14 dead as avalanche hits village in Chitral

CHITRAL: Several houses were destroyed when a village in the northern region of Chitral was hit by an avalanche last night.

The avalanche struck the village of Sher Shal in Garam Chashma Tehsil, completely destroying more than twenty houses.

So far 14 bodies have been recovered while seven injured have been rescued and moved to the civil hospital.

Chitral District Administration told Radio Pakistan that rescue operation is in progress to recover the people trapped under the debris.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the incident.

He has directed all relevant federal and provincial authorities to reach the site immediately and undertake rescue and relief work.

He has also directed National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to coordinate the rescue efforts and arrange for necessary medical care, food and shelter for the affectees.

Avalanches are common in Pakistan’s scenic north, where the country’s major glaciers are also located. These glaciers are the main source of surface water for Pakistan’s agriculture, industrial and domestic sectors.