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Amir Hamza belongs to village Dain in Tehsil Ishkoman of Ghizer. His household consists of five members and is a male-headed family with four dependents, including one school-age son. Before the floods of 14 August 2025, which devastated Ghizer1 in Gilgit-Baltistan, his story reflected the quiet stability of a self-sufficient rural life. The village of Dain was peaceful, with functioning homes, cultivated farmland, livestock, reliable water systems, and essential infrastructure such as a suspension bridge that connected residents to basic services and markets. This sense of security was shared across the community before the disaster upended their lives.

“Before the flooding, life was peaceful and beautiful. We had our homes, land, cattle, and a strong community,” Amir recalled. He and his family owned a total of five kanals of land, of which two kanals were washed away in the flood. They did not own any cattle.

The sudden flooding destroyed nearly everything including homes, mosques, Jamaat Khanas 2, farmlands, livestock, water channels, and the village’s historic suspension bridge. Families escaped in the middle of the crisis to higher ground, relying on relatives, neighbours, and volunteers for immediate rescue and shelter.

Amir is a father determined to give his young son an education, even though the monthly school fee of PKR 1,000 is a heavy burden for his modest means. After the devastating floods, he returned to driving a rickshaw, his primary source of income, to keep his family afloat. The disaster had swept away much of what he had built: his small shop, along with pear and almond orchards that once supplemented his livelihood. Yet despite these losses, Amir continues to prioritise his son’s schooling, holding on to the hope that education will open doors to a brighter future.

“The situation was unbearable. We nearly lost our senses. Our relatives and volunteers rescued us, gave us food, water, and shelter, and treated us with dignity,” shared Amir.

In the aftermath, the community prioritised restoring essential services, particularly access to clean water. External assistance followed, with NGOs and donors providing food and cash support. Community World Service Asia (CWSA) conducted multiple visits and provided multipurpose cash assistance of PKR 30,000 (approx. USD 108) in three monthly installments, totalling PKR 90,000, starting on 13 Nov 2025. The cash was used for rebuilding and meeting food security needs. Most families used the cash for children’s school fees, debt repayment, to meet daily household needs, and rebuilding homes in safer locations.

Food assistance was also provided under the project. It included wheat flour, pulses, cooking oil, sugar, and salt. The quantities distributed were 100 kg of flour, seven litres of cooking oil, four kg of sugar, one kg of salt, and eight kg of pulses. This support was provided for one month, and it helped meet the basic household food needs during that period.

“We are using the cash according to our needs such as education, housing, and daily survival. This support has helped us stand again,” said Amir.

The family has experienced a significant improvement in living conditions after receiving a new house, financial support, and food rations, which have greatly reduced their hardships. However, some challenges remain unresolved, such as the restoration of lost agricultural land and the full recovery of livelihood assets. Although the family is now more stable due to the assistance, they remain partially vulnerable, particularly regarding income from agriculture and other lost assets.

Amir’s account reflects a broader pattern observed across Ghizer; while the floods caused devastating losses, strong social cohesion, timely humanitarian assistance, and community-led recovery efforts have been central to restoring dignity and hope.

  1. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/22/rains-flash-floods-kill-21-in-pakistan-tourists-rescued-in-hilly-north ↩︎
  2. Places of worship and community work ↩︎

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Situation Overview

On January 19, 2026, at 11:21 AM local time, a shallow earthquake of magnitude Mw 5.6–5.8 struck Gilgit-Baltistan in northern Pakistan. The epicenter near Barishal severely impacted the remote Chipursan Valley in Upper Hunza. Despite its moderate magnitude, the shallow depth and fragile mountainous terrain caused significant localised destruction.

At least two lives were lost, several individuals injured, and eleven villages were affected; three of them completely destroyed. Approximately 300 households (2,100–2,400 people) are displaced, many now sheltering in tents, damaged homes, or with host families in nearby settlements such as Sost and Gulmit. The disaster coincided with peak winter, with temperatures dropping to –20°C, heightening risks of hypothermia and cold-related illness.

