Skardu, Pakistan – At least five people were killed on Sunday when a landslide struck and buried their vehicle near Rondo Malupa in Skardu, rescue officials confirmed to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
The vehicle was traveling from Skardu to Shangus when it was suddenly overwhelmed by a massive amount of falling debris. According to rescue officials, the ill-fated vehicle was completely swept away, leaving no survivors.
Police described the aftermath as “horrific,” with the vehicle being entirely buried under the debris, making any rescue attempt futile. A rescue team was immediately dispatched to the site to begin a search and recovery operation, but all five individuals in the vehicle were confirmed dead. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Pakistan, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, has recently faced a series of extreme weather events. This year, the country experienced its wettest April since 1961, with rainfall reaching 59.3 mm. The unseasonal rains caused widespread destruction, including landslides, thunderstorms, and house collapses, resulting in at least 144 deaths, primarily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Earlier this year, heavy monsoon rains triggered landslides and flash floods across Gilgit-Baltistan, affecting villages such as Kushnat, Pakora, and Mominabad. The devastation included the loss of two children’s lives and the destruction of critical infrastructure, including a veterinary hospital and a school.
Frequent landslides have disrupted travel in the region, with the Karakoram Highway being blocked multiple times due to heavy rainfall and snow. UN officials have warned that climate-induced disasters could affect around 200,000 people during the ongoing monsoon season, with even heavier rains expected in the coming weeks.
The latest tragedy highlights the persistent risks posed by Pakistan’s changing climate, following the catastrophic floods of 2022 that killed over 1,700 people, caused $30 billion in damages, and displaced millions.
