ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, April 10 (UPI) -- Search-and-rescue operations on the Siachen Glacier for 135 people buried by an avalanche pressed on Tuesday despite poor weather, Pakistani officials said.
The lousy weather has prevented experts from the United States, Germany and Sweden from joining the effort following their arrival in Rawalpindi, Express Tribune reported.
At least 124 soldiers from the 6th Northern Light Infantry Battalion and 11 civilian contractors have been missing since an avalanche engulfed a military complex in Gayari sector Saturday.
A Pakistani special forces team is using a life detection kit and thermal imaging cameras in the rescue operation.
Heavy equipment at the site has removed about 40 feet of snow, Geo News reported. Officials said crews and equipment are working at five sites.
Pakistani army officials said 240 Pakistani troops and civilians were working at the disaster site, using specially trained dogs and heavy machinery.
The Siachen Glacier is known as the world's highest battlefield, with soldiers deployed at elevations as high as 22,000 feet and where harsh weather has killed more soldiers than combat.
