As military personnel and volunteers work round the clock on the extensive rescue operation at the Giari Sector in Siachen, a total of 1.73 million cubic feet area has been shifted since the avalanche engulfed the Battalion Headquarters (HQ’s).
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a high ranking military official assigned to administer the rescue and search operation in Gayari sector, said that the tragic incident on April 7 was not merely an avalanche, it was a huge upper part of a glacier which displaced and came down on the headquarter situated at the base.
The official added that keeping in view the overwhelming sentimental conditions of the families of the victims, the military officials are trying hard not to share the ground realities with them.
Speaking about the operation, he said , “we are getting closer to the structure; there are fair chances now to find bodies even outside of the HQ’s building as most of the military men, might have tried to get.”
Operation Update
According to an update issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), despite cold weather hindering the operation, frequently causing equipment to breakdown, all efforts were being made to extract the trapped soldiers and civilians.
The platforms, constructed on all sites, have been consolidated, however excavation work is being focused on expansion of the sites. The Ground-penetrating radar teams have identified two more points.
Meanwhile the Norwegian team, after providing necessary assistance has arrived in Islamabad and will be departing for Norway on Tuesday.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2012.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