At least five individuals lost their lives on Sunday when a landslide engulfed their vehicle near Rondo Malupa in Skardu, as confirmed by rescue officials to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
The vehicle was en route from Skardu to Shangus when it was overwhelmed by a significant volume of falling debris. Rescue officials reported, “The ill-fated vehicle was traveling from Skardu to Shangus when it was suddenly buried under a massive amount of falling debris.”
Authorities described the scene as “horrific,” noting that the vehicle was entirely swept away, leaving no possibility of survival for those inside.
A rescue team was promptly dispatched to the location to initiate a search and recovery operation. Officials later confirmed that all five occupants of the vehicle had perished. The identities of the deceased have not yet been disclosed.
Pakistan ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries globally, often experiencing severe weather events. This year, the nation recorded its wettest April since 1961, with 59.3 mm of rainfall.
The unseasonal precipitation has led to widespread devastation, including thunderstorms, landslides, and the collapse of structures, resulting in at least 144 fatalities, predominantly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Earlier this year, intense monsoon rains triggered landslides and flash floods throughout Gilgit-Baltistan, causing significant damage in villages such as Kushnat, Pakora, and Mominabad. In one tragic incident, two children lost their lives, and essential infrastructure, including a veterinary hospital and a school, was destroyed.
