ISLAMABAD: Authorities in northern Pakistan discovered 9 dead bodies following an avalanche that buried a group of nomads in the Shounter Valley of Gilgit Baltistan.
According to local authorities, the Astur police confirmed the grim death toll, while expressing concerns that the number of casualties may increase as rescue efforts continue.
Many individuals are still believed to be buried under the debris, raising fears for their survival.
The avalanche hit a sparsely populated village near Shounter Valley Pass, in which at least ten people succumbed and several suffered injuries.
Local authorities started the rescue process as several people remain trapped under snow and huge rubble. Officials told media that an avalanche struck Shunter Pass in the early hours of Saturday.
GB Chief Secretary Mohiuddin Wani also confirmed the death toll, adding that rescue work was under way in the area. Rescue teams of police and Rescue 1122 have been sent to the affected area, said Diamer DIG Tufial Ahmed.
GB Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan was grieved over the incident and directed the rescue organisations to start operations and set up a control room in the area.
