Avalanche in Chitral kills 10 members of same family

CHITRAL/ISLAMABAD: At least 10 members of a single family were killed after an avalanche struck the Domel Arandu area of Lower Chitral, officials said.

The Chitral district administration confirmed that all bodies have been recovered, and the region is now in mourning. The identity of the victims could not be ascertained immediately.

Authorities warned that heavy snowfall and extreme weather have increased the risk of such incidents in mountainous areas, urging residents to exercise caution.

The first snowfall of the season has begun in Chitral city, following intermittent rainfall across the district over the past three days. By evening, rain in Chitral town and surrounding areas turned into snow, while both upper and low-lying areas of the district also experienced snowfall, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures.

In the Lowari Tunnel area, nearly 10 inches of fresh snow has accumulated so far. According to officials, traffic on the Lowari Tunnel road has been restored with the use of snow chains, but drivers have been urged to exercise extreme caution due to slippery conditions.

The Lower Chitral district administration has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel at night and to venture out only if absolutely necessary, given the severe weather conditions.

Deputy Commissioner of Lower Chitral said that Chitral Traffic Police, Levies Force, and Rescue 1122 teams are deployed at key locations, remaining alert and engaged in rescue and assistance operations. Authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, with all relevant departments on standby to ensure public safety.

Meanwhile, under the directives of DG Rescue 1122 Tayyab Abdullah and Regional Director North Arshad Iqbal, Rescue 1122 Lower Chitral has been placed on high alert under the supervision of District Emergency Officer Sajid Ali Yousafzai. Rescue personnel stationed at Lower Chitral headquarters, Lowari Tunnel, Drosh Station, and Kalash Valley (Bamborit) have had their leaves canceled in light of the severe weather.

Severe winter conditions across the country’s northern regions have paralysed daily life and blocked major roads, leaving both locals and tourists stranded.

Reports indicate at least two other deaths from separate weather-related incidents.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, districts including Mansehra, Upper Galiyat, Shangla, Lower Dir, Mohmand, Kalam, Orakzai Chitral and Khyber have experienced heavy snowfall.

In the Tirah Valley of Khyber, around 100 vehicles were stranded, and 35 people were rescued to safe locations.

Power outages and blocked roads were reported in Shangla and Chitral.

Popular tourist destinations, including Naran and Shogran, have received 6 inches and 1.5 inches of snow, drawing large numbers of visitors.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, Astor’s upper regions recorded snowfall of 2–3 feet, disrupting land connections.

Snowfall was also reported in Hunza, Nagar, and Chipursan and Yasin worsening difficulties for residents. Cold conditions intensified in Chilas, Babusar Top, Nanga Parbat, Batogah, Daril and Tangir.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, intermittent snowfall continues in higher altitudes, while the Muree Expressway was partially closed due to snow.

Rescue operations are under way across northern areas.

In Tirah Valley, Rescue 1122 teams evacuated 55 people trapped in 20 vehicles at Sandana. Teams from Khyber, Peshawar, Swabi, and Nowshera participated in the efforts.

In Bara Batta Tal, the collapse of a house room due to rain trapped five people, who were rescued and given medical assistance by Rescue 1122 teams.

The Swat deputy commissioner advised all tourists to take extreme precautions while travelling to Malam Jabba, Kalam, and other northern areas.

Authorities emphasized the mandatory use of tire chains beyond Spina Obu for vehicles heading to Malam Jabba.

They said that snow clearance operations are ongoing, and tourists stranded on the roads were urged to remain patient until roads are fully cleared for travel.

Authorities have strictly instructed all tourists to stay at their current locations until complete road clearance is achieved, prioritising public safety.