Kameng

Seven Army personnel, who were hit by an avalanche in a high-altitude area of the Kameng sector in Arunachal Pradesh have died and their bodies have been retrieved from the avalanche site, the Army said on Tuesday.

The soldiers were struck by an avalanche on February 6. An Army statement said search and rescue operations, which were launched immediately on February 6 including airlifting of specialised teams, have now been concluded.

"Bodies of all seven individuals have been recovered from the avalanche site. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, all seven have been confirmed deceased," it stated.

The area, located at an altitude of 14,500 feet, had been witnessing inclement weather with heavy snowfall for the last few days.

The bodies of the soldiers are currently being transferred from the avalanche site to the nearest Army medical facility for further formalities, the Army said.