An avalanche in a mountainous region of northern Pakistan’s Gilgit Baltistan province killed at least nine people and injured another 25 on Saturday.
According to the sub-inspector general of the local police, Tuafil Mir, the rescue teams are experiencing great difficulties in reaching the site, which is in a remote area with steep terrain.
Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic snow avalanche in Astore. My sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this devastating incident. RIP the departed souls. Ameen!
Note: The search and rescue has already started according to @iAliTajGB bhai pic.twitter.com/Hf01vGq7LT– Shyok Times (@shyoktimes) May 27, 2023
On the other hand, a tourism authority spokesperson confirmed to the German news agency DPA that the avalanche surprised a group of 34 people, made up of shepherds and their families.
A senior government official in Gilgit Baltistan, Khalid Jursjid Jan, mourned the death of the civilians and urged emergency services to speed up rescue efforts, local newspaper Dawn reported.
Similarly, the regional authority called on the Pakistan Ministry of Home Affairs and the Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority to investigate the causes of the accident.
Source: DN