Landslides disrupted road access and damaged critical infrastructure, including micro-hydropower systems, water channels, and livestock shelters. Power outages have left families without heating, lighting, or communication during extreme winter conditions.

Impact Snapshot

Impact AreaDetails
Fatalities2 confirmed
InjuriesSeveral reported
Villages affected11 (3 fully destroyed)
Households affected300 HHs (2,100–2,400 people)
DisplacementFamilies in tents, damaged homes, or host communities
Infrastructure damageRoads blocked, micro-hydropower destroyed, water channels & shelters damaged
Vulnerable groupsWomen-headed households, children, elderly, persons with disabilities
Key risksHypothermia, cold-related illness, limited healthcare access

Humanitarian Needs

  • Multipurpose cash assistance for food, heating fuel, medicines, and temporary accommodation.
  • Winterisation support including winterized tents and non-food items to protect families from sub-zero temperatures.
  • Shelter and medical care for displaced families living in unsafe or temporary arrangements.
  • Psychosocial support to address trauma, stress, and displacement-related anxiety.

Community World Service Asia’s (CWSA) Response

Community World Service Asia (CWSA), in coordination with the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), Hunza District Administration, and humanitarian partners, has launched a community-centered, gender-responsive emergency response. Quality, Accountability and Safeguarding (QAS) measures have been applied throughout the response, including community consultations, transparent participant verification, and complaint and feedback mechanisms to ensure accountability and safe programming for affected communities.

Plan and Action:

  • Field Office Established: A base set up in Khudadad Sost to coordinate relief operations
  • Household Assessments: Surveys completed across nine villages covering 300 households, with verification underway by the MEAL team.
  • Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA): The first tranche for 300 households is planned to be disbursed tentatively scheduled for the third week of March, following completion of verification and administrative processes
  • Winterisation Kits: Procurement of high-quality kits aligned with global standards and community needs for 200 households underway
  • Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS):
    • 10 group sessions conducted, reaching 351 participants (women, girls, children, elderly, persons with disabilities).
    • 27 individual counselling sessions provided, focusing on trauma, stress, and coping strategies.
    • Special session organised for internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Chitral, engaging 28 participants.

Solidarity and Partnership

These interventions are made possible through the support and solidarity of our global partners, ACT Alliance and Week of Compassion, whose commitment strengthens our ability to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis.

CWSA remains committed to ensuring dignified, inclusive, and effective humanitarian assistance for the affected communities of Chipursan Valley. Our response prioritises the most vulnerable, while building resilience and solidarity across the region.

Contacts:

Shama Mall
Deputy Regional Director
Programs & Organisational Development
Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Tooba Siddiqi
Associate Regional Director
Emergencies, Healthy & Quality, Accountability & Safeguarding (QAS)
Email: tooba.siddiqi@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Palwashay Arbab
Associate Regional Director
Visibility & Strategic Engagement
Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

141

When the earthquake struck Chupurson Valley in January, lives were shattered. Homes split open, families endured nights at –20°C in scattered tents, and fear became part of daily life.

CWSA’s frontline team journeyed across mountains to stand with communities in their darkest hour. In just four days, the team has facilitated structured mental health and psychosocial support sessions for over 230 participants so far— men, women, children and elderly who bravely shared their stories of trauma, resilience, and hope.

But survival needs remain urgent: warm insulated tents, winter clothing, bedding, medicines, hygiene supplies, and dignity kits for women and girls.

This response was made possible through the solidarity of our partners, Week of Compassion. Together, we are helping families heal and rebuild with dignity.

▶️ Watch the full story in our video.

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Overview

On 19 January 2026 at 11:21 hours (Pakistan time), a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Gilgit-Baltistan. The USGS reported the epicentre approximately 50 km north-northwest of Karimabad, Hunza, near the Yash Kuk Glacier in Chipurson Valley, and around 10 km from Zudkhun village, at a focal depth of ~35 km [9]. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) noted the epicentre near north-western Kashmir, at a shallow depth of 10–35 km. Tremors were widely felt across Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Ghizer, and Diamer, as well as parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad.

