MURREE – Landslides triggered by recent rainfall continued unabated at various locations in Murree. On Sunday, two large residential buildings along Dhaka Road in Union Council Darya Gali were struck by a landslide and collapsed within moments. Both buildings had been evacuated in advance due to the imminent danger, and no casualties were reported.
Rescue 1122 cordoned off the affected area completely. According to local residents, negligence on the part of the Highways Department led to blocked culverts and drainage channels on the main and link roads, diverting the flow of water to one side and triggering the landslide.
Emergency Response
On the directives of Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, Assistant Commissioner Murree, retired Captain Arshad Iqbal, paid an emergency visit to the site, accompanied by officials from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). The Assistant Commissioner conducted a detailed inspection of the landslide-affected area, assessed the damage, and directed the relevant departments to expedite relief operations.
He emphasised the provision of all possible assistance to the affected residents and the implementation of effective safety measures to prevent further loss.
Infrastructure Concerns
He further instructed that the drainage system in the area be improved, debris removed without delay, blocked routes restored, and urgent steps taken to safeguard nearby localities against any further landslides. Local residents blamed the Highways Department for blocked culverts and drainage channels, which diverted water flow and triggered the landslide.
Weather Context
The Murree region has experienced significant rainfall in recent weeks, with the Met Office forecasting further precipitation. The hilly terrain of Murree and surrounding areas is particularly vulnerable to landslides during and after heavy rains, especially when drainage infrastructure is inadequate or poorly maintained.
Analysis: A Preventable Disaster
The collapse of two residential buildings in Murree, while thankfully resulting in no casualties, highlights the importance of proper drainage infrastructure in hilly areas. Residents’ claims that blocked culverts diverted water flow and triggered the landslide, if true, suggest that the disaster was preventable.
The timely evacuation of the buildings — before they collapsed — likely saved lives. This suggests that early warning systems and monitoring of vulnerable slopes are functioning, at least in some areas.
But the underlying problem remains. Murree’s infrastructure is aging and often inadequate for the demands placed on it. Blocked drains, poorly maintained culverts, and inadequate drainage channels are recurring issues.
As the climate changes and rainfall patterns become more erratic, the frequency and intensity of landslides in hilly areas may increase. Investment in drainage infrastructure, slope stabilization, and early warning systems is essential.
For the residents of the two buildings that collapsed, the loss of their homes is devastating. For the authorities, the incident is a wake-up call to address infrastructure deficiencies before more lives are lost.
