer and Lama, from Tyrol in Austria, were also considered among the best mountaineers of the times.&nbsp;

The bodies of three world-renowned professional mountaineers -- two Austrians and an American -- were found Sunday after they went missing during an avalanche on a western Canadian summit, the national parks agency said.

The bodies of three world-renowned professional mountaineers -- two Austrians and an American -- were found Sunday after they went missing during an avalanche on a western Canadian summit, the national parks agency said. American Jess Roskelley, 36, and Hansjorg Auer, 35, and David Lama, 28, of Austria went missing late Tuesday at Banff National Park. Authorities launched an aerial search the next day. The three men were attempting to climb the east face of Howse Pass, an isolated and highly difficult route. They were part of a team of experienced athletes sponsored by American outdoor equipment firm The North Face. "Parks Canada extends our sincere condolences to their families, friends and loved ones," the agency said in a statement. "We would also like to acknowledge the impact that this has had on the tight-knit, local and international climbing communities. Our thoughts are with families, friends and all those who have been affected by this tragic incident." Roskelley was the son of John Roskelley, who was also considered one of the best mountaineers of his own generation. Father and son had climbed Mount Everest together in 2003. At the time, the younger Roskelley was only 20 years old, and became the youngest mountaineer to climb the planet's highest mountain above sea level. Auer and Lama, from Tyrol in Austria, were also considered among the best mountaineers of the times.

Days after avalanche, bodies of three mountaineers found in Canada

Austrian climber David Lama is among <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-world-class-climbers-presumed-dead-in-canadian-avalanche-211737">three renowned professional alpinists who are missing</a> and presumed dead after an avalanche in Canada's Rocky Mountains, Parks Canada said on Thursday.

Climbing media named the men as 28-year-old David Lama, fellow Austrian Hansjörg Auer, 35, and American Jess Roskelley, 36, saying they were killed after attempting to climb a challenging route on Howse Peak in Banff National Park.

Canadian authorities did not release the names of the three men, but said they were one American and two Europeans and described them as highly experienced professional mountain athletes.

Lama and Auer were world-class mountaineers who had climbed some of the toughest routes around the globe.

Roskelley was best-known for climbing Mount Everest at age 20 in 2003, making him the youngest person at the time to have climbed the world's highest mountain.

Parks Canada said in a statement the party was attempting the east face of Howse Peak. The three men probably started their ascent on Tuesday, Stephen Holeczi, Parks Canada visitor safety specialist said.

They were reported overdue on Wednesday.

Austrian climber David Lama is among three renowned professional alpinists who are missing and presumed dead after an avalanche in Canada's Rocky Mountains, Parks Canada said on Thursday.

Austrian climber David Lama is among three renowned professional alpinists who are missing and presumed dead after an avalanche in Canada's Rocky Mountains, Parks Canada said on Thursday. Climbing media named the men as 28-year-old David Lama, fellow Austrian Hansjörg Auer, 35, and American Jess Roskelley, 36, saying they were killed after attempting to climb a challenging route on Howse Peak in Banff National Park. Canadian authorities did not release the names of the three men, but said they were one American and two Europeans and described them as highly experienced professional mountain athletes. Lama and Auer were world-class mountaineers who had climbed some of the toughest routes around the globe. Roskelley was best-known for climbing Mount Everest at age 20 in 2003, making him the youngest person at the time to have climbed the world's highest mountain. Parks Canada said in a statement the party was attempting the east face of Howse Peak. The three men probably started their ascent on Tuesday, Stephen Holeczi, Parks Canada visitor safety specialist said. They were reported overdue on Wednesday.

Austrian climber David Lama, one of three climbers presumed dead in Canadian avalanche

Six jawans of the Army's JK Rifles unit were feared dead in an avalanche on the Sino-India border in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district on Wednesday, officials said.

The body of one of the jawans was recovered, but there was no trace of five others, Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Gopal Chand said.

The avalanche occurred at around 11 am near Shipki La on the Sino-India border, he added.

Several jawans of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were also trapped in the avalanche. However, they had been rescued, Chand said.

According to Army officials, 16 jawans were patrolling the Sino-India border area when the avalanche struck, burying six of them alive. One of them was rescued, but he succumbed to his injuries subsequently.

A spokesperson of the Army said the search-and-rescue operation would go on till the last man was retrieved. A team of about 150 persons, including Army personnel, is searching for the trapped jawans, along with the police.

Six jawans of the Army's JK Rifles unit were feared dead in an avalanche on the Sino-India border in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district on Wednesday, officials said.

Six jawans of the Army's JK Rifles unit were feared dead in an avalanche on the Sino-India border in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district on Wednesday, officials said. The body of one of the jawans was recovered, but there was no trace of five others, Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Gopal Chand said. The avalanche occurred at around 11 am near Shipki La on the Sino-India border, he added. Several jawans of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were also trapped in the avalanche. However, they had been rescued, Chand said. According to Army officials, 16 jawans were patrolling the Sino-India border area when the avalanche struck, burying six of them alive. One of them was rescued, but he succumbed to his injuries subsequently. A spokesperson of the Army said the search-and-rescue operation would go on till the last man was retrieved. A team of about 150 persons, including Army personnel, is searching for the trapped jawans, along with the police.

6 Army jawans feared dead in avalanche in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur

An avalanche at a ski station in the Swiss Alps buried several people on Tuesday, regional police said, as local media reported that more than 10 people may have been submerged. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The avalanche on the Plaine-Morte ski track in Crans-Montana in southern Valais canton occurred in the early afternoon and left "several people buried", local police said in a tweet.

Officers said rescue teams were at the scene.&nbsp;

A local newspaper, Le Nouvelliste, quoted the head of Crans-Montana's municipal government, Nicolas Feraud, as estimating that "between 10 and 12 people" remained buried under the snow.

There was no official confirmation of any deaths. &nbsp;

"We are shocked and hope for good news about these people," Feraud was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

The paper also quoted one unidentified witness as saying that four people had been pulled out of the snow but their condition was unclear.&nbsp;

Four helicopters were searching for possible victims above the avalanche area, which covered roughly 400 metres (1,300 feet) of ski track, according to Le Nouvelliste. &nbsp;

In a statement, the Crans-Montana resort (CMA SA) said it was unable to confirm any victims.&nbsp;

Plaine-Morte, at an altitude of about 3,000 metres (9,800 feet), is the highest ski track at Crans-Montana.

Crans-Montana's website had listed the risk of an avalanche at two on scale that runs from one (lowest risk) to five.&nbsp;

Tuesday's avalanche was unusual in that it affected a designated ski track, while the vast majority of deadly avalanches in the Alpine nation hit people skiing off-piste.&nbsp;

Traffic is higher than normal at ski resorts across Switzerland this week because of mid-term school holidays. &nbsp;

An avalanche at a ski station in the Swiss Alps buried several people on Tuesday, regional police said, as local media reported that more than 10 people may have been submerged.