The earthquake triggered widespread rockfalls, particularly in Chipurson Valley, causing severe structural damage and making many homes unsafe. Minor injuries were reported among children, and livestock shelters collapsed, threatening livelihoods. Ongoing aftershocks since October 2025 have caused anxiety among residents, many of whom are reluctant to return home. Harsh winter conditions, with temperatures falling to –20°C, have increased the risk to life and wellbeing.

Impact

The earthquake has severely affected 11 villages, leaving around 500 households (2,500 people) impacted. Casualties remain limited but include four injured, two children in Zudkhun and two adults in Shetmerg, all receiving medical care, with further assessments ongoing in remote settlements.

Infrastructure damage is extensive: over 210 houses collapsed or became unsafe, with 150 completely destroyed. Public and community facilities such as schools, prayer halls, Jamatkhanas, and Rural Education Centers sustained major cracks. Water channels, micro hydropower systems, and cattle sheds were destroyed, resulting in livestock losses. Landslides and rockfalls blocked roads, disrupted electricity, internet, and communications, and cut off access to Chipurson Valley and parts of the Karakoram Highway.

Families have been forced into makeshift shelters or temporary camps under extreme winter conditions. Vulnerable groups, women, children, the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities face heightened risks due to overcrowding, damaged housing, and limited access to essential services.

Emerging Humanitarian Needs

Emergency ShelterWinterised tents, tarpaulins, blankets, and warm clothing for families affected by infrastructure/ housing damage, prefabricated homes/sheds, energy and lighting
HealthHealth, Mental Health & PSS, and Protection aimed to support the entire valley, temporary medical services
FoodImmediate food rations & multipurpose cash support
Water & SanitationClean drinking water, hygiene, dignity & maternity kits, and sanitation facilities to prevent disease outbreaks
Psychosocial SupportPsychosocial Support for grieving families and children affected by trauma

Immediate priority actions include scaling up winterised shelter support, distributing winter NFIs (blankets, warm clothing, hygiene, and maternity kits), providing temporary shelters for unsafe homes, delivering in-kind food assistance, and deploying cash support for urgent winter needs. Distributions must be gender- and vulnerability-sensitive, accompanied by health and psychosocial services.

Relief & Response Overview

Relief efforts in Gilgit Baltistan are underway despite challenging access. Road connectivity to Reshet has been restored, and a medical camp set up in Shetmirg is providing care with doctors, paramedics, and Rescue 1122 support. District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA ) Hunza has distributed 250 food packs, blankets, kerosene heaters, kitchen sets, and tents to affected families. Senior government officials, including the Ministers for Interior and Tourism, visited Chipurson Valley on 21 January to meet communities and assess needs.

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has activated an Emergency Operations Centre in Gilgit, supported remotely from Islamabad. A helicopter mission on 20 January evacuated seven patients, including women and children, to Gilgit for treatment.

The Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), working with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), civil society organisations, and community emergency teams, has launched a rapid needs assessment in Chipurson Valley. Findings will guide coordinated support measures from the GB government, federal authorities, and civil society.

Local NGOs and community groups have mobilised resources such as firewood, tents, and food. Human rights organisations are highlighting gaps in evacuation procedures, medical support, and winterised shelters. While coordination with authorities exists, a systematic multi-agency coordination mechanism has not yet been fully established.

Pakistan’s UN cluster system offers a framework for sectoral coordination, though no formal cluster activation for Chipurson has been reported. NDMA, GBDMA, UNOCHA, and UN agencies have conducted preparedness exercises to strengthen earthquake response.

Community World Service Asia Response

Community World Service Asia (CWSA) continues inter-agency coordination and rapid assessments in Hunza District and as the situation evolves, it calls on partners and humanitarian actors to join them in scaling up coordinated response efforts and providing timely winter assistance to Chipurson Valley, Upper Hunza, where affected communities face immediate survival risks. Built on existing local networks and partnerships, the response will remain adaptive, inclusive, and community-driven.

