By Staff Reporter
GILGIT: A landslide killed seven volunteers and injured six others early Monday in Danyor city, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), as they worked to repair a flood-damaged water channel, rescue officials said.
The incident occurred at 2:00 am when 13 volunteers, mostly youths, were restoring a critical water channel from Danyor nullah, Gilgit’s Rescue 1122 service said. “Thirteen volunteers restoring the water supply were buried under the rubble,” it stated.
The injured were rushed to hospitals in Gilgit and Danyor, with District Emergency Officer Abdul Basit overseeing operations. Local resident Muhammad Akbar said that casualties were taken to “various hospitals in Gilgit and Danyor.”
GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed 15 volunteers were at the site, with seven deaths reported. An emergency was declared at Gilgit hospitals. “Our hearts are saddened by this unfortunate accident. Gilgit is in a state of mourning,” Faraq said.
Heavy rains since late June and melting glaciers have intensified flooding and landslides in GB. On July 21, floods in the Babusar area killed 10 people, damaged infrastructure, and left 12 tourists missing. A July 22 flash flood in Danyor nullah inundated homes, destroyed crops, and damaged irrigation channels, roads, and bridges, isolating communities.
Local Hussain Akbar Shah said thousands in Danyor faced drinking and irrigation water shortages, as the nullah is the valley’s lifeline. The landslide hit as volunteers stepped in to fix the channel amid alleged government inaction.
Protests erupted at Danyor Chowk, with residents blaming authorities for the deaths. Former GB minister Muhammad Iqbal, leading area elders, told reporters that the government failed to restore the water supply despite promises. “Residents temporarily restored the pipeline, but flooding destroyed it again, and the government did nothing,” he said, warning of further protests if action was not taken.
Social activist Ghulam Abbas said government negligence contributed to the tragedy, noting one volunteer died of a heart attack, raising the toll to eight. “This might not have happened if the government had restored the channel,” he said.
Resident Dildar Hussain called the incident “regrettable” and a sign of “government incompetence.” “No one did anything for restoration. The responsibility for these lives lies with the government.”
GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan offered condolences and pledged compensation for bereaved families. “The families of those who died will receive compensation as per government policy,” Khan said.
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