An avalanche at a ski station in the Swiss Alps buried several people on Tuesday, regional police said, as local media reported that more than 10 people may have been submerged. The avalanche on the Plaine-Morte ski track in Crans-Montana in southern Valais canton occurred in the early afternoon and left "several people buried", local police said in a tweet. Officers said rescue teams were at the scene. A local newspaper, Le Nouvelliste, quoted the head of Crans-Montana's municipal government, Nicolas Feraud, as estimating that "between 10 and 12 people" remained buried under the snow. There was no official confirmation of any deaths. "We are shocked and hope for good news about these people," Feraud was quoted as saying. The paper also quoted one unidentified witness as saying that four people had been pulled out of the snow but their condition was unclear. Four helicopters were searching for possible victims above the avalanche area, which covered roughly 400 metres (1,300 feet) of ski track, according to Le Nouvelliste. In a statement, the Crans-Montana resort (CMA SA) said it was unable to confirm any victims. Plaine-Morte, at an altitude of about 3,000 metres (9,800 feet), is the highest ski track at Crans-Montana. Crans-Montana's website had listed the risk of an avalanche at two on scale that runs from one (lowest risk) to five. Tuesday's avalanche was unusual in that it affected a designated ski track, while the vast majority of deadly avalanches in the Alpine nation hit people skiing off-piste. Traffic is higher than normal at ski resorts across Switzerland this week because of mid-term school holidays.

Several people 'buried' in avalanche at Swiss ski station

The body of a policeman, who was missing following an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-cops-among-seven-dead-in-kashmir-avalanche-196075">avalanche near Jawahar Tunnel</a> in Kulgam district two days ago, was found on Saturday, taking the death toll in the incident to eight, police said.

The body was extricated by a search and rescue team this morning, a police official said.

An avalanche hit a police post in the north portal of Jawahar Tunnel in Kulgam district on Thursday evening. While 10 cops were able to rush to safety, 10 others were trapped.

Bodies of five policemen and two prisoners were retrieved by the search and rescue team on Friday, he said.&nbsp;

While two cops were rescued, another was missing.

Heavy snowfall across Kashmir on Wednesday and Thursday has triggered avalanches and snowslides at many places in the hilly areas of the valley.&nbsp;

The body of a policeman, who was missing following an avalanche near Jawahar Tunnel in Kulgam district two days ago, was found on Saturday, taking the death toll in the incident to eight, police said.

The body of a policeman, who was missing following an avalanche near Jawahar Tunnel in Kulgam district two days ago, was found on Saturday, taking the death toll in the incident to eight, police said. The body was extricated by a search and rescue team this morning, a police official said. An avalanche hit a police post in the north portal of Jawahar Tunnel in Kulgam district on Thursday evening. While 10 cops were able to rush to safety, 10 others were trapped. Bodies of five policemen and two prisoners were retrieved by the search and rescue team on Friday, he said. While two cops were rescued, another was missing. Heavy snowfall across Kashmir on Wednesday and Thursday has triggered avalanches and snowslides at many places in the hilly areas of the valley.

J&K: One more cop dies in Kulgam avalanche incident, toll mounts to eight

At least 10 policemen were feared trapped inside their post after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said.

The avalanche hit the north portal of Jawahar Tunnel on the Qazigund side, a police official said.

While 10 policemen posted at the post near the tunnel were reported safe,10 others are believed to be trapped, he said.

"Police rescue teams and other concerned agencies have been rushed to the site," he added.

Kashmir valley has been witnessing heavy snowfall since Wednesday with Kulgam district in south Kashmir receiving maximum precipitation in the last 24 hours. Some places in the district have received as much as five feet snow, officials said.

The Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment has issued an avalanche warning of varying degrees to 16 of the 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours.

High danger avalanche warning has been issued to Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Kupwara districts in the valley, while medium danger warning was issued to Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Leh districts.

A low danger warning was issued for Kargil district.&nbsp;

At least 10 policemen were feared trapped inside their post after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said.

At least 10 policemen were feared trapped inside their post after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said. The avalanche hit the north portal of Jawahar Tunnel on the Qazigund side, a police official said. While 10 policemen posted at the post near the tunnel were reported safe,10 others are believed to be trapped, he said. "Police rescue teams and other concerned agencies have been rushed to the site," he added. Kashmir valley has been witnessing heavy snowfall since Wednesday with Kulgam district in south Kashmir receiving maximum precipitation in the last 24 hours. Some places in the district have received as much as five feet snow, officials said. The Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment has issued an avalanche warning of varying degrees to 16 of the 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours. High danger avalanche warning has been issued to Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Kupwara districts in the valley, while medium danger warning was issued to Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Leh districts. A low danger warning was issued for Kargil district.

10 policemen trapped as avalanche strikes J&K's Kulgam district

Seven people, including five cops, have died after an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-cop-rescued-nine-stuck-after-avalanche-strikes-kulgam-district-196014">avalanche struck Kulgam district</a> near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said.

Fresh snowfall in the state has triggered several avalanches at different places of the valley.&nbsp;

A Husband, wife duo lost their life on Thursday when an avalanche hit their house, however, their two kids were rescued by the locals.&nbsp;

Officials told WION that 18 people were inside a police post when the avalanche hit them. Eight of them somehow managed to escape to safety.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> : 7 bodies including that of 5 policemen have been recovered from near the police post in Jawahar Tunnel area in Kulgam district where an avalanche took place earlier today. One policeman still missing. Two policemen who were rescued in the morning are stable now <a href="https://t.co/yZBf4IGITA">pic.twitter.com/yZBf4IGITA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093916575978086401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"In the avalanche incident at JT (Jawahar Tunnel) Kulgam, seven bodies including five policemen have been recovered. One policeman is still missing. Two policemen rescued in the morning are stable," the police said.&nbsp;

NDRF, SDRF, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police began the rescue operation in the morning after it was halted throughout night due to bad weather conditions.&nbsp;

Kashmir valley has been witnessing heavy snowfall since Wednesday with Kulgam district in south Kashmir receiving maximum precipitation in the last 24 hours. Some places in the district have received as much as five feet snow, officials said.

The Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment has issued an avalanche warning of varying degrees to 16 of the 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours.

High danger avalanche warning has been issued to Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Kupwara districts in the valley, while medium danger warning was issued to Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Leh districts.

A low danger warning was issued for Kargil district.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Seven people, including five cops, have died after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said.

