7 killed by mudslide while fixing water channel in GB

At least seven volunteers died and six others were injured early on Monday when a landslide hit individuals working at a water channel in Danyor city of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), officials said.

- Tariq Butt Associated Press

The region's Chief Minister Gulbar Khan called the seven who died “heroes who sacrificed their lives for the community” in a statement on Monday.

The devastating impacts of climate change and melting glaciers have become more visible in GB, which has been facing heavy rain since last June.

The situation worsened when deadly floods swept across the Babusar area on July 21, causing landslides and damaging infrastructure.

So far, 10 deaths have been confirmed across the region, with a dozen tourists missing.

Rescue officials said that thirteen workers, mainly young people, were attempting to restore the water supply in the main water channel from Danyor nullah to Danyor town, which had been damaged due to the recent floods, when the landslide hit at 2am.

"Thirteen workers restoring the water supply were buried under the rubble," Gilgit’s Rescue 1122 said in a statement.

Stating the casualties, it said the injured were taken to a hospital.