In Jammu and Kashmir, around 400 civilians, including children, trapped at Khardung La pass on Srinagar-Leh National Highway have been rescued. According to a defence spokesman, multiple land and snow slides occurred on Friday night along a 10 km stretch at Khardung La pass.

Some 150 vehicles carrying them got trapped. They were rescued in a joint operation launched by the army and the police and administered oxygen at the medical aid post and lodged in army camps.

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.