Seven people, including five cops, have died after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said. Fresh snowfall in the state has triggered several avalanches at different places of the valley. A Husband, wife duo lost their life on Thursday when an avalanche hit their house, however, their two kids were rescued by the locals. Officials told WION that 18 people were inside a police post when the avalanche hit them. Eight of them somehow managed to escape to safety. #JammuAndKashmir : 7 bodies including that of 5 policemen have been recovered from near the police post in Jawahar Tunnel area in Kulgam district where an avalanche took place earlier today. One policeman still missing. Two policemen who were rescued in the morning are stable now pic.twitter.com/yZBf4IGITA — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019 × "In the avalanche incident at JT (Jawahar Tunnel) Kulgam, seven bodies including five policemen have been recovered. One policeman is still missing. Two policemen rescued in the morning are stable," the police said. NDRF, SDRF, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police began the rescue operation in the morning after it was halted throughout night due to bad weather conditions. Kashmir valley has been witnessing heavy snowfall since Wednesday with Kulgam district in south Kashmir receiving maximum precipitation in the last 24 hours. Some places in the district have received as much as five feet snow, officials said. The Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment has issued an avalanche warning of varying degrees to 16 of the 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours. High danger avalanche warning has been issued to Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Kupwara districts in the valley, while medium danger warning was issued to Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Leh districts. A low danger warning was issued for Kargil district. (With inputs from PTI)

Five cops among seven dead in Kashmir avalanche

Three cops have been rescued while seven are missing after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said.

Among those rescued, one person&nbsp;has been identified as SPO Gulzar Ahmad, according to police.&nbsp;

NDRF, SDRF, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police began the rescue operation in the morning after it was halted throughout night due to bad weather conditions.&nbsp;

Forces are taking help of men and machinery to reach the spot, police said.

Ten people including six policemen, two fire service personnel and two prisoners went missing after the avalanche struck.

The avalanche hit the north portal of Jawahar Tunnel on the Qazigund side.

There were 18 people inside the police post, 8 of them managed to escape.&nbsp;

Kashmir valley has been witnessing heavy snowfall since Wednesday with Kulgam district in south Kashmir receiving maximum precipitation in the last 24 hours. Some places in the district have received as much as five feet snow, officials said.

The Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment has issued an avalanche warning of varying degrees to 16 of the 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours.

High danger avalanche warning has been issued to Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Kupwara districts in the valley, while medium danger warning was issued to Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Leh districts.

A low danger warning was issued for Kargil district.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Three cops have been rescued while seven are missing after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said.

Three cops have been rescued while seven are missing after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said. Among those rescued, one person has been identified as SPO Gulzar Ahmad, according to police. NDRF, SDRF, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police began the rescue operation in the morning after it was halted throughout night due to bad weather conditions. Forces are taking help of men and machinery to reach the spot, police said. Ten people including six policemen, two fire service personnel and two prisoners went missing after the avalanche struck. The avalanche hit the north portal of Jawahar Tunnel on the Qazigund side. There were 18 people inside the police post, 8 of them managed to escape. Kashmir valley has been witnessing heavy snowfall since Wednesday with Kulgam district in south Kashmir receiving maximum precipitation in the last 24 hours. Some places in the district have received as much as five feet snow, officials said. The Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment has issued an avalanche warning of varying degrees to 16 of the 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours. High danger avalanche warning has been issued to Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Kupwara districts in the valley, while medium danger warning was issued to Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Leh districts. A low danger warning was issued for Kargil district. (With inputs from PTI)

Three cops rescued, seven missing after avalanche strikes Kulgam district

Efforts of various rescue teams were finally paid off on Monday after they managed to pull out the tenth body from the avalanche site, which had hit two trucks, in Khardung La of Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The joint military-civil task force carried out relentless search operations in an area extending more than a kilometre, braving the odds against inclement weather, extremely low temperatures and intermittent snowfall. Unfortunately, none of the 10 individuals survived the initial onslaught of the avalanche but the human spirit and hope persisted and the task force continued with its search,” the army said in a press statement.&nbsp;

Khardung La is one of the highest motorable roads in the world at 17,500 feet and it became challenging for the rescue teams to take out the bodies from the snow due to the extreme temperature.&nbsp;

"The bodies were buried 20 feet deep under debris, nearly 800 metres from Khardungla Top towards south Pullu,''&nbsp;said a defence spokesperson.&nbsp;

Following the recovery of all bodies, the operation has now been called off.

The Indian army had pressed heavy machinery and well-trained troops from the Siachen Brigade into the service.

Initially, five dead bodies were taken out and rest remained buried under the snow. All the bodies were airlifted to Zanskar for their final rights at their native villages.

J&amp;K Governor, Satya Pal Malik has already announced an ex-gratia of 5 lakh Indian rupees for the next of the kin of those killed in the avalanche.&nbsp;

Efforts of various rescue teams were finally paid off on Monday after they managed to pull out the tenth body from the avalanche site, which had hit two trucks, in Khardung La of Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir.

Efforts of various rescue teams were finally paid off on Monday after they managed to pull out the tenth body from the avalanche site, which had hit two trucks, in Khardung La of Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir. “The joint military-civil task force carried out relentless search operations in an area extending more than a kilometre, braving the odds against inclement weather, extremely low temperatures and intermittent snowfall. Unfortunately, none of the 10 individuals survived the initial onslaught of the avalanche but the human spirit and hope persisted and the task force continued with its search,” the army said in a press statement. Khardung La is one of the highest motorable roads in the world at 17,500 feet and it became challenging for the rescue teams to take out the bodies from the snow due to the extreme temperature. "The bodies were buried 20 feet deep under debris, nearly 800 metres from Khardungla Top towards south Pullu,'' said a defence spokesperson. Following the recovery of all bodies, the operation has now been called off. The Indian army had pressed heavy machinery and well-trained troops from the Siachen Brigade into the service. Initially, five dead bodies were taken out and rest remained buried under the snow. All the bodies were airlifted to Zanskar for their final rights at their native villages. J&K Governor, Satya Pal Malik has already announced an ex-gratia of 5 lakh Indian rupees for the next of the kin of those killed in the avalanche.

Ladakh: Army recovers 10 bodies in Khardung La after avalanche, rescue operation called-off

One skier died and another was in critical condition on Thursday, hospital employees said, after being caught in an<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/two-ski-resort-employees-die-in-french-alps-while-setting-avalanche-control-charges-190138&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiJ6vbqzPbfAhUSZt4KHZ3sDKEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0g0ieKt2q_2fndHDwS8NU1"> avalanche</a> on some of the most challenging terrains at Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, a resort known for its steep runs.

