Pakistani Rescuers Find First Body Of Missing Soldier In Siachen

Islamabad, May 28, IRNA -- Pakistani rescuers, searching for bodies of soldiers buried under a massive avalanche in Siachen Glacier earlier last month, was recovered Sunday, raising hopes for the recovery of other nearly 138 more soldiers and civilians. Local media reported that body of soldier, Mohammad Hussain, was found and airlifted to his hometown for burial. An avalanche had struck a Pakistan army camp at Gayari sector on April 7. Over 450 rescuers, including foreign teams, had been working in inclement weather at the site for 50 days. The rescuers had found some equipment last week and the military had reported that Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) teams took readings at 26 different points and identified eight sites for further search. Express TV reported that the rescuers had also discovered a check post for the residential barracks of soldiers. Sources said that the rescuers have intensified operation and more teams are likely join them later Sunday. The army said last week that clearance efforts were underway round the clock and efforts are being undertaken to tackle effects of water on the site in the shape of ponds, cutting and crevasses. The water has started draining and has resulted in quick reduction of water levels in the lake up to 27 feet. Excavation work continued its full pace despite difficulties posed by seepage of the water at the sites, hazards of crevasses, cutting by water and sinking effects for digging equipment. President Asif Ali Zardari, Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani and leader of the opposition Nawaz Sharif had also visited Siachen Glacier to monitor search operation and to boost morale of the soldiers involved in the operation and to express solidarity of affected families./end