At least 11 people killed as snow avalanche hit Astore district of Gilgit-Baltistan

At least eleven people are reported to have been killed as a snow avalanche hit the Astore district of Gilgit-Baltistan on Saturday.

While 26 others sustained injuries and efforts are underway to recover people trapped under snow.

As reported, a snow avalanche hit camps of nomads near Shunter Pass of Astore district, while eight bodies have been recovered and the injured have been shifted to the government hospital.

Deputy Inspector General of Police for Diamer-Astore Division Tufail Mir informed that a control room has been set up in the district to facilitate rescue operations and recover people from under the debris.

Following the incident, rescue teams have reached the spot and attempts are being made to recover people trapped under the snow.

Army helicopter and a team of doctors, and ambulances have also reached the spot and till the last reports, attempts were being made to recover people trapped under the snow.

GB Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and directed local authorities to initiate rescue operations.

CM directed the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), Rescue 1122, and other authorities to utilize all available resources to retrieve the people trapped under the snow and debris.