Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), Feb 8 (ANI): At least 16 soldiers have lost their lives and around four others are missing after they were trapped in an avalanche in Khilanmarg, 70 kilometers from Srinagar.

There are reports that around 70 army personnel have been rescued till now.

The avalanche took place at 11 a.m. on Monday. The Army’s High Altitude Warfare School at Gulmarg had established an advance camp at Gujjar Hut on Sunday, and 300 Army trainees, 100 trainers, 60 support staff and 50 civilians were present when the avalanche came down.

Army and police resue teams have reached the location and all efforts are being made to rescue all those trapped.

Snow Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) had issued an avalanche warning last evening and asked the people living in high altitude areas not to venture in the area, which has been receiving heavy snowfall for the past three days.

High danger prone areas included Sonamarg, Gagangir, Bhimbat, Drass, Batalic, Dhudi and S M Hills in Kargil district.The areas where low danger avalanche warning has been issued include both sides of the Jawahar Tunnel and the adjoining areas on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. (ANI)