GILGIT: After weeks without water following devastating floods, residents of Gilgit’s adjacent Danyor area took matters into their own hands, risking their lives to repair vital water channels. Their efforts ended in tragedy when a sudden landslide buried seven people alive beneath tons of earth.
Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed the deaths and said seven others were injured and rushed to hospitals. Rescue teams pulled four critically injured individuals from the debris before ending operations.
The funerals for the victims saw massive attendance as the community mourned the loss of those who gave their lives trying to bring life back to their homes and farms. The recent monsoon season has wreaked havoc across Pakistan, causing widespread flooding and landslides that claimed over 260 lives nationwide. Gilgit-Baltistan, a key tourist region, was severely affected. Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan reported at least 10 deaths and extensive damage to homes, water channels, and roads.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently visited the region, distributing compensation cheques under a Rs4 billion relief package and ordering urgent restoration of infrastructure. He prayed for the injured and pledged continued support for the affected families.
Highlighting the growing threat of climate change, the prime minister emphasized the urgent need for early warning systems and announced plans for a 100-megawatt solar power project in Gilgit-Baltistan to bolster the region’s energy supply.
