Avalanche Hits Domel Area
Chitral, Pakistan – A devastating avalanche struck a home in the Domel area of Chitral district, killing nine people and injuring a child. The incident occurred when a large mass of snow collapsed onto the house, trapping its residents.
According to the office of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Chitral, the victims included five men and four women. Rescue teams recovered the bodies from the rubble, and the injured child was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment. The authorities have confirmed that the child is currently in stable condition.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
Local officials reported that emergency teams acted swiftly to reach the site. The bodies of the deceased have been recovered, and the injured child has been provided immediate medical care, said a DC office spokesperson.
The rescue operation involved personnel from local disaster management teams, police, and volunteers from the community. They worked under challenging conditions, as ongoing snowfall and cold temperatures complicated access to the remote mountain area.
Context: Heavy Snowfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
This tragedy comes amid a period of intense snowfall across northern Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In neighboring districts, such as the Tirah Valley in Khyber, rescue teams are assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs) stranded due to heavy snow. Authorities are transporting them to safer locations, highlighting the broader challenges of winter in the region.
Deputy Commissioner Bilal Shahid of Khyber reported that timely interventions by the district administration helped protect affected families. With careful monitoring and quick response, all displaced families were secured and relocated safely, he said.
Risks of Avalanches in Northern Pakistan
Avalanches are a recurrent hazard in the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan, especially in Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Swat. Heavy snow, unstable slopes, and sudden temperature changes can trigger snow slides, often affecting homes built near hill slopes.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, some areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have received up to 50 centimeters (approximately 20 inches) of snow in recent days. These conditions increase the likelihood of avalanches, landslides, and road blockages, posing serious risks to local populations.
Safety Measures and Warnings
Authorities have urged residents in high-risk areas to avoid venturing into avalanche-prone zones during heavy snowfall. Early warning systems and community-based monitoring have become increasingly important in reducing casualties.
Local administration teams continue to coordinate with disaster management authorities to monitor snow-laden areas and provide timely alerts. The Chitral DC office has also asked villagers to report any unusual snow movements and avoid building structures directly under steep slopes.
Conclusion
The Domel avalanche serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by winter in Pakistan’s mountainous regions. As rescue teams work to assist the affected families, authorities emphasize the importance of preparedness and early response to prevent further tragedies.
