FC man among seven killed in Chitral avalanche
The avalanche struck the village of Sher Shal in Garam Chashma Tehsil.
CHITRAL (Dunya News) - At least seven people, including a Frontier Constabulary (FC), were killed by an avalanche in northern Pakistan’s Chitral district, with several residents still trapped in collapsed houses.
The avalanche struck the village of Sher Shal in Garam Chashma Tehsil, completely destroying more than twenty houses.
So far seven dead bodies have been recovered while seven injured have been rescued and moved to civil hospital.
Chitral District Administration told Radio Pakistan that rescue operation is in progress to recover the people trapped under the debris.
Chitral police and district administration clearing roads leading up to hospitals, watch video:
Despite snowfall , Chitral Police & District Administration clearing roads leading up to Hospital etc#KPKUpdates pic.twitter.com/3DvTkpKfrg
— KPK Updates (@KPKUpdates) February 4, 2017
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the incident.
He has directed all relevant federal and provincial authorities to reach the site immediately and undertake rescue and relief work.
He has also directed National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to coordinate the rescue efforts and arrange for necessary medical care, food and shelter for the affectees.
Avalanches are common in Pakistan’s scenic north, where the country’s major glaciers are also located. These glaciers are the main source of surface water for Pakistan’s agriculture, industrial and domestic sectors.
