Control room set up to facilitate rescue operations, recover people from under the debris
In a tragic incident, at least 11 people were killed and 26 others sustained injuries in an avalanche in the Astore district of Gilgit-Baltistan on Saturday.
Confirming the report, Deputy Inspector General of Police for Diamer-Astore Division Tufail Mir said a control room has been set up in the district to facilitate rescue operations and recover people from under the debris.
Mir said that rescue teams were facing challenges in reaching the affected area due to its remote location and difficult terrain.
Furthermore, communication difficulties were also impeding the officials’ efforts.
Muhammad Riaz, a police official from the area, told said that residents were taking the lead in the rescue operation in the difficult-to-reach area.
Army helicopter and a team of doctors, ambulance and rescue teams have also reached the spot and attempts were being made to recover people trapped under the snow.
GB Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and directed local authorities to initiate rescue operations immediately.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Deputy Speaker Zahid Akram Durrani expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives in the tragic incident.
