Staff Report

SKARDU: Pakistan army said on Tuesday that despite bad weather, rescue operation was underway to search survivors of massive avalanche in Gayari sector near Sukkardu.

“Despite weather hazards, rescue work continues at Gayari. A total of 452 person including 69 civilians are employed on relief efforts. Two Dozers, two JCB (Earth Mover), three excavators and two dumpers are working day and night on the site,” the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Tuesday.

It said that five points have been identified on the site where rescue work is in progress. “Two points are being dug with equipment while three points are being dug manually.”

Foreign rescue teams, six-member German team, three-member Switzerland team have arrived in Pakistan and waiting for weather clearance to proceed to Gayari.

Army’s seven-member SPD team is using life detection kit and thermal imaging camera during the rescue operation.

There was, however, no word from the army on US experts’ 6-member team landed in the country on Sunday. -- SAMAA