DHAKA: At least four soldiers were killed when an avalanche struck a base camp in northern Pakistan.

The military said on Wednesday, reports The Straits Times.

The incident happened in the snow-covered Astore area which falls in the territory of Gilgit-Baltistan, also claimed by India as part of the disputed Kashmir region.

‘At least 26 soldiers came under a huge snow slide Tuesday night near Astore. Despite extreme weather hazard, 22 soldiers were evacuated through heroic efforts while four soldiers embraced Shahadat (martyrdom),’ the military said in a statement.

Snow slides in Astore and surrounding areas are common.

BDST: 1843 HRS, MAR 12, 2014