Avalanche toll reaches 17

Srinagar, Feb 24 (PTI) With the recovery of the body of one more victim from Gurez sector, the toll today rose to 17 in the avalanches in Kashmir Valley, officials said. Gurez sector in Bandipora district alone accounted for 14 deaths. 13 personnel were rescued and an equal number of bodies recovered yesterday after the avalanche hit the workshop of 109 Infantry Brigade at Dawar on Wednesday, burying 29 jawans under it. While the body of one out of the three missing was found today, search was on for the other two, the officials said. Three other army jawans were killed in another avalanche that hit an army camp in Sonamarg area of Central Kashmir the same day. Meanwhile, floral tributes were offered to the three soldiers who were killed in the Sonamarg avalanche. PTI MIJ AZH AVT