Srinagar, Feb 23 (TIWN / IANS) Six people were suspected to be trapped following an avalanche in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district, a disaster management official said on Saturday, adding that a rescue operation was ongoing.

"Six people are suspected to have been trapped after the avalanche at the Chrawan forests in Ajas area. Teams of police and the Army have started the operation. More details are awaited," the official said.

Authorities have been issuing avalanche warnings for the higher reaches of the state on a regular basis after this season's heavy snowfall in the state.