They were skiing down a chute off Kachina Peak, a 12,481-foot (3,804-meter) mountain about 130 miles (210 km) north of Albuquerque, when the avalanche hit at around 11:45 am, said Taos Ski Valley spokesman Chris Stagg.

"There were no others caught in the avalanche, it was just the two," Stagg added.

The ski patrol and other skiers dug the two men out of the avalanche and they were rushed to the hospital, the ski resort said on Facebook.

The first was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, where he later died of his injuries, said a hospital employee, who asked not to be identified as he was not authorized to speak to media.

Hospital spokeswoman Renee Laughlin declined to comment.

The other skier was airlifted to University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque and was in critical condition, said hospital spokesman Mark Rudi.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the two individuals who were affected by today’s event and their families," Taos Ski Valley said on its social media page.

Former New Mexico governor and US presidential candidate Gary Johnson were among dozens of skiers who used ten-foot poles in a 45-minute effort to search the snow before the two men were found.

"At least a hundred people were doing what I was doing," said Johnson, who lives in the Taos area, and regularly skis at the resort. "Those guys could have been any one of us."

Johnson and other rescuers spent hours after the rescue checking for another person feared to have been caught in the slide.

In each of the last 10 winters, 27 people have died on average in avalanches in the United States, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center said.

Taos Ski Valley's ski patrol had used explosive devices in the area on Thursday morning to reduce the threat of avalanches, Stagg said.

The rocky "K3" chute the two men were skiing down is accessed off a lift to the top of the peak. The lift was opened for the first time this season on Tuesday, after more than 16 inches of snow fell in the last week.

"It's very steep and challenging terrain," added Stagg. "You like to think it's always safe, but sometimes there are pockets of snow that can avalanche."

One skier died and another was in critical condition on Thursday, hospital employees said, after being caught in an avalanche on some of the most challenging terrains at Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, a resort known for its steep runs.

One skier died and another was in critical condition on Thursday, hospital employees said, after being caught in an avalanche on some of the most challenging terrains at Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, a resort known for its steep runs. They were skiing down a chute off Kachina Peak, a 12,481-foot (3,804-meter) mountain about 130 miles (210 km) north of Albuquerque, when the avalanche hit at around 11:45 am, said Taos Ski Valley spokesman Chris Stagg. "There were no others caught in the avalanche, it was just the two," Stagg added. The ski patrol and other skiers dug the two men out of the avalanche and they were rushed to the hospital, the ski resort said on Facebook. The first was taken to Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, where he later died of his injuries, said a hospital employee, who asked not to be identified as he was not authorized to speak to media. Hospital spokeswoman Renee Laughlin declined to comment. The other skier was airlifted to University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque and was in critical condition, said hospital spokesman Mark Rudi. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the two individuals who were affected by today’s event and their families," Taos Ski Valley said on its social media page. Former New Mexico governor and US presidential candidate Gary Johnson were among dozens of skiers who used ten-foot poles in a 45-minute effort to search the snow before the two men were found. "At least a hundred people were doing what I was doing," said Johnson, who lives in the Taos area, and regularly skis at the resort. "Those guys could have been any one of us." Johnson and other rescuers spent hours after the rescue checking for another person feared to have been caught in the slide. In each of the last 10 winters, 27 people have died on average in avalanches in the United States, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center said. Taos Ski Valley's ski patrol had used explosive devices in the area on Thursday morning to reduce the threat of avalanches, Stagg said. The rocky "K3" chute the two men were skiing down is accessed off a lift to the top of the peak. The lift was opened for the first time this season on Tuesday, after more than 16 inches of snow fell in the last week. "It's very steep and challenging terrain," added Stagg. "You like to think it's always safe, but sometimes there are pockets of snow that can avalanche."

Avalanche kills one skier, injures another in New Mexico

At least ten people are trapped in snow after an avalanche hit Khardung La pass, near Leh in Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K)

Four vehicles carrying the passengers have been trapped in snow as authorities have launched a rescue effort in the region.

J&amp;K had witnessed heavy snowfall including in Srinagar with Pahalgam which is a major tourist resort destination recording three centimetres of snow. In early January, an Army soldier was killed after an avalanche had hit Poonch.&nbsp;

High-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir had received heavy snowfall last week. The minimum temperature in Srinagar last Thursday was minus one degree celsius.

In other parts of Jammu region, Bhadarwah town in Doda district had emerged as the coldest recorded place with a low of minus 1.8 degrees celsius. Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley in south Kashmir had recorded a low of minus 1.2 degrees celsius, while the nearby Kokernag town had registered a low of minus 2.2 degrees celsius on last Thursday night.

The mercury in Kupwara town in north Kashmir had settled at a low of minus 0.6 degree celsius.

Most parts of Kashmir, including the plains had received fresh snowfall again last Friday resulting in the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

At least ten people are trapped in snow after an avalanche hit Khardung La pass, near Leh in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) Four vehicles carrying the passengers have been trapped in snow as authorities have launched a rescue effort in the region.

At least ten people are trapped in snow after an avalanche hit Khardung La pass, near Leh in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) Four vehicles carrying the passengers have been trapped in snow as authorities have launched a rescue effort in the region. J&K had witnessed heavy snowfall including in Srinagar with Pahalgam which is a major tourist resort destination recording three centimetres of snow. In early January, an Army soldier was killed after an avalanche had hit Poonch. High-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir had received heavy snowfall last week. The minimum temperature in Srinagar last Thursday was minus one degree celsius. In other parts of Jammu region, Bhadarwah town in Doda district had emerged as the coldest recorded place with a low of minus 1.8 degrees celsius. Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley in south Kashmir had recorded a low of minus 1.2 degrees celsius, while the nearby Kokernag town had registered a low of minus 2.2 degrees celsius on last Thursday night. The mercury in Kupwara town in north Kashmir had settled at a low of minus 0.6 degree celsius. Most parts of Kashmir, including the plains had received fresh snowfall again last Friday resulting in the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

Watch: 10 trapped in cars after avalanche hits Khardung La pass near Leh in J&K

Officials in southern Germany declared a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-snowfall-causes-roads-blocks-and-leaving-house-without-power-27905">state of emergency on Monday</a>&nbsp;as a winter storm deposited more than half a meter of snow in parts of southern Bavaria.

The area suffered traffic chaos<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/schools-closed-flights-delayed-after-united-kingdom-snowfall-26460"> during the weekend and the regional</a> rail service suffered delays and cancellations.

On Monday, roads were blocked and schools were closed. A spokesperson for the district of Miesbach said residents had been warned about avalanches and snow-related dangers, for instance falling tree branches.

