Five dead, five missing after avalanche hits a vehicle in Khardung La Pass

Guv announces Rs 5 lakh compensation for families of deceased, Abullahs’ and LC Chairman condole deaths
Srinagar : Five people have died and equal number is missing after an avalanche buried a vehicle at Khardung La pass in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ladakh on Friday morning. Governor Satya Pal Malik expressed his grief and shock over the deaths and announced exgratia relief of Rs 5 lakhs to the kins of each one of the deceased. National Conference President Farooq Abdullah, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah and Chairman Legislative Council have also condemned the deaths
An official said that a Scorpio vehicle was hit by a giant wall of snow at Khardung La pass that is located north of Leh.
Reports said that shortly after the incident, rescue operation was launched in the area. Rescuers managed to retrieve five dead bodies from the snow while the operation was on to locate the rest of the bodies.
“Rescue teams recovered the bodies from the Khardung La Pass, where the victims were travelling in a vehicle,” said an official.
“A high alert for the avalanche had been sounded on Thursday by the administration following adverse weather advisory by the Met.
Governor Satya Pal Malik has expressed grief over loss of precious lives due to snow avalanche at Khardung La in Leh district on Friday morning.
A Raj Bhavan spokesperson said in his message Governor has prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families in their hour of grief. Governor has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 5 lakh for the Next of the Kin of those killed in the avalanche.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in an avalanche that took place at Khardungla pass in Ladakh.
The duo has urged the administration to expedite the rescue operation and ensure all support to the families of the deceased, said a party spokesman, in a statement. They urged the incumbent governor administration to gear up its men and machinery to meet any eventuality in wake of heavy snowfall as predicted by the local MET officials.
Impressing upon the administration to ensure that people don’t have to suffer due to the vagaries of whether, the duo urged the administration to ensure all arterial and other routes are kept open to avoid any suffering to people.
Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council Haji Anayat Ali too has expressed grief over the loss of lives in Khardung La mishap.
In his condolence message, he said his heart goes out with bereaved families. He asked the Government to extend all possible help to the bereaved families and announce suitable relief for them.