Nine members of a single family lost their lives when an avalanche hit their home in Sarigal Damil, Arandu, Chitral district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Heavy snowfall triggered the massive snow slide, collapsing the house and burying ten people under debris.
Miraculous Rescue of Eight-Year-Old Child
Local residents immediately launched rescue operations. They managed to recover nine bodies from the rubble. In a remarkable turn, an eight-year-old child, Zabeer, was pulled out alive, described by locals as a miraculous rescue amidst the devastation.
Victims Identified
Authorities identified the deceased as 35-year-old Bacha Khan, his 34-year-old wife Roziya Bibi, and their children: 15-year-old Hasina, 13-year-old Shabina, 11-year-old Irshad Ahmed, 10-year-old Shaheena, seven-year-old Sadiqa, five-year-old Shoukat Ahmed, and three-year-old Bilal.
Coordinated Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations were carried out by a combination of local volunteers, Pakistan Army units, and the Chitral Scouts. Teams worked tirelessly in harsh weather to recover the victims and ensure the safety of nearby residents.
Presidential Condolences and Call for Urgent Measures
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy. He extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed souls. The president highlighted that heavy rainfall and snowfall are clear indicators of climate-related emergencies. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures to reduce casualties in vulnerable areas.
Furthermore, President Zardari directed federal and provincial authorities to accelerate relief and recovery operations in affected regions. Ensuring public safety and providing support to the survivors remain top priorities for the government.
Climate-Related Risks and Future Preparedness
Experts note that such avalanches are increasingly frequent due to changing climate patterns. Authorities are urged to develop early warning systems, strengthen local infrastructure, and educate communities on emergency preparedness to minimize losses in future incidents.
The Chitral avalanche serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the urgent need for coordinated disaster management strategies in high-risk mountainous regions.
