Pakistan extends condolences to Turkey over avalanche deaths

Nearly 40 people lost their lives during two avalanche incidents

Pakistan on Wednesday offered condolences to Turkey over the loss of precious lives after two avalanches killed dozens in the eastern part of the country.

"The government and people of Pakistan express their deepest condolences and heartfelt grief over the reported loss of precious lives as a result of an avalanche in Van province in eastern Turkey today [Wednesday]," the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.

At least 33 people were killed in eastern Turkey earlier in the day by a second avalanche which buried a team of rescuers searching for people hit by the first, a day before.

The bodies of 33 rescue workers and civilians were discovered in Van province, where they had been helping dig out a minibus buried by snow late Tuesday, the government's disaster agency AFAD said.

Five people aboard the vehicle were killed, taking the overall toll to 38. Eight people had been rescued alive from the first avalanche.



"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragedy as well as with their loved ones. We also pray for the safety of those who remain missing," the communique added.

The official statement reiterated that the government and people of Pakistan "remain in strong support and solidarity with the brotherly government and people of Turkey in this hour of grief, and stand ready to provide every possible assistance".

Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca warned the number of casualties could rise as local media reported an unknown number of people could still be under the snow.

With additional input from AFP