Ladakh: Seven Dead, several injured as Avalanche buries Srinagar-Leh Highway at Zoji La

Leh: Seven people were killed following a massive avalanche on Friday at Zoji La on the Srinagar-Leh Highway in Ladakh, while several others sustained injuries. As a result of the avalanche, several vehicles were buried, and the highway was shut down. The administration has launched a major rescue operation involving the district administrations of Sonamarg and Dras, the police, the Army, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and the SDRF.

This initiative was prompted by the fact that, following a heavy avalanche in the afternoon, approximately 15 vehicles were partially or completely buried under the snow. During the rescue efforts, a large number of personnel and heavy machinery were deployed to clear the route. Throughout this process, close attention was paid to ensuring that no individuals remained trapped within the avalanche debris. Union Minister Jitendra Singh paid tribute to the deceased in a post on 'X'.

What was the death toll?

The police stated that the avalanche struck vehicles on the 'Captain-Turn' stretch of the highway at Zoji La Pass in Dras during the afternoon. Vishal Atri, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Dras, confirmed that five deaths have been verified in this tragic incident. The deceased include three men, one woman, and one child. Officials noted that the death toll is expected to rise, as some vehicles remain completely buried beneath the snow. SDM Atri further explained that rescue operations are being conducted simultaneously from both ends of the highway—from the Sonamarg side in Kashmir and the Dras side in Ladakh. He added that a significant section of the highway has been impacted by the avalanche, with approximately 15 vehicles still buried under the snow. "We have been unable to access the area beyond the avalanche site," he stated.

How did the avalanche happen?

Providing further details regarding the rescue efforts, the SDM stated that, in addition to snow-clearing machinery, the rescue operation involves a team of over 100 personnel. This team comprises members of the police, SDRF, BRO, and the Army, along with ambulance services. He also mentioned, "We have enlisted the assistance of personnel from the Mega Tunnel project."

The rescue operation on the Kashmir side of the highway faced disruptions due to traffic congestion. Officials stated that the rescue operation has been underway for five hours, having commenced at 1:00 PM, and is expected to continue for another three to four hours. According to authorities, the avalanche occurred near the 'Zero Point' area of ​​Zojila. A sudden, massive volume of snow cascaded down onto several vehicles passing through this high-altitude region, completely burying them.

How did the state government react?

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his condolences regarding this incident. He conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh took to 'X' (formerly Twitter) to express his sorrow, writing that he was saddened to learn of the fatalities caused by the avalanche involving vehicles at the Zojila Pass.

"My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. All necessary assistance is being provided to the injured." Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated that he was deeply distressed to receive the tragic news of the avalanche at Zojila. "I have directed the District Collector and Superintendent of Police of Kargil to immediately visit the site and oversee relief and rescue operations." All government agencies, including the Disaster Relief Force and the BRO (Border Roads Organisation), have been put on alert.

Why is Srinagar-Leh Highway important?

The Srinagar-Leh Highway is officially designated as NH-1. It is a critical 434-kilometer-long route that serves as the primary link connecting Srinagar and Leh. Traversing the Zojila Pass—situated at an elevation of 11,575 feet—this road is renowned for its scenic vistas as well as the unique challenges posed by its high-altitude terrain. Due to heavy snowfall and treacherous topography, this particular section of the highway frequently remains closed during the winter months.

The solution to the problem of seasonal road closures along this route lies in the construction of a major tunnel, which is currently under development. Once completed, this tunnel will ensure year-round connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of India.