In a tragic turn of events, eight local volunteers lost their lives in a massive landslide as they were taking part in restoring the flood-damaged Danyor Nullah in Gilgit, officials and hospital sources said.
Several others were injured and rushed to hospitals, where emergency services have been activated, while rescue teams and locals continue to search for those still trapped under the debris.
According to sources on the ground, the volunteers were helping repair the flood-damaged water channel when the mudslide struck.
As a result, several people were buried under the tonnes of earth and rocks.
Police say four people were pulled out from under the debris in critical condition, but many are still trapped as rescue teams and locals are working tirelessly to find them.
Local authorities informed that the community has come together, rushing to help in the ongoing rescue efforts. It’s a heartbreaking situation unfolding in Gilgit.
The recent monsoon spell wreaked havoc across Pakistan with scenes of urban flooding, flash floods and landslides resulting in over 260 deaths, while several others are still missing, along with damage to infrastructure.
Gilgit Baltistan, which hosts several tourist hotspots, was also battered by flash floods and landslides, with Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, last month, saying that at least 10 people were killed and four others were injured in the region in floods triggered by intense monsoon rains.
Expanding on the extent of damage, the chief minister said that 300 houses were destroyed, whereas 200 were partially damaged. Also, 30-40% of water channels and 15 to 20 kilometres of roads were damaged.
This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.