"It's very different, of course, from North to South. Here in the Bavarian Alps, it has snowed a lot the past few days. For this reason, we have very high snow, and the risk of avalanches is very big, spokesman for Bavaria's mountrain rescue team said, adding,"Bavarian avalanche warning institute has issued a level 4 warning, the second highest, which also poses a high risk of avalanches in unsecured skiing areas."&nbsp;

The town of Warngau, on the northern edge of the Alps, was covered in almost a meter of snow and its residents were working hard to remove it from the streets.

Some were delighted to have a white layer blanketing their town, but others found it rather inconvenient.

In some areas, the avalanche warning has been raised to level 4, implying that large avalanches can occur due to the weight of the snow without human intervention.

A 20-year-old woman had died after she was buried by an avalanche on the Teisenberg mountain range in Upper Bavaria, near the Austrian border. Meteorologists said they expected the region, already hit by days of heavy snow, to see a further 10 to 40 centimetres (four to 16 inches) of the white stuff by Monday.

Officials in southern Germany declared a state of emergency on Monday as a winter storm deposited more than half a meter of snow in parts of southern Bavaria. The area suffered traffic chaos during the weekend and the regional rail service suffered delays and cancellations.

Officials in southern Germany declared a state of emergency on Monday as a winter storm deposited more than half a meter of snow in parts of southern Bavaria. The area suffered traffic chaos during the weekend and the regional rail service suffered delays and cancellations. On Monday, roads were blocked and schools were closed. A spokesperson for the district of Miesbach said residents had been warned about avalanches and snow-related dangers, for instance falling tree branches. "It's very different, of course, from North to South. Here in the Bavarian Alps, it has snowed a lot the past few days. For this reason, we have very high snow, and the risk of avalanches is very big, spokesman for Bavaria's mountrain rescue team said, adding,"Bavarian avalanche warning institute has issued a level 4 warning, the second highest, which also poses a high risk of avalanches in unsecured skiing areas." The town of Warngau, on the northern edge of the Alps, was covered in almost a meter of snow and its residents were working hard to remove it from the streets. Some were delighted to have a white layer blanketing their town, but others found it rather inconvenient. In some areas, the avalanche warning has been raised to level 4, implying that large avalanches can occur due to the weight of the snow without human intervention. A 20-year-old woman had died after she was buried by an avalanche on the Teisenberg mountain range in Upper Bavaria, near the Austrian border. Meteorologists said they expected the region, already hit by days of heavy snow, to see a further 10 to 40 centimetres (four to 16 inches) of the white stuff by Monday.

Watch: Southern Germany declares emergency after heavy snowfall

The bodies of five South Korean climbers killed in one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit Nepal in recent years were due to be flown home Tuesday, an official said.

The South Koreans, led by record-holding climber Kim Chang-ho, were on remote Mount Gurja when their camp was hit by a sudden, powerful gust most likely caused by a powerful downblast from an avalanche.

The massive impact left the bodies of the climbers -- and those of four Nepali guides with the expedition -- scattered over 500 metres (1,640 feet).&nbsp;

All nine bodies were retrieved from the remote location in the Dhaulagiri mountain range on Sunday, more than 24 hours after the only surviving team member -- who was in a village a day's walk away -- raised the alarm.

The remains of the five foreign climbers will be flown home from Nepal on Tuesday evening, said Shiva Pokharel, an official with South Korea's embassy in Kathmandu.&nbsp;

"The postmortem has been completed... but the results will take about a week," he added.

It was Nepal's worst mountaineering accident since 2015, when a powerful earthquake triggered an avalanche that killed 18 people at Mount Everest's base camp.

Mount Gurja, a rarely-climbed peak last summited in 1996, lacks the level of infrastructure on Mount Everest, which sees hundreds of climbers reach the top each year.&nbsp;

The isolated location of the 7,193-metre peak complicated the retrieval mission.

But it was also likely a draw for Kim. The veteran mountaineer had turned his sights to climbing lesser-known peaks after summiting all 14 of the world's highest mountains -- the first South Korean to achieve the feat.

It is unclear if investigators will be able to piece together why the freak accident was so deadly, claiming the lives of everyone at the base camp.

Dan Richards of US-based Global Rescue, which helped to retrieve the bodies, said it was unlike anything he had seen in 14 years assisting with mountain rescue operations.

"We are still scratching our heads trying to figure out what happened to these experienced mountain climbers," he said.

Thousands of climbers flock to Nepal each year -- home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks -- creating a lucrative mountain tourism industry that is a vital source of cash for the impoverished country.

The bodies of five South Korean climbers killed in one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit Nepal in recent years were due to be flown home Tuesday, an official said.

The bodies of five South Korean climbers killed in one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit Nepal in recent years were due to be flown home Tuesday, an official said. The South Koreans, led by record-holding climber Kim Chang-ho, were on remote Mount Gurja when their camp was hit by a sudden, powerful gust most likely caused by a powerful downblast from an avalanche. The massive impact left the bodies of the climbers -- and those of four Nepali guides with the expedition -- scattered over 500 metres (1,640 feet). All nine bodies were retrieved from the remote location in the Dhaulagiri mountain range on Sunday, more than 24 hours after the only surviving team member -- who was in a village a day's walk away -- raised the alarm. The remains of the five foreign climbers will be flown home from Nepal on Tuesday evening, said Shiva Pokharel, an official with South Korea's embassy in Kathmandu. "The postmortem has been completed... but the results will take about a week," he added. It was Nepal's worst mountaineering accident since 2015, when a powerful earthquake triggered an avalanche that killed 18 people at Mount Everest's base camp. Mount Gurja, a rarely-climbed peak last summited in 1996, lacks the level of infrastructure on Mount Everest, which sees hundreds of climbers reach the top each year. The isolated location of the 7,193-metre peak complicated the retrieval mission. But it was also likely a draw for Kim. The veteran mountaineer had turned his sights to climbing lesser-known peaks after summiting all 14 of the world's highest mountains -- the first South Korean to achieve the feat. It is unclear if investigators will be able to piece together why the freak accident was so deadly, claiming the lives of everyone at the base camp. Dan Richards of US-based Global Rescue, which helped to retrieve the bodies, said it was unlike anything he had seen in 14 years assisting with mountain rescue operations. "We are still scratching our heads trying to figure out what happened to these experienced mountain climbers," he said. Thousands of climbers flock to Nepal each year -- home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks -- creating a lucrative mountain tourism industry that is a vital source of cash for the impoverished country.

Nepal to repatriate South Koreans killed on remote peak

At least 31 people were killed when floodwaters triggered by a landslide swept debris through a town in eastern Uganda, destroying homes and burying livestock, a government official said on Friday.

The landslide, which followed heavy rains, struck Bukalasi, situated on the slopes of Mount Elgon, on Thursday afternoon.