Response Plan includes:

  • Winterisation Assistance: Distribution of winterisation kits to vulnerable households to reduce exposure to extreme cold, prioritising families with damaged shelters, elderly members, women-headed households, and children.
  • Non-Food Items (NFI): Provision of essential NFIs to households that have lost or damaged basic household items due to the earthquake.
  • Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA): Provision of cheque-based MPCA to enable affected households to meet urgent needs, including food, winter items, healthcare, and minor repairs in a dignified manner.
  • Reinforcement of humanitarian Quality, Accountability & Safeguarding mechanisms to ensure dignity and community engagement throughout the respone
  • Gender-Sensitive Aid Distribution: Ensuring equitable access for women and girls

A multi-sectoral team is on standby for rapid deployment, ensuring that our response remains adaptive, inclusive, and locally led. CWSA’s planned response integrates gender-sensitive measures across all areas of intervention.

Contacts

Shama Mall
Deputy Regional Director
Programs & Organisational Development
Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Felix Dennis Joseph
Associate Regional Director
Email: dennis.joseph@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-51-2307484-5

Palwashay Arbab
Head of Communications
Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

References

  • (The Express Tribune)
  • (Pakistan Today)
  • (Dawn)
  • (ProPakistani)
  • Local Reports – ASWED (Association for Social Welfare & Educational Development) (internal/field source)
  • KADO Rapid Assessment Report, January 2026 (unpublished/internal)
  • AKAH/AKDN Disaster Assessment Report, January 2026 (unpublished/internal)
  • USGS Earthquake Data & Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD)

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Crisis Overview

On 19 January 2026 at approximately 11:21 am, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck northern Pakistan, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reporting the epicenter near Barishal in north-western Kashmir at a shallow depth of 10–35 km. Strong tremors were felt across Gilgit-Baltistan, including Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Ghizer, and Diamer districts, as well as parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad. The shaking triggered landslides and rockfalls in mountainous areas, causing localized infrastructure damage and access disruptions.

The most significant impacts were reported from Upper Hunza, particularly Chipurson Valley, where residential structures were damaged and the only access road was blocked at multiple locations. Public infrastructure was also affected in Karimabad, where the already vulnerable building of Boys Middle School Karimabad developed structural cracks, rendering it unsafe for students and teachers. The earthquake occurred amid an ongoing severe winter cold wave, with temperatures dropping below –10°C, increasing risks for affected communities and heightening urgent humanitarian concerns.

Impact

The earthquake has caused one confirmed fatality and several injuries, including among children, in Hunza District.

Severe structural damage has been reported to homes, public buildings, and community infrastructure, with Chipurson Valley particularly affected, hundreds of families displaced and now living in camps under extreme cold conditions. In Karimabad, the Boys Middle School building has developed major cracks, leaving it unsafe for students and teachers.

Access routes remain blocked by landslides, including sections of the Karakoram Highway, restricting movement and delaying emergency response.

Across Gilgit-Baltistan, families face heightened risks due to unsafe housing, continued aftershocks, and exposure to sub zero temperatures. Vulnerable groups, women, children, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities, are at greatest risk of health complications, protection concerns, and disruption of essential services.

Urgent assistance is required to provide safe shelter, medical care, and protection support to prevent further deterioration of humanitarian conditions.

Emerging Humanitarian Needs

Emergency ShelterWinterised tents, tarpaulins, blankets, and warm clothing for families affected by infrastructure/ housing damage
Medical AssistanceFirst aid supplies, essential medicines, and basic health support to address cold-related illnesses, respiratory infections
Food SecurityImmediate food rations needed for affected families or multipurpose cash support to meet these needs
Water & SanitationClean drinking water, hygiene & maternity kits, and sanitation facilities to prevent disease outbreaks
Psychosocial SupportPsychosocial Support for grieving families and children and women affected by trauma

Local authorities and community representatives have called on humanitarian organisations to provide urgent winter assistance, including shelter materials, blankets, maternity kits, food support, and essential medical supplies, to protect vulnerable populations especially located in Chipurson Valley during the ongoing cold wave.

