In a tragic incident on Saturday, a snow avalanche struck Astore district in Gilgit Baltistan, resulting in the loss of nine lives and leaving 25 others injured.
Deputy Inspector General of Police for Diamer-Astore Division, Tufail Mir, provided details of the incident, stating that the avalanche occurred near Shunter Pass during the early hours of the day.
Among the victims were three women, emphasizing the devastating impact of the disaster.
In response to the situation, a dedicated control room has been established in the district to coordinate rescue operations and aid in the recovery of individuals buried under the debris.
Rescue teams have been dispatched to the affected area, but they had encountered challenges due to its remote location and difficult terrain. Moreover, communication difficulties had further hindered the officials’ efforts to carry out efficient operations.
To support the rescue mission, an army helicopter, along with a team of doctors, ambulances, and additional rescue personnel, has arrived at the scene. These teams were working tirelessly to locate and rescue those trapped beneath the snow.
Diamer-Astore Division Commissioner Altamash Janjua reported that one body has been recovered so far, and 11 injured individuals are being transferred to the district headquarters hospital for treatment. He assured the public that the injured are now out of danger.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives, GB Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan has directed local authorities to initiate prompt rescue operations. He has urged the Secretary of the Interior, the Director General of the Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), and other officials to investigate the incident immediately.
GB Chief Secretary Mohiuddin Wani confirmed the dispatch of rescue teams to the affected area in compliance with the Chief Minister’s instructions. The authorities are making every effort to alleviate the consequences of this tragic incident and ensure the safety of those affected.
