Avalanche kills teenager in Indian-controlled Kashmir

A teenage boy was killed and two others were injured Saturday after a snow avalanche hit them in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The avalanche struck at Chuntiwari Bala of Machil sector of frontier Kupwara district, about 165 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Today an avalanche drifted from a hilly terrain in Machil and buried three teenagers, following which locals and police rushed to the spot to rescue them," a police official posted in Kupwara said.

"After frenetic efforts to clear the snow, two boys aged 14 years old were pulled alive though in injured condition. Unfortunately the third one, 15-year-old Mehrajudin Khan was found dead underneath the snow."

The injured boys were immediately taken to a medical facility in Machil, and from there they were referred to a hospital in Kupwara.

Locals said the trio were on their way to a seminary in the village, when the avalanche hit them.

Authorities Friday issued avalanche warnings for the people inhabiting upper reaches, urging them to avoid moving in avalanche prone areas.

For the past few days upper reaches have been experiencing snowfall, while plains have received a rainfall.

Kashmir has a rugged terrain. Landslides and avalanches are often triggered from its mountains during frequent rains and heavy snowfall the region receives. Endit