A massive landslide in Gilgit triggered by recent rains killed eight volunteers who were working to restore a water channel. At least 15 volunteers were working on the water channel when they were caught in the landslide and were buried under the debris near Denure Nullah in Gilgit. Rescuers and residents rushed to the spot and were able to retrieve six bodies while nine injured people were pulled from the debris. Two of them breathed their last later. The rescue teams have shifted the dead and injured to a nearby hospital.

According to rescuers, most of the injured were in critical condition. According to Gilgit Baltistan government spokesman Faizullah Faraq, the incident occurred around midnight last night. GB Baltistan chief minister has expressed sorrow and grief over the tragic incident and directed the authorities to accelerate the relief work. The spokesman said an emergency was declared in all the hospitals in Gilgit following the incident.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)