At least nine people lost their lives and 25 others were injured in a snow avalanche that struck Astore district of Pakistan’s northern Gilgit Baltistan region on Saturday, said officials.
The avalanche struck near Shunter Pass during the early hours of the day, Deputy Inspector General of Police for Diamer-Astore Division Tufail Mir told media.
He confirmed that at least nine people, including three women, were killed in the avalanche while 25 others sustained injuries. He said that rescue teams were facing challenges in reaching the affected area due to its remote location and difficult terrain. The rescue efforts were affected by the communication issues in the remote area. Meanwhile, Provincial Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and instructed local authorities to initiate rescue operations.
Source: Kuwait News Agency