KHAPLU, Gilgit-Baltistan: At least seven people were killed while six others were injured in Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region when a massive landslide struck local volunteers restoring a water channel for their town, rescue and police officials confirmed on Monday.
The incident took place late Sunday night when 13 local volunteers were attempting to restore the water supply in the main water channel from Danyor nullah to Danyor town in Gilgit district. The water channel had been damaged due to the floods in the area triggered by heavy rains in July, according to Gilgit Station House Officer Imtiaz Hussain.
“During late night, the mudslide hit them,” Engineer Tahir Shah, Gilgit district’s rescue officer for Rescue 1122 emergency service, told Arab News. “Thirteen people were buried under the debris initially. Resultantly, seven people were killed and six others were injured,” he added.
Hussain said the bodies were recovered and shifted to a nearby hospital, adding that the injured were in stable condition.
Locals said the water channel was damaged last month, when torrential rains struck the region and triggered flash floods in several parts of northern territory.
