5 people killed in avalanche in Kashmir

Srinagar: At least five people, including a villager and his two sons, were killed when they were buried under a huge avalanche in central Kashmir district of Ganderbal.

Official sources on Tuesday morning told UNI that a group of nine people, going for a rescue operation in Risen Kolan in Ganderbal came under huge avalanche at Gund last evening.

However, they said four people were rescued after a major search operation was undertaken by locals and police.

The search operation continued throughout the night and bodies of five missing persons were recovered early on Tuesday morning.

About two dozen houses and cowsheds, besides other structures were damaged in snow avalanches in Kupwara, Bandipora and Baramulla districts.

The divisional authority has warned of avalanches in upper reaches in north and central Kashmir, where people have been requested to restrict movement in avalanche-prone areas.(UNI)