A Russian skier died while seven others, including a local guide, were rescued as an avalanche struck the ski slopes of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, news agency PTI reported citing officials. The avalanche struck the Khilan Marg on Afarwat Peak near the Army Ridge at around 2 pm, trapping several skiers under its debris, as per the report.
Citing police, the PTI reported that the group of seven Russians and a local guide ventured into a non-ski zone in the Army Ridge area, which is avalanche-prone.
"There was an avalanche warning, but they still went into that area, and unfortunately, one skier died," Gulmarg police station SHO Haroon Kar told PTI.
As soon as the avalanche was reported, the Gulmarg Ski Patrol of the Tourism Department, police, and the Army joined forces to rescue the trapped skiers.
The last avalanche in Gulmarg occurred in February of last year, killing two Polish skiers and rescuing more than a dozen others.
The deceased was identified as Hanten from Moscow, Russia, and his body was transported to the Tangmarg sub-district hospital for a post-mortem, the police officer said, as reported by PTI.
The rescued people were treated at a local hospital, and one foreigner was transferred to Srinagar for specialised care.
Issuing a statement, the Russian Embassy said, " According to media reports, on February 22, 2024, approx at 2 pm IST, seven supposedly Russian nationals came under an avalanche at the ski resort in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. One skier died, and six others were rescued as a result of the joint operation of the Indian Armed Forces and the regional administration."
"The Embassy of Russia in India maintains constant contact with the local authorities. The avalance was triggered by the heavy snowfall observed in the region since February 17. On February 21, a medium danger level avalanche warning was issued for Baramulla district, J&K," the statement said.
The last avalanche in Gulmarg occurred in February of last year, killing two Polish skiers and rescuing more than a dozen others.
Avalanches are common in Gulmarg. In 2010, at least 17 soldiers were killed when an avalanche struck the Army's High Altitude Warfare School.