Sudden Landslide Claims Lives of Local Volunteers
A sudden landslide in the Danyore stream area of Gilgit has killed eight local volunteers and injured at least three others.
Authorities fear that more people may still be trapped beneath the debris. The disaster struck as teams worked to repair and restore a flood-damaged water channel.
Police sources told local media that the victims were part of a volunteer group engaged in community repair efforts when a large mass of earth collapsed without warning. The landslide buried several workers instantly.
Rescue Operations Underway
Emergency services immediately launched a search and rescue operation, with local residents joining the effort.
Excavators and other machinery are being used to remove the debris, though the terrain and unstable soil are slowing progress.
Medical teams at nearby hospitals have been placed on high alert. According to hospital sources, all eight of the deceased were members of the volunteer team. Three injured individuals are receiving treatment, and their conditions are said to be stable.
District authorities have declared an emergency in affected medical facilities to ensure rapid treatment for survivors.
Climate Change Impact on Gilgit-Baltistan
A spokesperson for the Gilgit-Baltistan government said extreme weather patterns linked to climate change are increasingly affecting the region.
Melting glaciers have led to higher water flows in mountain streams, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides.
The spokesperson cited recent flooding in the Shishper stream, which destroyed farmland, orchards, and trees in nearby communities. Part of the Karakoram Highway was also damaged, cutting off the Hunza route.
Transport Disruptions and Public Safety Warnings
Following the highway damage, traffic to Hunza has been diverted through Nagar Road.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, as further rainfall could trigger additional landslides. A heavy rain forecast has already triggered rescue operations across Gilgit-Baltistan, raising fears of more flooding and road blockages in the coming days.
Officials have also warned residents living near streams and unstable slopes to remain vigilant and avoid risky areas. Heavy monsoon rains, combined with glacial melt, have historically caused deadly disasters in Gilgit-Baltistan.
A Region at Risk
Gilgit-Baltistan, home to some of the world’s highest peaks and largest glaciers outside the polar regions, faces increasing environmental hazards.
According to Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority, hundreds of glacial lakes in the region pose a risk of sudden outburst floods.
This latest incident underscores the vulnerability of mountain communities, where volunteer responders often act as the first line of defense during emergencies.
For many residents, landslides are not isolated events but part of a growing pattern of climate-related disasters threatening lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
