SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Two people went missing and another one was rescued Friday after an avalanche hit them in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The men were part of a snow clearing team after an avalanche swept a snowplough near Aru-Pahalgam in Anantnag district, about 104 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Today in the afternoon an avalanche hit a snow clearing machine that was pressed into service to clear the road of snow at Aru-Pahalgam," a local government official posted in Anantnag said. "The avalanche swept the machine along with three persons. However, one person was rescued while as two others went missing under the mound of snow."

Following the incident disaster management personnel and policemen launched searches for the missing, officials said.

Last month two people including a 12-year-old girl were killed and two women rescued after an avalanche hit them in the region's Ramban district.

Plains and upper reaches in the region witnessed heavy to moderate snowfall during the past two days.

People in the snowbound areas were urged to take precautions and not to venture near steep slopes.

The region has a rugged terrain. Landslides and avalanches are often triggered from its mountains during frequent rains and heavy snowfall.