At least nine Army jawans were killed on Thursday as avalanches struck two army camps in Ganderbal and Bandipora districts of Kashmir Valley.

15 jawans were pulled out alive from the thick snow which buried several Army shelters.

A massive avalanche struck the workshop of 109 infantry brigade of Army posted at Dawar in Gurez area of Bandipora district during the intervening night, a defence spokesman said.

He said at least 21 jawans were buried under the avalanche.

"We have so far rescued 15 soldiers and recovered bodies of six others," he added.

Another avalanche struck Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district killing three Army jawans in their camp, the spokesman said.

Authorities had issued medium avalanche warning for both Sonamarg and Gurez areas following fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of the Valley.