"Most of the people were caught at the market, the landslide pushed huge boulders into a river which burst its banks and the water swept away the people," said Commissioner for Disaster Preparedness and Management Martin Owor.

A picture tweeted by Uganda Red Cross showed uprooted and twisted trees. The aid agency said both "animals and people were swept away in this disaster."

Relief teams were combing the area to search and rescue survivors, Owor said.

"There are people who were displaced and they need shelter, food and all other support and we're moving that relief to the area," he said.

The rainy season in that part of Uganda, about 250 km (155 miles) from the capital Kampala and close to the Kenyan border, runs from September to December.

An avalanche in the same area in 2010 killed at least 80 people.

Large swaths on the slopes of Ugandan mountains have been denuded of their forests and other vegetation covers for cultivable land, increasing the risk of landslides.

Officials have previously said there were plans to move people away from some of the most vulnerable areas, but those relocations have yet to be carried out.

Many of the East African country's mountainous regions, also including areas in the southwest and west near the borders with Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, often experience landslides at this time of the year if rains are unusually heavy.

At least 31 people were killed when floodwaters triggered by a landslide swept debris through a town in eastern Uganda, destroying homes and burying livestock, a government official said on Friday.

At least 31 people were killed when floodwaters triggered by a landslide swept debris through a town in eastern Uganda, destroying homes and burying livestock, a government official said on Friday. The landslide, which followed heavy rains, struck Bukalasi, situated on the slopes of Mount Elgon, on Thursday afternoon. "Most of the people were caught at the market, the landslide pushed huge boulders into a river which burst its banks and the water swept away the people," said Commissioner for Disaster Preparedness and Management Martin Owor. A picture tweeted by Uganda Red Cross showed uprooted and twisted trees. The aid agency said both "animals and people were swept away in this disaster." Relief teams were combing the area to search and rescue survivors, Owor said. "There are people who were displaced and they need shelter, food and all other support and we're moving that relief to the area," he said. The rainy season in that part of Uganda, about 250 km (155 miles) from the capital Kampala and close to the Kenyan border, runs from September to December. An avalanche in the same area in 2010 killed at least 80 people. Large swaths on the slopes of Ugandan mountains have been denuded of their forests and other vegetation covers for cultivable land, increasing the risk of landslides. Officials have previously said there were plans to move people away from some of the most vulnerable areas, but those relocations have yet to be carried out. Many of the East African country's mountainous regions, also including areas in the southwest and west near the borders with Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo, often experience landslides at this time of the year if rains are unusually heavy.

Video: At least 31 people dead after landslide in eastern Uganda

Three army personnel were killed today when an avalanche struck their post in Machhil sector of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said.

The identified army personnel were - Havaldar Kamlesh Singh, 39, Naik Balveer, 33&nbsp;and Rajinder, 25.&nbsp;

The avalanche hit an army post of 21 Rajput around 4:30 pm at Sona Pandi Gali in Machil, according to reports.&nbsp;

&quot;In an unfortunate incident of avalanche in Machhil sector, the Army lost three valiant soldiers,&quot; an army official said.

The avalanche struck two days after a 24-hour avalanche warning was issued in several districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Kupwara, on Wednesday, shortly after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake on the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region jolted parts of north India, reports said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The army personnel were identified as - Havaldar Kamlesh Singh, 39, Naik Balveer, 33 and Rajinder, 25,

Three army personnel were killed today when an avalanche struck their post in Machhil sector of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said. The identified army personnel were - Havaldar Kamlesh Singh, 39, Naik Balveer, 33 and Rajinder, 25. The avalanche hit an army post of 21 Rajput around 4:30 pm at Sona Pandi Gali in Machil, according to reports. "In an unfortunate incident of avalanche in Machhil sector, the Army lost three valiant soldiers," an army official said. The avalanche struck two days after a 24-hour avalanche warning was issued in several districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Kupwara, on Wednesday, shortly after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake on the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region jolted parts of north India, reports said.

J&K: 3 soldiers killed after avalanche in army post

Three Army soliders <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-heavy-snowfall-in-jk-jammu-srinagar-national-highway-closed-26507">have gone missing after a snow</a> avalanche at the Mani post in Bagtor Gurez sector along the Line of Control(LoC) in Bandipora.

Kashmir valley has been&nbsp;cut off from the rest of the country today with flights suspended at Srinagar airport due to low visiblity.

Jammu -Srinagar national highway was closed for traffic as J&amp;K&nbsp;received its first snowfall of the season.

Director, Srinagar airport, Sharad Kumar told PTI,&quot;Air traffic to and fro from Srinagar airport has been suspended due to low visibility.&quot;

&quot;The situation will be reviewed around noon and if visibility improves flight operations will be restored,&quot; he added.

Heavy snowfall was also reported in Himachal Pradesh including Shimla and Solang valley in Manali.

Jammu -Srinagar national highway was closed for traffic today as J&K?received its first snowfall of the season.

Three Army soliders have gone missing after a snow avalanche at the Mani post in Bagtor Gurez sector along the Line of Control(LoC) in Bandipora. Kashmir valley has been cut off from the rest of the country today with flights suspended at Srinagar airport due to low visiblity. Jammu -Srinagar national highway was closed for traffic as J&K received its first snowfall of the season. Director, Srinagar airport, Sharad Kumar told PTI,"Air traffic to and fro from Srinagar airport has been suspended due to low visibility." "The situation will be reviewed around noon and if visibility improves flight operations will be restored," he added. Heavy snowfall was also reported in Himachal Pradesh including Shimla and Solang valley in Manali.

3 Army soldiers missing in J&K avalanche, Kashmir valley cut off

Five persons were killed and&nbsp;several injured after a mini bus was hit by an avalanche on the Bhaderwah-Basholi highway in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Doda district today.

The avalanche hit the vehicle on its way to Bhaderwah from Bani and it rolled down into a 1500-feet gorge, according to BRO workers clearing the snow and debris near Chattar Gali pass, 38 kms from Bhaderwah.

The bus was carrying 12 passengers.&nbsp;BRO workers along with some locals started rescue operations and also informed the police,&quot;&nbsp;SDPO, Bhaderwah, Birjesh Sharma said.

&quot;As of now three of the injured including the driver of the vehicle have been rescued and sent to Sub District Hospital Bhaderwah,&quot; he said.

Five bodies have been retrieved from the snow, reports said.

