GILGIT: At least seven people died and six others were injured early Monday when a landslide buried workers repairing a flood-damaged water channel in Danyor, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), officials confirmed. The victims were part of a team restoring water supply to thousands of residents after recent floods devastated infrastructure.
The workers were clearing debris from the Danyor nullah (stream)—the main water source for the town—when the landslide hit around 2 AM. Rescue 1122 reported that 13 laborers were trapped, with seven confirmed dead. The injured were rushed to hospitals in Gilgit and Danyor.
Muhammad Akbar, a local who joined rescue efforts, said the victims included young laborers struggling to fix the water supply amid worsening shortages.
The region has faced heavy rains, flash floods, and glacial melts since late June. On July 21, floods in Babusar triggered landslides, killing at least 10 people and leaving dozens missing.
Hussain Akbar Shah, a Danyor resident, said the valley relies entirely on the nullah for drinking and irrigation water. “Thousands are now without water,” he said, blaming authorities for slow repairs.
Angry residents protested at Danyor Chowk, accusing officials of failing to restore water despite repeated promises. Former GB minister Muhammad Iqbal said locals had temporarily fixed the pipeline, but floods destroyed it again while the government did nothing.
GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan announced compensation for victims’ families and ordered better medical care for the injured. However, protesters warned of escalating demonstrations if long-term solutions aren’t implemented.
