Massive avalanche hits skiing resort in J&K's Gulmarg, 2 foreign nationals dead

Srinagar: A massive avalanche has hit a skiing resort in the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg on Wednesday. Two foreign nationals have been killed and 19 have been rescued successfully.The 19 people who were trapped in the snowy heights of Afarwat region, famous for its ski slopes and visited by hundreds of tourists every winter, were rescued by teams of the Baramulla district police."Avalanche hit the Afarwat peak #HapathKhud at famous ski resort in #Gulmarg. Rescue operation has been launched by Baramulla Police along with other agencies. Reports of some skiers being trapped are being corroborated. More details shall follow," a spokesman of the Baramulla district police tweeted.According to news agency ANI, a rescue operation is being carried out by Baramulla Police along with other agencies.In addition to being a tourist hotspot, Gulmarg is a popular haunt for adventure-seekers as it is also known for winter sports.Skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts in the area are delighted with the snowfall this winter and they have become a common sight, skiing in the icy valleys of Gulmarg.