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.

Local media said the victims were trapped beneath 25 metres of snow.

They added that excavation work was hampered by toxic gases at the high-altitude army camp.

Bad weather had previously stopped rescue teams from getting to the area.

The military said a team of experts from Norway and the United States were providing technical assistance for the operation.

But hope has all but faded for the victims, and the search is likely one for bodies, not survivors.

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.

Local media said between 10 and 20 thousand Indian and Pakistani troops are stationed in the mountainous region along the India/Pakistan border.

Travis Brecher, Reuters