An avalanche has struck a nomadic tribe, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 11 lives, including that of a four-year-old boy, in northern Pakistan. The incident occurred while the group was traversing a mountainous area in the Shounter Pass along with their goat herds. Reports indicate that an additional 25 individuals sustained injuries, and rescue operations are currently underway. Expressing sorrow over the deaths, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, attributed incidents like avalanches to the escalating consequences of climate change.
The avalanche transpired during the early hours of Saturday within the portion of the pass connecting the Astore district of the Gilgit Baltistan region to the adjacent Azad Kashmir in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Senior police officer Ziarat Ali conveyed that among those who lost their lives were four women and a four-year-old boy. The rescue teams have faced formidable challenges in reaching the area due to its remote location and treacherous terrain. Assisting local authorities in the rescue efforts, military personnel and two helicopters have been deployed. Witnesses reported that local residents also joined forces to aid in the retrieval of individuals trapped beneath the snow. Prime Minister Sharif, in a tweet, expressed deep grief and mourned the loss of precious lives.
He highlighted the rising frequency of such incidents in Pakistan, emphasizing the urgent need for the international community to fulfill its responsibility in safeguarding developing nations from the detrimental effects of climate change. Pakistan’s northern regions have proven vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, experiencing frequent and severe weather events. Often referred to as the “third pole” due to its substantial glacial ice, the region has witnessed the melting of immense glaciers, resulting in the formation of over 3,000 lakes. The country previously endured catastrophic floods last year, claiming the lives of more than 1,700 people.