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Two Poles die in Kashmir from an avalanche, 21 others escape

Two Polish skiers have died in an avalanche at a winter resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Indian police have announced that 21 more people have been rescued in the Himalayan resort. 21 foreign tourists and two guides from Kashmir were trapped in the snow due to an avalanche while they were skiing in the higher parts of Gulmarg, authorities said.

The Pirpanjal range in the west of the Himalayas is a popular skiing destination for both Indians and foreign tourists. In 2012, at least 17 Indian soldiers died in an avalanche that hit the Gulmarg military base while they were training.

Avalanches and landslides are common in Kashmir and have killed hundreds in recent years. In 2017, at least 20 Indian soldiers died in three avalanches, while in 2012 a massive avalanche killed 140 people in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.