Community World Service Asia’s Proposed Relief & Response

Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is coordinating with local partners, affected communities and international agencies to mobilise a rapid response. Proposed actions include:

  • Distribution of winter NFIs, including blankets, warm clothing, hygiene kits, and maternity/dignity kits
  • Provision of temporary and winterized shelters, including tents and tarpaulins for families with damaged homes
  • In-kind food assistance for households affected by access constraints and livelihood disruption
  • Gender-sensitive distributions to ensure equitable access for women, children, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities
  • Psychosocial support for children and families affected by displacement and ongoing aftershock fears.

CWSA is engaged in inter-agency coordination and rapid needs assessments in Hunza District and remains committed to delivering principled, inclusive, and locally led humanitarian assistance. As the situation evolves, we call on partners, donors, and humanitarian actors to join us in scaling up coordinated response efforts and investing in long-term resilience across Pakistan.

Contacts

Shama Mall
Deputy Regional Director
Programs & Organisational Development
Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Felix Dennis Joseph
Associate Regional Director
Email: dennis.joseph@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-51-2307484-5

Palwashay Arbab
Head of Communications
Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

References

  • https://www.geo.tv/latest/645925-58-magnitude-earthquake-rattles-islamabad
  • https://tribune.com.pk/story/2587984/1-dead-2-injured-as-magnitude-58-quake-jolts-gilgit-baltistan
  • https://apnews.com/article/6ee9e66ff46406fc0a0fafe500932a15
  • https://www.radio.gov.pk/19-01-2026/58-magnitude-earthquake-jolts-islamabad-gb-kp
  • https://pamirtimes.net/2026/01/19/one-killed-three-injured-as-5-8-magnitude-earthquake-creates-havoc-in-hunza-and-ghizer-districts
  • Local Community Reports

529

Ghizer: CWSA distributes 90,000 rupees cash assistance and food rations to 264 flood-affected households in 15 villages

(Press Release) Community World Service Asia (CWSA) distributed financial assistance and food rations to 264 affected households in 15 flood-hit villages of District Ghizer (Dayeen, Asumber, Chatorkhand, Kochuda, Bargoal, Kanche, Tali Das, Haks, Haks Thangi, Khalti, Rawshan, Gupis, Sultanabad, Taus, and Karkalti).

Each affected family received a total of 90,000 rupees in cash through three relief cheques, along with a one-month ration pack consisting of 100 kg flour, 8 kg pulses, 7 liters cooking oil, 4 kg sugar, and 1 kg salt.

Additionally, Dignity Kits were distributed to 100 women to help them meet their basic daily needs.

The local residents and affected families expressed deep appreciation and gratitude to CWSA and the ACT Alliance, saying that this assistance proved to be a great support for them during difficult times.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/176N7Qqsxn/?mibextid=xfxF2i: CWSA Extends Lifeline Support to 264 Flood-Hit Families in Ghizer with Cash Assistance and Food Rations https://www.facebook.com/share/1GAJAjqkD8/?mibextid=xfxF2i: CWSA Extends Lifeline Support to 264 Flood-Hit Families in Ghizer with Cash Assistance and Food Rations https://www.facebook.com/share/1PWa7Xn3Rn/: CWSA Extends Lifeline Support to 264 Flood-Hit Families in Ghizer with Cash Assistance and Food Rations

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Pakistan is facing one of the most catastrophic monsoon flood emergencies in recent history. Torrential rains, compounded by cross-border water releases from India, have triggered widespread riverine overflows across Punjab, while northern regions remain highly vulnerable to flash floods and landslides. As of mid-September, over 3 million people had been evacuated, with 150,000 still sheltering in evacuation centres. Though waters in Punjab have begun to recede, the scale of devastation is staggering.