(PTI)

The avalanche hit the vehicle on its way to Bhaderwah from Bani and it rolled down into a 1500-feet gorge

Five persons were killed and several injured after a mini bus was hit by an avalanche on the Bhaderwah-Basholi highway in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district today. The avalanche hit the vehicle on its way to Bhaderwah from Bani and it rolled down into a 1500-feet gorge, according to BRO workers clearing the snow and debris near Chattar Gali pass, 38 kms from Bhaderwah. The bus was carrying 12 passengers. BRO workers along with some locals started rescue operations and also informed the police," SDPO, Bhaderwah, Birjesh Sharma said. "As of now three of the injured including the driver of the vehicle have been rescued and sent to Sub District Hospital Bhaderwah," he said. Five bodies have been retrieved from the snow, reports said. (PTI)

Bus hit by avalanche in J&K's Doda district, 5 dead

Three Indian soldiers died Thursday after avalanches struck their high-altitude army post in India&#39;s Kashmir following heavy snowfall in the northern Indian state.

Five soldiers were buried after avalanches hit the post in Batalik near the Line of Control -- the de-facto border that divides India with Pakistan in Kashmir, an army spokesman told AFP.

&quot;We launched rescue operations and two were rescued alive. But this morning three bodies were retrieved from under the snow,&quot; Rajesh Kalia said.

Six people were also killed and two reported missing on Friday, after heavy rain and snowfall swept through state, setting off avalanches and turning mountain rivers into raging torrents, Reuters reported.

Helicopters were deployed to rescue people cut off by flash floods triggering memories of the 2014 floods when the Jhelum River caused floods in capital Srinagar submerging homes and led to the death of 200 people.

In Srinagar, some low-lying districts along the Jhelum were submerged in floods but residents told Reuters the river was starting to recede.

&quot;We are relieved as the water level is receding and the rains are reducing,&quot; said one resident. &quot;We are praying that rain should stop.&quot;

Water levels began to recede on Friday after a halt in the rain, officials told AFP.

In the Poonch region, an Indian Air Force helicopter was guided by a soldier holding a flare towards a group of villagers 
stranded on the far bank of a river. They climbed a rope ladder into the craft, which then flew them to safety.

Rajiv Pandey, senior superintendent of police in Poonch, said 17 people were evacuated from the area.

Lower altitude areas have suffered heavy rains, prompting authorities to shut schools until Sunday and close the region&#39;s 
main highway over landslide fears.

The winter has been particularly harsh to the Himalayan region. In January, dozens of people including Indian soldiers and civilians were killed in avalanches in the state.

Dozens of Indian and Pakistani soldiers are killed by avalanches almost every winter along the LoC.

(WION with inputs from AFP, Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

Multiple avalanches hit a post in Batalik near the Line of Control -- the de-facto border that divides India from Pakistan

Three Indian soldiers died Thursday after avalanches struck their high-altitude army post in India's Kashmir following heavy snowfall in the northern Indian state. Five soldiers were buried after avalanches hit the post in Batalik near the Line of Control -- the de-facto border that divides India with Pakistan in Kashmir, an army spokesman told AFP. "We launched rescue operations and two were rescued alive. But this morning three bodies were retrieved from under the snow," Rajesh Kalia said. Six people were also killed and two reported missing on Friday, after heavy rain and snowfall swept through state, setting off avalanches and turning mountain rivers into raging torrents, Reuters reported. Helicopters were deployed to rescue people cut off by flash floods triggering memories of the 2014 floods when the Jhelum River caused floods in capital Srinagar submerging homes and led to the death of 200 people. In Srinagar, some low-lying districts along the Jhelum were submerged in floods but residents told Reuters the river was starting to recede. "We are relieved as the water level is receding and the rains are reducing," said one resident. "We are praying that rain should stop." Water levels began to recede on Friday after a halt in the rain, officials told AFP. In the Poonch region, an Indian Air Force helicopter was guided by a soldier holding a flare towards a group of villagers stranded on the far bank of a river. They climbed a rope ladder into the craft, which then flew them to safety. Rajiv Pandey, senior superintendent of police in Poonch, said 17 people were evacuated from the area. Lower altitude areas have suffered heavy rains, prompting authorities to shut schools until Sunday and close the region's main highway over landslide fears. The winter has been particularly harsh to the Himalayan region. In January, dozens of people including Indian soldiers and civilians were killed in avalanches in the state. Dozens of Indian and Pakistani soldiers are killed by avalanches almost every winter along the LoC. (WION with inputs from AFP, Reuters)

Kashmir : 3 Indian soldiers killed in avalanches; floods kill 6 civilians

An avalanche Monday killed seven Japanese high school students and a teacher on a mountain-climbing outing, and injured 40 more.&nbsp;

More than 100 troops were deployed in a major rescue mission after the avalanche hit ski slopes in Tochigi prefecture north of Tokyo. Television footage showed rescuers climbing the mountainside as ambulances stood by.&nbsp;

A total of 52 students and 11 teachers from seven high schools were on a three-day mountaineering expedition when disaster struck.

A warning had been issued for heavy snow and possible avalanches from Sunday until Monday in the area, with the local weather agency forecasting snowfall of some 30 centimetres (about 12 inches).

In the latest update seven students and one teacher, mostly from Otawara High School in Tochigi, were found with no vital signs, an official with a prefectural disaster task force told AFP.

In Japan, deaths in such circumstances are not announced officially until doctors can confirm them.

Officials earlier said eight students had no vital signs.

Some 40 people have been injured, including two students in serious condition, the prefectural official said.

&quot;All the people have been carried down from the mountain and they are now being transported to hospital,&quot; he told AFP.

The avalanche struck in the town of Nasu 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Tokyo on the final day of the excursion, Tochigi authorities said, adding that soldiers were brought in at the request of the prefecture&#39;s governor.

Local media cited experts as saying it was likely a surface avalanche, caused by a heavy snowfall accumulating on a previous deposit of slippery snow.

&quot;This (outing) is an annual event and we never had a major accident before,&quot; one of the teachers told Jiji Press. &quot;I am really shocked.&quot;

The ski resort had been closed for the season, according to the operator&#39;s website, with the lift stopped and no skiers at the site.

But some of its facilities were made available for the high school mountaineering trip organised by local physical education authorities.

