Pakistan avalanche buries 135 people

Islamabad, April 8 (IANS) At least 124 Pakistani soldiers and 11 civilians were buried under snow early Saturday when a massive avalanche hit their camp in the country's Siachen region.

The soldiers belong to the 6 Northern Light Infantry Battalion stationed near Skardu in Pakistani Kashmir, some 4,500 meters above the sea level.

The more than 20-metre high avalanche occurred around 6.00 a.m., reports Xinhua.

The army had initially said 117 soldiers were buried.

Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas told the official PTV that better weather condition forecast by the Met department on Sunday and Monday will help the rescue work.

Sniffing dogs, helicopters and troops were deployed in the operation, the Inter-Services Public Relations, the army's media department, said in a statement.

However, the chance of survival of those still buried appears slim as the minimum temperature in the area is minus 50 degrees Celsius.

Media reports said dozens of bodies were recovered Saturday.

Heavy snowfall was expected again in the area Tuesday.