Yasen Valley: Snow Avalanche kills 4 members of a family, roads blocked

Our Correspondent 

Gilgit, March 20:  Four members of a family were killed and three injured when a snow avalanche crashed into Qurqulti village of Yasen Valley. The deaths happened inside a house located opposite of the avalanche after it was hit by a strong swoosh that raced down the valley ahead of the avalanche.

According to details, Tika Khan, 32, his wife, 30 and their 3 year old daughter were killed along with mother of Tika Khan, 61, as a result of the avalanche.  The house was completely destroyed. On getting the news, Assistant Commissioner Gupis, Shuja Alam, reached the spot with police officials to help the local people and members of FOCUS’ Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)  in the search and rescue efforts. Three people, including Bilawar Khan, his son Altaf and a daughter o the deceased Tika Khan were recovered from the house in injured condition and shifted to the hospital. The search and rescue operation continued for around 8 hours.

The dead were laid to rest in presence of thousands of people who had gathered in Qurqulti from neighboring villages.

The valley has been receiving heavy rain and snowfall during the last 48 hours. Supply of electricity, road blockade and disruption of the communication networks created hurdles for the rescue and relief workers. According to reports the main Shandur road and other link roads in the district have been affected due to the heavy rains and snowfall.

Gupis Assistant Commissioner has vowed that electricity supply for Qurqulti will be supplied within 24 hours. He has also said that efforts have been started to clear all the roads for traffic.

Pamir Times

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Pamir Times is the pioneering community news and views portal of Gilgit – Baltistan, Kohistan, Chitral and the surrounding mountain areas. It is a voluntary, not-for-profit, non-partisan and independent venture initiated by the youth.

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