(AFP)

More than 100 troops were deployed in a major rescue mission after the avalanche hit ski slopes in Tochigi prefecture

An avalanche Monday killed seven Japanese high school students and a teacher on a mountain-climbing outing, and injured 40 more. More than 100 troops were deployed in a major rescue mission after the avalanche hit ski slopes in Tochigi prefecture north of Tokyo. Television footage showed rescuers climbing the mountainside as ambulances stood by. A total of 52 students and 11 teachers from seven high schools were on a three-day mountaineering expedition when disaster struck. A warning had been issued for heavy snow and possible avalanches from Sunday until Monday in the area, with the local weather agency forecasting snowfall of some 30 centimetres (about 12 inches). In the latest update seven students and one teacher, mostly from Otawara High School in Tochigi, were found with no vital signs, an official with a prefectural disaster task force told AFP. In Japan, deaths in such circumstances are not announced officially until doctors can confirm them. Officials earlier said eight students had no vital signs. Some 40 people have been injured, including two students in serious condition, the prefectural official said. "All the people have been carried down from the mountain and they are now being transported to hospital," he told AFP. The avalanche struck in the town of Nasu 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Tokyo on the final day of the excursion, Tochigi authorities said, adding that soldiers were brought in at the request of the prefecture's governor. Local media cited experts as saying it was likely a surface avalanche, caused by a heavy snowfall accumulating on a previous deposit of slippery snow. "This (outing) is an annual event and we never had a major accident before," one of the teachers told Jiji Press. "I am really shocked." The ski resort had been closed for the season, according to the operator's website, with the lift stopped and no skiers at the site. But some of its facilities were made available for the high school mountaineering trip organised by local physical education authorities. (AFP)

Japan: Seven students, one teacher killed in avalanche

The death toll from three days of heavy snow across Afghanistan rose to 54 on Sunday and there were fears the toll could rise as rescuers began clearing roads to remote areas.

Avalanches destroyed scores of homes and blocked roads in central and northeastern provinces, a spokesman for the ministry of natural disasters told AFP.&nbsp;

&quot;So far, 54 persons have lost their lives and 52 were injured as a result of avalanches and freezing weather in 22 provinces,&quot; said Mohammad Omar Mohammadi.&nbsp;

He said 168 houses were destroyed and 340 cattle killed.&nbsp;

Authorities fear the toll may rise sharply because rescue crews have yet to reach some of the worst-hit areas.

In the badly hit northeastern province of Badakhshan at least 18 people, including three women and two children, were killed when avalanches hit their houses overnight, said provincial spokesman Naweed Frotan.

&quot;Several dozens are still trapped, we are trying to rescue them,&quot; he said, adding that many roads were still blocked.

Five people were killed by avalanches in the Balkhab district of Sari Pul province in northern Afghanistan and at least 70 people trapped under the snow were being rescued, said provincial spokesman Zabiullah Amani.

&quot;The roads to Balkhab are still blocked and we are trying to open them,&quot; he said. 
 
Freezing weather killed at least two people and over 100 animals in the western province of Badghis.

In Parwan province just north of Kabul, the spokesman for governor Wahid Sediqqi said 16 people died.

The government declared Sunday, a normal working day in Afghanistan, to be a public holiday to deter non-essential travel and ensure schools were closed.

Unusually, snow even fell in the southern province of Kandahar.&nbsp;

Neighbouring Pakistan was also hit by severe weather, with at least 13 people killed in the northwest by avalanches or heavy rain.

An avalanche smashed into eight homes in the village of Shershal in Chitral district, killing nine people including four women and four children.

The region has been hit by heavy snowfall that is four feet (1.2 metres) deep in some places.

Six people who had been trapped beneath the snow were rescued.

A separate avalanche killed a soldier at a border checkpoint in Chitral district, a military statement said, while six more soldiers were injured.

Chitral district mayor Maghfriat Shah said the city`s airport was shut because of the weather.

The region&#39;s electricity supply was also disrupted after the main power line was damaged.&nbsp;

In the Khyber tribal district on the Afghan border in the northwest, three infant girls were killed and two women injured when the roof of their house collapsed in heavy rain.

Deadly avalanches are common in Afghanistan&#39;s mountainous areas in winter and rescue efforts are frequently hampered by lack of equipment.

Despite billions of dollars in international aid after the ousting of the Taliban government in 2001, Afghanistan remains among the world`s poorest nations. 
 
Last month heavy snowfall and freezing weather killed 27 children, all under the age of five, in Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan. 
 
(AFP)

Authorities fear the toll may rise sharply because rescue crews have yet to reach some of the worst-hit areas

The death toll from three days of heavy snow across Afghanistan rose to 54 on Sunday and there were fears the toll could rise as rescuers began clearing roads to remote areas. Avalanches destroyed scores of homes and blocked roads in central and northeastern provinces, a spokesman for the ministry of natural disasters told AFP. "So far, 54 persons have lost their lives and 52 were injured as a result of avalanches and freezing weather in 22 provinces," said Mohammad Omar Mohammadi. He said 168 houses were destroyed and 340 cattle killed. Authorities fear the toll may rise sharply because rescue crews have yet to reach some of the worst-hit areas. In the badly hit northeastern province of Badakhshan at least 18 people, including three women and two children, were killed when avalanches hit their houses overnight, said provincial spokesman Naweed Frotan. "Several dozens are still trapped, we are trying to rescue them," he said, adding that many roads were still blocked. Five people were killed by avalanches in the Balkhab district of Sari Pul province in northern Afghanistan and at least 70 people trapped under the snow were being rescued, said provincial spokesman Zabiullah Amani. "The roads to Balkhab are still blocked and we are trying to open them," he said. Freezing weather killed at least two people and over 100 animals in the western province of Badghis. In Parwan province just north of Kabul, the spokesman for governor Wahid Sediqqi said 16 people died. The government declared Sunday, a normal working day in Afghanistan, to be a public holiday to deter non-essential travel and ensure schools were closed. Unusually, snow even fell in the southern province of Kandahar. Neighbouring Pakistan was also hit by severe weather, with at least 13 people killed in the northwest by avalanches or heavy rain. An avalanche smashed into eight homes in the village of Shershal in Chitral district, killing nine people including four women and four children. The region has been hit by heavy snowfall that is four feet (1.2 metres) deep in some places. Six people who had been trapped beneath the snow were rescued. A separate avalanche killed a soldier at a border checkpoint in Chitral district, a military statement said, while six more soldiers were injured. Chitral district mayor Maghfriat Shah said the city`s airport was shut because of the weather. The region's electricity supply was also disrupted after the main power line was damaged. In the Khyber tribal district on the Afghan border in the northwest, three infant girls were killed and two women injured when the roof of their house collapsed in heavy rain. Deadly avalanches are common in Afghanistan's mountainous areas in winter and rescue efforts are frequently hampered by lack of equipment. Despite billions of dollars in international aid after the ousting of the Taliban government in 2001, Afghanistan remains among the world`s poorest nations. Last month heavy snowfall and freezing weather killed 27 children, all under the age of five, in Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan. (AFP)

54 killed in avalanches, heavy snow in Afghanistan

avalanche

Avalanche, News on Avalanche, stories on Avalanche, articles on Avalanche, Avalanche stories at Wion, Avalanche news, Avalanche latest news