Soldier found alive buried 25 feet under snow on Siachen glacier

On February 3, 10 soldiers were hit by an avalanche at an altitude of 19,600 feet

An Army jawan was miraculously found alive six days after being buried under 25 feet of snow following the February 3 avalanche on the Siachen glacier.

Army Commander Northern Command Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda said, "Lance Naik Hanamanthappa has been found alive. He is critical but all attempts are being made to evacuate him to RR hospital in the morning. We hope the miracle continues. Pray with us."

The Army’s rescue parties were cutting through up to 30 feet of ice at multiple locations where the soldiers could probably be buried. “The probable locations are identified using specialised equipment,” said the spokesman.

On February 3, 10 soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer, were hit by an avalanche at an altitude of 19,600 feet.

“The teams are working round the clock and observing all precautions since the unstable ice and snow in the region could trigger fresh avalanches. Rescue efforts will continue till all our soldiers are found,” said the spokesman.

Risk of fresh avalanches

The Army has already established a new camp at the location “to coordinate the rescue efforts as well as to continue vigil in the sensitive area”.

There is a risk of fresh avalanches in the region. Heavy equipment and radars have been pressed into service, in addition to the rescue dogs.

Keywords: Lance Naik Hanaman Thappa, Siachen galcier, soldiers in Siachen, Shimla Agreement, Line of Control north of NJ 9842, demilitarisation of Siachen