Jammu, Jun 9 (IANS): Some 400 civilians, including children, trapped at Khardung La pass on Srinagar-Leh National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir have been rescued, an official said.
According to a defence spokesman, multiple land and snow slides occurred Friday night along a 10 km stretch at Khardung La pass.
The Khardung La pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, is at a height of 17,800 feet in the cold desert area of Ladakh. The 434-km long highway was opened for traffic April 25, after remaining closed for five months due to heavy snow.
Some 150 vehicles carrying 400 people, including children and women, got trapped. They were rescued in a joint operation launched by the army and the police, the official said.
They were administered oxygen at the medical aid post and lodged in army camps.