A devastating avalanche triggered by heavy snowfall struck a residential house in the remote village of Damil in Lower Chitral, killing nine members of the same family, including five women, while a child was rescued alive in injured condition.
The tragic incident occurred in the Srigal–Damil–Arandu area of Lower Chitral, a region prone to natural disasters during winter. According to district officials, an avalanche hit the house of Bacha, the son of Gul Muhammad, a resident of Bala village.
Ten members of the same family were buried under the debris when the avalanche struck following intense snowfall.
Nine bodies recovered, child survives
Rescue teams comprising Chitral Levies, police personnel, and local residents launched an immediate operation. Nine bodies were recovered from the rubble, while one child was pulled out alive but injured.
The injured child was identified as Muhammad Zubair, who was shifted for medical treatment.
According to rescue officials, the deceased were identified as Bacha, Razia, Haseena, Shabina, Shahina, Sadiqa, Irshad, Bilal, and Shaukat. Officials confirmed that all victims belonged to the same family.
District administration said the deceased included a father, his wife, and their children, including several daughters and sons.
Bodies shifted to Drosh, burial today
The bodies of the deceased and the injured child were shifted to Drosh in two ambulances of the Chitral Scouts and one ambulance of Rescue 1122. Officials said burial of the deceased family members will be held tomorrow.
Lower Chitral Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Hashim Azeem confirmed that nine members of the same family lost their lives after being buried under the avalanche.
He said one child was rescued alive and that both the bodies and the injured child were shifted to Drosh for further procedures.
District administration described the area as disaster-prone, particularly during heavy snowfall. Authorities urged residents of vulnerable areas to remain cautious and follow safety advisories as extreme winter conditions continue across Chitral.
Relief teams remain on alert amid forecasts of further snowfall in the region.
Also Read: Snowstorm paralyses Murree; 3ft snowfall forces roads closure, tourist ban
Meanwhile, a severe snowstorm accompanied by up to three feet of snowfall has brought life in Murree to a near standstill, forcing authorities to close all entry routes and impose a ban on tourists amid worsening weather and safety concerns.
After an intense snowstorm in Murree, authorities recorded up to three feet of snowfall in several areas. Due to the influx of vehicles far exceeding the town’s capacity, all entry routes to Murree were closed.
The Islamabad–Murree bypass was also shut before Bara Kahu, but despite clear government warnings, many tourists continued heading toward the hill station.
Met warnings, continued snowfall
The Met Department said an active weather system remains over Murree and Galiyat, predicting intermittent rain and snowfall over the next one to three hours.
Also Read: Heavy snow paralyses Pakistan, roads blocked, power supply suspended
Officials warned that snowfall could continue for another four to five hours, significantly reducing visibility and making roads slippery.
Power outages add to woes
Due to extreme conditions, the fruit and vegetable market and the 17 Mile Toll Plaza were closed for all types of traffic. A prolonged power outage in Murree left residents and stranded tourists facing severe difficulties amid freezing temperatures.
Road closures due to snow accumulation badly affected the transport system, while locals expressed concern over extreme cold and electricity disruptions.
Also Read: Rain, strong winds, thunderstorms forecast across Punjab
Authorities said snowfall restarted in Murree, prompting the removal of several vehicles and a complete ban on tourist entry. The administration began steps to evacuate nearly 5,000 tourist vehicles from the area to prevent emergencies.
Relief agencies and district administration teams remain active on the ground, using heavy machinery to clear snow and restore access where possible.
PDMA: Situation under control
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab reported that 12 inches of snowfall was recorded in the last 24 hours alone, with more rain and heavy snowfall expected over the next 24 hours.
PDMA warned that road conditions may worsen due to slippery surfaces and said the intensity of cold is likely to increase further in Murree and surrounding areas. Weather conditions are being monitored continuously from the PDMA control room.
