Landslide caused by melting glacier in Gilgit claims eight lives

GILGIT (Dunya News) – A massive landslide in Gilgit triggered by the recent rains killed at least eight local volunteers and three other sustained critical injuries on Sunday.

At least 15 people, working to restore a water channel, were buried under mud and rocks due to landsliding near Manoga Nullah in Gilgit.

Local residents along with rescue teams rushed to the site and started rescue operation. The rescue teams retrieved the bodies from under the rubble and pulled out nine others.

The rescue teams have shifted the dead and the injured to a nearby hospital. According to rescue sources, most of the injured were in critical condition.

The flood destroyed the main road as a result of link of Hunza with the rest of the country was cut. However, the local administration diverted traffic via the Sas Valley Road from Murtazabad.

The torrent, caused by melting glacier, ripped through agricultural land, uprooted trees and damaged public and private property. In Hassanabad, the flood eroded land as a result of which more than 50 houses near Hassanabad Nullah were at risk of demolition.

A local resident said several homes have developed cracks. Ten houses were demolished recently.

GB CHIEF MINISTER EXPRESSES GRIEF

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has expressed sorrow over the loss of life and extended sympathies to the affected families.

“The government stands with the grieving families, and all possible assistance will be ensured for the victims,” he added.

He assured the families of the deceased of compensation according to government policy and the best medical facilities to the injured.

The chief minister ordered to accelerate the rescue operation and directed the provincial secretary of Home Affairs and the director general of GBDMA to take immediate action.

Chief Minister Khan also instructed the provincial secretary of health to ensure better medical facilities for the injured.