India: Kashmir Avalanches - Jan 1995

A series of avalanches hit the province of Kashmir in India from 17 January. Especially people in vehicles on a highway going through the area were trapped. Approximately 200 people are believed dead and 250 injured. Around 200 other people are believed to be stranded near the Jawahar tunnel. (UN DHA, 20 Jan 1995)

Official reports say 63 bodies were found at avalanche site, however unofficial estimates indicate 250 dead. Several people who had been trapped in their vehicles were rescued. 400 persons who had taken shelter in Jawahar tunnel have now been evacuated to safer sites. A police station was hit by an avalanche and 6 were killed. (UN DHA, 25 Jan 1995)