Avalanche hits Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg; 1 Russian skier dead, 6 rescued

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A massive avalanche hit the ski slopes of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir in the afternoon of February 22. One skier from Russia died while six others, including a local guide, were rescued, news agency PTI reported.

The six people who were rescued are undergoing treatment at a local hospital, the report quoted officials as saying.

Helicopters were pressed into service for effective rescue operation and evacuation of the persons caught in the avalanche.

A government spokesperson said that a collaborative effort between the Gulmarg Ski Patrol of Tourism Department and Police resulted in the successful rescue.

"Despite the valiant efforts of the rescue team, one Russian skier tragically lost his life due to the avalanche," the spokesperson said, as per PTI.

Meanwhile, the ongoing 4th Khelo India Winter Games remain unaffected by the incident. Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council secretary Nuzhat Gull said all athletes participating in the ongoing Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg were safe.

"All Khelo India athletes are safe after the avalanche hit Khilanmarg area of Gulmarg, J&K. All the fixtures are being run as per schedule," Gull posted on X.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, who was recently skiing in Gulmarg, prayed for the safety of the skiers.

"Days like today remind us that while the skiing is fun, the fresh powder exhilarating and the visuals spectacular, skiing is not without its dangers and risk to lives," he wrote on X.

While the details are still sketchy some skiers are reportedly missing after an avalanche was triggered in the area around Gulmarg. It appears the skiers were skiing off the piste or groomed slopes in the ‘back country’. Days like today remind us that while the skiing is fun, the…

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 22, 2024