The Army has launched a big operation to search and rescue seven soldiers missing after an avalanche struck them in the Kameng sector of Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday.
The Army said here on Monday seven personnel “part of a patrol is reported to have been struck by an avalanche in the high-altitude area of the Kameng sector”.
“Search and rescue operations are currently underway. Specialised teams have been airlifted to assist in rescue operations,” it said.
The Army said the area was witnessing inclement weather with heavy snowfall for the past few days.
Given the security environment at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) facing China, and Line of Control (LOC) with Pakistan in Jammu & Kashmir, the Army has to constantly patrol the higher reaches even during the harsh winter season.
These patrols are fraught with danger due to weather conditions, including avalanches in high altitude. In May 2020, two Army soldiers who were part of a patrol-cum-snow-clearing party died after they were caught in an avalanche in Sikkim.
In February 2020, the Government informed Parliament that six Army personnel had died due to avalanches and snow-slides in the Siachen Glacier in 2019, while 11 others were killed in similar incidents elsewhere.
All troops inducted into high-altitude regions are provided adequate training in mountain craft, ice craft to survive in glaciated terrain in mountains and in coping with any eventuality like avalanches. They are also trained to handle medical emergencies.
They are also suitably equipped to undertake the operational challenges and use modern equipment like helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, snow scooters, avalanche detectors, and mountain clothing.