The avalanche came down on at least four houses in the remote village, which has been struck by heavy snow storms in recent days.[1] According to local officials, rescue teams faced difficulties getting into the village as all the roads were blocked due to the avalanche and further landslides.[4][5] Police and volunteers had to hike through the night to reach the scene of the avalanche and the police faced communication problems as radio reception was hampered by the mountainous terrain.[6] A search for stranded people was being conducted and a request had been made to send a helicopter and heavy machinery to the village to assist in the rescue operation.[5][7]