Avalanche kills nine members of same family in Chitral

Chitral (Web Desk): Tragedy struck Lower Chitral as an avalanche claimed the lives of at least nine members of a single family in the Domel Arandu area.

According to local authorities, all the victims’ bodies have been recovered, though their identities have yet to be confirmed.

The district has been plunged into mourning, with authorities warning that ongoing heavy snowfall and extreme weather have made avalanches and other hazards increasingly likely, urging residents to remain cautious.
Chitral city witnessed its first snowfall of the season following intermittent rainfall over the past three days.

By evening, rain in Chitral and surrounding areas turned to snow, affecting both highland and lowland regions and causing temperatures to drop sharply. Near the Lowari Tunnel, fresh snow has accumulated to nearly 10 inches. While traffic has been restored with snow chains, drivers are being urged to travel with extreme care due to slippery roads.

The Lower Chitral administration has advised residents to limit travel, particularly at night, and venture out only when absolutely necessary.

Deputy Commissioner of Lower Chitral said that the Chitral Traffic Police, Levies Force, and Rescue 1122 teams are stationed at key locations, fully alert and ready to respond.

The district has been placed on high alert under the supervision of District Emergency Officer Sajid Ali Yousafzai, and all leaves for rescue personnel at Lower Chitral headquarters, Lowari Tunnel, Drosh Station, and Kalash Valley have been canceled.

Across the northern regions of Pakistan, severe winter conditions have disrupted daily life, blocked major roads, and stranded both locals and tourists. Reports indicate at least two other fatalities from weather-related incidents.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), heavy snowfall was recorded in Mansehra, Upper Galiyat, Shangla, Lower Dir, Mohmand, Kalam, Orakzai, Chitral, and Khyber districts. The Tirah Valley saw around 100 vehicles stranded, with 35 people rescued to safety. Power outages and blocked roads were reported in Shangla and Chitral.

Tourist spots like Naran and Shogran recorded snowfall of six inches and 1.5 inches, respectively, drawing visitors despite the harsh conditions.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Astor experienced 2–3 feet of snow, disrupting land travel, while Hunza, Nagar, Chipursan, and Yasin also faced heavy snowfall. Cold conditions intensified in Chilas, Babusar Top, Nanga Parbat, Batogah, Daril, and Tangir. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, intermittent snowfall continued at higher altitudes, and the Muree Expressway was partially closed due to snow.

Rescue operations are ongoing across the northern regions. In Tirah Valley, Rescue 1122 teams evacuated 55 people trapped in 20 vehicles at Sandana, with support from teams from Khyber, Peshawar, Swabi, and Nowshera.

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

Officials have urged tourists to exercise extreme caution while traveling to northern destinations such as Malam Jabba and Kalam. Beyond Spina Obu, authorities have made tire chains mandatory for vehicles heading to these areas.

Snow clearance operations continue whereas tourists stranded along the roads have been asked to remain in place until the routes are fully safe for travel, as public safety remains the top priority.