Kohat, Pakistan — At least eight people lost their lives after a massive landslide struck a group of individuals searching for gold near the Indus River in Kohat district, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The incident occurred when a large section of a riverbank collapsed without warning, burying the victims under tonnes of mud and rocks.
According to local authorities, the victims were engaged in informal gold panning along the river when the unstable soil gave way. Rescue teams, including police and local volunteers, rushed to the scene and launched a search operation. Several bodies were recovered after hours of digging, while fears remain that more people may be trapped under the debris.
Officials said recent river erosion and loose soil conditions had made the area extremely dangerous. Despite repeated warnings from the administration, people often venture into risky zones in search of gold, driven by poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods.
Emergency responders faced significant challenges due to difficult terrain and limited access to heavy machinery. The district administration has ordered an inquiry into the incident and announced compensation for the families of the deceased.
Local authorities have also reiterated calls for stricter enforcement of safety measures and urged the public to avoid illegal and hazardous activities along riverbanks to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
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