Even as the army is busy rescuing people in the snow-trapped Kashmir valley, its troops are fighting for survival in the 70 feet of snow along the Line of Control.

"Unprecedented snow gripped the frontiers in Uri and Gulmarg sectors making it difficult for jawans to move out of their barracks. This is the heaviest snowfall recorded in 43 years," officiating corps commander Maj Gen R S Mehta said on Tuesday.

Uri sector recorded up to 70 feet of snow, while Gulmarg sector recorded 66 feet, he added. However, no casualties were reported, he said.

The jawans had to clear snow with spades and other equipments every half-an-hour and they are 'doing it bravely and are in high spirits', said the officer, who made an aerial survey of the situation.

Mehta pointed out that in other parts the jawans braved the snow to rescue people from the snow-hit areas in south Kashmir.

He added that jawans from 49 Rashtriya Rifles in Anantnag district braved the snow and walked 8 km to rescue people from Waltingu village on Wednesday. Those rescued were provided with food and medical aid, the officer added.

The police said 74 people were rescued from the avalanches and referred to medical camps set up by the army and various hospitals for treatment.

Other reports:

Avalanche toll reaches 116

51 rescued from Jawahar Tunnel

Rs 1.60-cr relief to snowfall-hit families