Kashmir: 4 Indian soldiers killed in avalanches

SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir

Four Indian soldiers were killed -- three in an avalanche and another in a blizzard -- in two northern Kashmir areas, an army official said.

Three soldiers were buried in their post after being hit by an avalanche in the Tangdhar area of Kupwara district, which is close to the Line of Control with Pakistan-administered Kashmir, also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir, army spokesperson Col. Rajesh Kalia said in a statement.

Another soldier died when an army patrol was caught in a blizzard in Gurez area in Bandipora district, the statement reads.

Bodies of all the deceased have been recovered by rescue teams, the spokesperson said.

These areas remain snow-bound during winter months and several such casualties occurred in the past.