Deadly Avalanche Kills 11 Nomadic Tribe Members in Northern Pakistan

A devastating avalanche triggered by heavy snowfall in northern Pakistan has claimed the lives of 11 individuals, including a 4-year-old boy, while leaving 25 others from a nomadic tribe injured. The incident occurred as the nomads were crossing the treacherous Chambeli area of Shounter Pass, which connects the Astore district in the Gilgit Baltistan region to Azad Kashmir.

Senior police officer Ziarat Ali of Gilgit Baltistan confirmed that among the deceased were four women and the young boy. The nomads were on foot, guiding their herds of goats from the Kel area of Azad Kashmir to Astore when they were caught in the early morning avalanche.

Rescue operations faced significant challenges as the avalanche-hit area proved difficult to access. Troops were deployed to assist local authorities in their efforts. Despite the rough terrain and the altitude of approximately 14,000 feet (4,270 meters) above sea level, a rescue operation involving two military helicopters was launched. The bodies of the deceased and the injured were transported to ambulances stationed 5 kilometers (3 miles) away from the avalanche site.

Witnesses reported that local residents rallied together to support the rescue teams in recovering the victims, demonstrating the solidarity of the community in times of adversity.

In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and directed officials to ensure that the injured receive the best available medical treatment. Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid of Gilgit Baltistan declared a state of emergency in the hospitals of the main cities, Gilgit and Skardu, to address the urgent medical needs arising from the incident.

Gilgit Baltistan, known as the “land of glaciers,” has experienced an increasing number of avalanches and snow landslides in recent years, which experts attribute to the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures have accelerated the melting of glaciers in Pakistan’s northern mountain ranges, resulting in the formation of a significant number of glacial lakes in the Gilgit Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, as reported by the United Nations.

Pakistan is recognized as one of the ten countries most vulnerable to natural disasters induced by climate change. In 2022, the country faced severe flash floods that claimed the lives of over 1,700 people and affected 33 million others.

Climate experts point out that altered weather patterns, including delayed snowfall in April instead of the previously expected months of December and January, contribute to the increased frequency of flooding and avalanches in Pakistan. The delayed snowfall prevents the formation of tightly packed and crystallized glacial ice layers, leaving the region more susceptible to melting as temperatures rise in May and June.

The tragic avalanche serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of climate change and highlights the urgent need for sustainable measures to mitigate its impacts.