Hope fading for Pakistan avalanche survivors

Rescue workers on Monday continued to search for the 139 soldiers and civilians still trapped under heavy snow for more than two days after a massive avalanche struck an army camp in the Pakistan’s northern Siachen Glacier area.But up till Monday, none of the trapped people had been yet recovered since the Saturday morning tragedy. Army’s chief spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said “it would be a miracle if any survivor is found”. Local media reported that snowfall started in the region on Monday, which is likely to hamper the already unsuccessful search and rescue operation.An eight-member team of the American experts has also arrived in Pakistan to provide technical assistance in the ongoing rescue operation, the army said. Discussion will be held with the team to find out possibility and nature of assistance required to rescue the soldiers and civilians buried under snow in Gayari sector, an army statement said.Local media reports said that Pakistan also mulls seeking technical help from more countries as the rescue operation is becoming more challenging. Muhammad Hanif, an official with the country’smeterological department, had predicted snowfall in the coming days.Pakistani TV channels reported that a meeting of top commanders in the army headquarters in Rawalpindi on Monday to discuss the rescue operation in Siachen. Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani presided over the meeting. The Formation Commanders were briefed on the outcome of the search and rescue operation. They also discussed the U.S. team offer for assistance. “It is a big challenge and I am confident that the armed forces will meet it,” local media quoted General Kayani as telling the commanders.President Asif Ali Zardari talked on phone with the commanders monitoring the rescue operation shortly after he returned from his day-long visit to India on Sunday, presidential spokesman said. In a moral boost effort and to personally monitor the rescue operation, the Army Chief Kayani visited Siachen Sunday. He was briefed about the situation.