NEELUM VALLEY (Kashmir English): The Neelum Valley avalanche search resumes as the mountainous valley sees active joint search operations between military forces and civil helpers to retrieve the bodies of three Phalawai youths killed in February 2025 when a snow avalanche struck Dudh Gayi.
Snow and ice have buried three victims who were caught by a catastrophic avalanche while heavy snow fell. The search operation started again after Eid due to better weather conditions, while Pakistan Army personnel partnered with local volunteers for enhanced coordination in their efforts.
The search operation includes over 70 team members who serve between the Pakistan Army and members of civil society. The combined team persists with their extreme mission in dangerous defiles despite the ongoing avalanche danger.
The location stayed completely off limits for more than 40 days because of excessive snowfall and continuing avalanche dangers, which made rescuing trapped people extremely dangerous and demanding.
Difficulties resulting from restricted access to essential heavy equipment become worse because of the situation’s isolated position which prevents necessary tool transport. Without compromising the mission, the operation carries on as locals strongly dedicate themselves to the rescue efforts.
Sources from the area state the emergency rescue started during the first three days post-disaster yet stopped because snowstorms created dangerous situations. The Pakistan Army restarted its operation with local citizen support only during the post-Eid ul-Fitr period following numerous requests by Phalawai residents and relatives of victims.
During the rescue mission families and community members have asked the government to provide vital equipment encompassing machinery as well as water pipe systems in addition to modern search gear for completing the deceased recovery operation. The overwhelming snowfall at the accident site remains a significant obstacle in this emotionally and physically taxing mission.
The people of Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmirs (AJK) remain united in grief and determination, standing by the bereaved families as efforts continue to honour the memory of the martyrs by bringing them home.
