CHITRAL/ISLAMABAD: At least ten members of a single family were killed when an avalanche struck the Domel Arandu area of Lower Chitral officials confirmed on Saturday. The district administration said all bodies had been recovered though the identities of the victims were not immediately known. The tragic incident has plunged the region into mourning.
Authorities warned that heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions have significantly increased the risk of avalanches in mountainous areas and urged residents to exercise caution. The first snowfall of the season began in Chitral city after intermittent rain over the past three days with temperatures dropping sharply across the district.
Nearly ten inches of snow accumulated in the Lowari Tunnel area. Although traffic has been restored using snow chains officials advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel, especially at night. Rescue 1122 traffic police and Levies personnel have been deployed at key locations while all rescue teams remain on high alert.
Severe winter conditions across northern Pakistan have disrupted daily life, blocked roads, and stranded tourists and locals. Heavy snowfall was reported in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with at least two additional deaths reported from weather related incidents.
Authorities stressed that public safety remains the top priority as rescue and snow clearance operations continue.

