Srinagar (NVI): Army personnel assisted the civil administration to rescue around 350 passengers stranded above 11,000 feet near Zojila Pass, due to heavy snowfall.
Army rescue columns safely moved around 350 civilians including women and children back to Sonamarg town in Army vehicles, an official statement said today.
The passengers were provided medical assistance, hot food and blankets for the night by the Army. This immediate and pro-active action by the Army was critical in ensuring timely rescue, relief and saving precious lives, which received huge appreciation.
Sonamarg, Baltal and Nilgrar upto Zojila Pass have received heavy snowfall on night of November 21-22, resulting in several loaded trucks and passenger vehicles getting stranded.
“Since 21 November a large number of loaded trucks and passenger vehicles had moved from Sonamarg towards Zojila Pass. The untimely and heavy snowfall, especially on the higher reaches, resulted in many vehicles skidding off the road and getting stranded in the snow, causing traffic jam at many places,” the statement said.
Around 250-300 trucks and passenger vehicles got stranded near the Zojila Pass.
While Police and GREF personnel cleared the traffic and snow respectively, the Army columns providing immediate medical aid, food and assistance to the passengers, besides organizing the movement of stranded vehicles.