More than 2.6 million displaced people have returned to homes that are damaged or destroyed. The Punjab Disaster Management Authority reports the loss of 2.5 million acres of farmland; severely impacting wheat and cotton harvests and threatening long-term food security. Urban flooding in Karachi has compounded risks, while stagnant water in rural Punjab and Sindh is fueling outbreaks of water- and vector-borne diseases.

Forecasts warn of continued heavy rainfall and rising river levels in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has flagged heightened risks downstream, particularly in low-lying areas of Sindh. As floodwaters shift southward, the humanitarian situation remains dynamic and demands sustained, coordinated response.

National Humanitarian Needs

  • Shelter & NFIs: Over 2.6 million returnees in Punjab require emergency tents, repair kits, and winterization materials.
  • WASH: Safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, hygiene kits, and disease prevention measures are urgently needed.
  • Health: Mobile health services, essential medicines, and disease surveillance are critical to address rising cases of diarrhea, malaria, and dengue.
  • Food Security & Livelihoods: Crop and livestock losses threaten food access and recovery, particularly in Punjab.
  • Protection: Displaced women and children face heightened risks of exploitation and gender-based violence. Prolonged school closures are worsening child protection concerns.

The Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network (ADRRN) has highlighted the urgent need to strengthen inclusive early warning and early action systems, backed by transformative investment in disaster risk reduction (DRR) to break Pakistan’s recurring cycle of flood-related loss and damage. Priority areas include:

  • Community-based DRR; training local residents in search and rescue
  • Forming Emergency response teams
  • Building local capacity for immediate medical and psychosocial support
  • Advancing locally-led climate adaptation requires complementing community knowledge with scientific and technical support to effectively address evolving risks.

Sindh Overview

Sindh province continues to be severely impacted, with intense urban flooding reported in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas. The overflow of the Indus River has displaced approximately 191,500 people across 643 villages in 12 districts. Vulnerable communities residing in katcha1 areas have suffered extensive livelihood losses and significant damage to agricultural assets. Although conditions in Umerkot have now stabilized, the district endured widespread flooding throughout August and September.

Humanitarian Needs in Sindh
HealthMobile health teams and essential medicines
WASHSafe water, latrines, hygiene kits
Shelter/NFIsTents, tarpaulins, mosquito nets
Food SecurityDry rations and cooked meals
Livelihoods:Support to restore income-generating activities
Protection/MHPSSPsychosocial support and community outreach

Gilgit-Baltistan Overview

In September, Gilgit-Baltistan was struck by Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and flash floods, resulting in 41 deaths, 52 injuries, and the destruction of 1,253 homes. Infrastructure damage includes 87 bridges and 20 km of roads, with valleys such as Diamer and Ghizer cut off from relief access. Damages are estimated at PKR 20 billion.

Humanitarian Needs in Gilgit-Baltistan
Shelter, clean water, food, and medical care
Winterisation support for displaced families
Strengthened health services to address disease outbreaks
Livelihood recovery and protection for vulnerable groups

Community World Service Asia’s Response

Anticipatory Action in Sindh: With upstream river discharges threatening a “super flood” in Sindh, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) has activated anticipatory measures across flood-prone districts:

  • Pre-positioned supplies: Lifesaving medicines, medical equipment, and hygiene kits stocked at Umerkot warehouse.
  • Mobile health units: Strategically placed for rapid deployment.
  • Risk communication: Disseminating early warnings, safe water guidance, evacuation protocols, and disease prevention messages in local languages.
  • Coordination: Working closely with PDMA Sindh, health agencies, and cluster partners to ensure targeted, inclusive response and avoid duplication.

Additional support will be needed for winterisation, sanitation, shelter, logistics, and multipurpose cash assistance.

In Gilgit-Baltistan: In response to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and monsoon-induced landslides, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) has initiated emergency relief operations in Hunza and neighboring districts. Emergency Relief Kits have been distributed in Hunza, with preparations underway for the delivery of food supplies, non-food items (NFIs), and winterisation kits.

