CHITRAL, 01 Apr 07: Thirty hours of continuous torrential rain cum heavy snowfall has wreaked havoc along the Chitral valley. Nine persons are reported dead in the northern village of Washhich (Torkhow) some 120 km north of chitral town, where a glacial avalanche swept away 14 houses. More details are awaited. Meanwhile reports of Houses collapsing and damage to cattle and property are coming in.

Chitralis have demanded immediate relief measures in the form of relief and rescue operations through the Prime ministers emergency relief squadron, Army and AKF choppers.

Life is at a standstill in Chitral with people listless and petrified over this all time freak weather phenomenon, coupled with a total breakdown of services, particularly electricity and road network. (Mian Mehboob Ali Shah)