An avalanche struck the Shaitan Nala area of Zojila Pass on Saturday, triggering a major rescue operation along the Srinagar–Leh National Highway. Several vehicles were caught in the avalanche and buried under more than eight feet of snow, while a tanker driver is reported to be trapped. Rescue operations Military officials said rescue teams were immediately deployed to the site after receiving information about the incident. Joint teams from the Army and other agencies are actively engaged in clearing snow and evacuating those trapped under the debris. Authorities said the operation is being carried out on a war footing due to difficult terrain and heavy snow accumulation. Sensitive region Officials noted that Shaitan Nala is a highly vulnerable stretch of the Srinagar–Leh National Highway, where avalanche incidents frequently occur during harsh weather conditions. The area remains a critical point for road connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh. Recurring avalanche incidents This is the second avalanche reported in the Zojila Pass region within the last 28 days, raising concerns over repeated disruptions and safety risks on the highway. The administration said the situation is being closely monitored and further updates will be shared as rescue efforts continue. Previous incident (March 28) Earlier on March 28, another avalanche had struck near Zero Point on the Srinagar–Leh Highway in Zojila Pass. In that incident, more than 12 vehicles were buried under over six feet of snow, and seven people died on the spot.
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