GILGIT-BALTISTAN: A major landslide struck near Gandlo in the Moladad area of Gilgit-Baltistan’s Chilas region on Monday, but authorities confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far, according to an official statement from the GB government.
Government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq said that while several vehicles were caught in the landslide, some passengers narrowly escaped by jumping out of their vehicles moments before the debris hit. “Thankfully, no loss of life has been confirmed yet,” he added.
Rescue Operations and Emergency Response
Immediately after the incident, an emergency was declared at Chilas Hospital, and rescue teams were dispatched to the site to clear the road and search for anyone possibly trapped under the rubble. Officials said initial reports suggested that a few passengers might still be stuck beneath the debris, but confirmation was awaited as rescue work continued.
Heavy machinery has been moved to the area to speed up clearance operations, while local administration and police are assisting rescue workers in ensuring the safety of travelers stranded due to the blocked route.
Chief Minister Orders Swift Action
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan took immediate notice of the landslide and directed the Home Secretary to oversee and expedite the rescue and relief operations. The chief minister also instructed authorities to ensure that all stranded passengers are safely evacuated and that the affected area is reopened for traffic as soon as possible.
Officials have advised travelers to avoid unnecessary movement in the region until the situation is fully stabilized, citing the risk of further landslides due to unstable terrain.
