A major avalanche occurred in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan on 23 January 2026. In this incident, nine people of the same family were killed in Saregal village (Domel/Domel area) of Lower Chitral. This accident happened during heavy snowfall.
How many people died and who were they?
The dead included 35-year-old Bacha Khan, his 34-year-old wife Roziya Bibi and their seven children. The children included three daughters and two sons. One child survived his injuries and received treatment at Drosh.
How did the rescue operation go?
Pakistan Army, Chitral Scouts, Chitral Levies, Chitral Police, Rescue 1122 and local people took part in the rescue operation. All the bodies were recovered. The operation was completed despite bad weather.
What did the officials say?
Prominent officers like DC Rao Hashim Azeem of Lower Chitral, DPO Riffatullah Khan and DEO Bilal Ahmed Faizi of Rescue 1122 were present. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi ordered assistance to the victims and clearing of roads. President Asif Ali Zardari called it a climate emergency.
What are the weather conditions?
Continuous snowfall continues in the area. Some vehicles were stuck due to heavy snowfall in Tirah valley, but women and children were rescued safely. More snowfall is expected in the next 24-48 hours.
