Gilgit Landslide Kills 8 Volunteers Amid Flood Repairs

Tragedy struck the mountainous city of Gilgit on Monday as a sudden landslide claimed the lives of eight local volunteers working to repair flood damage at Danyor Nullah. Several others were injured, and rescue operations are still underway to locate individuals believed to be trapped beneath tonnes of earth and rock.

According to rescue officials, the disaster unfolded without warning, catching workers off guard as they tried to restore a critical water channel damaged during recent floods. This heartbreaking incident is the latest in a series of weather-related disasters to hit the Gilgit-Baltistan region in recent weeks.

The Incident at Danyor Nullah

Danyor Nullah, a vital water channel for local irrigation and domestic use, sustained significant damage during flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains earlier this month. On Monday morning, a team of local volunteers — many of them farmers and laborers from surrounding villages — gathered to help repair the channel’s banks and clear debris.

Eyewitness accounts describe the moment disaster struck:

“We were working on clearing the mud and reinforcing the channel’s walls when we heard a loud rumble,” said Karim Ali, a survivor. “Within seconds, a wall of earth and rock came crashing down.”

The landslide buried multiple workers almost instantly. Those who managed to escape began digging with their bare hands to free their trapped colleagues until rescue teams arrived.

Rescue Operations and Emergency Response

Local authorities immediately dispatched rescue teams, assisted by residents and community volunteers. Four individuals were pulled out alive but remain in critical condition.

The injured were transported to nearby hospitals in Gilgit city, where emergency medical teams have been placed on high alert. The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) is coordinating with the police, Pakistan Army units, and local NGOs to speed up recovery efforts.

Search and rescue operations have been hampered by unstable slopes and continued rainfall, raising fears of secondary landslides. “We are working carefully to avoid triggering further collapses while still trying to reach those trapped,” said a GBDMA spokesperson.

Landslides and Heavy Rains Across Gilgit-Baltistan

This tragedy is not an isolated incident. The ongoing monsoon season has brought intense rainfall across northern Pakistan, leading to multiple landslides and road blockages.

Earlier the same day, the National Highway Authority (NHA) cleared the road at KM 161 in Jalkhad, which had been blocked by a landslide, restoring traffic flow. The Looshi Bridge — washed away by floodwaters just days ago — was also temporarily reconstructed to ensure movement along the route.

In Tatta Pani, a stretch of road that had been reopened just two days earlier was again blocked by a fresh landslide, underscoring the volatility of the terrain during this time of year.

Why Gilgit-Baltistan is Prone to Landslides

The geography of Gilgit-Baltistan makes it particularly vulnerable to landslides. The region’s steep mountain slopes, combined with loose soil and frequent seismic activity, create natural conditions for slope failures. When heavy rains saturate the ground, the risk of landslides increases dramatically.

Furthermore, climate change has intensified rainfall patterns, leading to more frequent and severe flooding. Melting glaciers, another consequence of global warming, contribute to unstable slopes by adding more water to the soil.

The Human Cost

The eight volunteers who lost their lives were more than just statistics; they were members of a close-knit community, people who stepped forward in a time of crisis to protect vital infrastructure. Many leave behind families who depended on them for income and support.

Rescue workers on the scene reported scenes of deep grief as relatives and friends gathered near the site, some holding out hope for survivors, others mourning confirmed losses.

Government and NGO Response

Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chief Minister has expressed condolences to the bereaved families and ordered all relevant departments to provide full assistance. Financial compensation for the families of the deceased and injured has been announced, while the GBDMA is working on plans to relocate residents living in high-risk landslide zones.

NGOs like the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) and the Pakistan Red Crescent Society have also joined in, offering emergency shelter, food supplies, and counseling services to affected families.

Long-Term Solutions and Preparedness

Experts emphasize that while immediate rescue and relief are critical, long-term strategies are necessary to prevent such tragedies. These include:

• Early Warning Systems: Installing sensors and weather monitoring stations in high-risk areas.

• Community Training: Equipping local residents with basic disaster response skills.

• Infrastructure Reinforcement: Building stronger retaining walls and drainage systems to manage water flow.

• Land-Use Planning: Restricting construction in vulnerable zones.

Without such measures, the cycle of disaster and recovery is likely to continue each monsoon season.

Voices from the Ground

Local activist Samina Bano stressed the importance of community solidarity:

“These volunteers gave their lives trying to help. We must honor their sacrifice by ensuring we’re better prepared next time.”

For many residents, this disaster is a reminder of both the power of nature and the resilience of the people who call Gilgit-Baltistan home.

The Gilgit landslide at Danyor Nullah is a stark reminder of the human toll of climate-driven disasters. As rescue teams continue their search, the priority remains saving lives and supporting the affected families. But beyond the immediate crisis, there is an urgent need for investment in disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies.

If the lessons from this tragedy are heeded, perhaps future loss of life can be prevented — ensuring that the selflessness of those eight volunteers was not in vain.