Search and rescue operations push forward on Wednesday, as teams struggle to find 139 soldiers and civilians who were buried by an avalanche more than a week ago in northern Pakistan.<br/> <br />Local media said the victims were trapped beneath 25 metres of snow.<br/> <br />They added that excavation work was hampered by toxic gases at the high-altitude army camp.<br/> <br />Bad weather had previously stopped rescue teams from getting to the area.<br/> <br />The military said a team of experts from Norway and the United States were providing technical assistance for the operation.<br/> <br />But hope has all but faded for the victims, and the search is likely one for bodies, not survivors.<br/> <br />Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari visited the site of the accident on Wednesday to lend his support to the Army, who are in charge of rescue operations.<br/> <br />Local media said between 10 and 20 thousand Indian and Pakistani troops are stationed in the mountainous region along the India/Pakistan border.<br/> <br />Travis Brecher, Reuters
