Pakistani toll in Siachen avalanche rises to 128

Islamabad: The death toll in an avalanche in the Siachen glacier region last year has risen to 128, following the recovery of three more bodies, the Pakistani military said.

The bodies of three soldiers were recovered from Gayari sector of Siachen Saturday, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. On April 7, 2012, at least 140 soldiers of the 6 Northern Light Infantry Battalion and a few civilians came under a huge avalanche in Gayari. An Army spokesman said Operation Gayari was suspended in November 2012 due to winter conditions. At least 121 bodies were recovered till then. Following the melting of snow, search for the remaining 19 missing personnel began April 15. As many as 228 military personnel and 29 heavy engineering equipment pieces like excavators and drilling machines were deployed in the operation. The recovery efforts would continue till they find the last man, the spokesman said. IANS