Pakistan: Avalanches leave 57 dead in Azad Jammu and Kashmir January 14 /update 1

Event

At least 57 people were killed between Monday, January 13, and Tuesday, January 14, in avalanches following heavy snowfall across Azad Jammu and Kashmir. At least 41 of those fatalities were caused by an avalanche in the Neelam Valley area, where many people remain missing. Rescue efforts are underway as of Tuesday afternoon (local time).

In Balochistan and Punjab provinces, at least 25 people have died as of Monday in incidents related to heavy rain and snowfall. Severe transportation disruptions have been reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with several important highways connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan blocked by snow as of Tuesday afternoon.

Further flooding, landslides, avalanches, and power outages are likely in the affected regions over the coming days, as well as associated transportation and business disruptions.

Advice

Individuals in Pakistan are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions and flight reservations before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.