In Ghizer district, CWSA has established a dedicated field office, secured the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC), recruited and oriented staff, and arranged two vehicles to facilitate field activities. Coordination meetings have been held with key stakeholders, including GBDMA, WWF-Pakistan, the Social Welfare Department, AKRSP, and the Deputy and Assistant Commissioners of Ghizer. Engagements with community organisations in flood-affected areas have also been completed.

Assessments for 240 project participants have been finalised, and data entry is currently in progress. Procurement processes have commenced following the submission of Purchase Request Forms (PRFs) and quotations for food packages. Distributions of food and multipurpose cash assistance are scheduled for October 2025.

Projected Gaps:

  • Many households remain unreached due to access and resource constraints.
  • Additional winterisation, sanitation, and shelter supplies are needed.
  • Multipurpose cash support is critical where markets remain functional.
  • Enhanced coordination with local authorities is required to facilitate last-mile delivery.

Coordination & Accountability

Community World Service Asia (CWSA) continues to work in close coordination with NDMA, PDMAs, UN agencies, humanitarian clusters, and ACT members in the country to harmonise response efforts and avoid duplication. As Co-Chair of the AAP (Accountability to Affected People) Working Group in Pakistan, CWSA places communities at the centre of the response by ensuring fair access to aid, clear and timely information in local languages, and inclusive decision-making processes and update the coordination networks accordingly. Safe, confidential feedback and complaints channels, through hotlines, community focal points, and helpdesks, are available across Sindh, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan, enabling people to voice concerns and shape the response. Special efforts are made to reach women, children, persons with disabilities, and minority groups, while disaggregated data helps track who is reached and address risks of exclusion. Communities are also informed about the type, quantity, and timing of assistance, strengthening transparency and trust. These accountability measures are not add-ons but an integral part of CWSA’s principled humanitarian action, ensuring that relief is both effective and dignified.

Urgent Funding Priorities:

  • Expand anticipatory action in Sindh with rapid deployment capacity and community communication.
  • Scale up winterisation, shelter, and cash support in Gilgit-Baltistan based on community-identified needs.
  • Strengthen logistics and last-mile transport to reach high-risk, remote communities.

Community World Service Asia remains committed to delivering principled, inclusive, and locally led humanitarian assistance. As the situation evolves, we call on partners, donors, and humanitarian actors to join us in scaling up coordinated response efforts and investing in long-term resilience across Pakistan.

Contacts:

Shama Mall
Deputy Regional Director
Programs & Organisational Development
Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Palwashay Arbab
Head of Communication
Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

References

  • UNOCHA Flash Update #10, 19 Sept 2025
  • PDMA Punjab Situation Reports
  • NDMA National Updates
  • ADRRN Regional Advisory, Sept 2025
  • PDMA Sindh Flood Update, Sept 2025
  • District Administration Umerkot Updates, Sept 2025
  • GB Government & NDMA Situation Updates, Sept 2025
  • Pakistan Red Crescent Reports, Sept 2025
  1. Informal settlements ↩︎

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Crisis Overview

Pakistan is currently facing one of its most devastating monsoon emergencies in recent history. Since the onset of the rains in late June, relentless downpours intensified by cross-border water releases, have triggered widespread riverine flooding across Punjab and recurrent flash floods and landslides in northern and mountainous regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.

As of early September, over 883 lives have been lost, with more than 1.8 million people displaced nationwide. Punjab, the country’s agricultural heartland, has been particularly hard-hit, with over 3.9 million people affected, thousands of villages inundated, and entire wheat-producing districts submerged. Emergency responders have deployed boats, drones, and mobile relief camps to reach isolated communities, yet access remains limited in many areas.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, flash floods and landslides have destroyed homes, schools, and roads, cutting off entire villages. Glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan have added another layer of destruction, wiping out water systems and power infrastructure. Urban flooding in Sindh, particularly in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas—has caused fatalities, submerged roads, and damaged crops and homes4.

Despite large-scale evacuations and the relocation of over 900,000 individuals, humanitarian needs continue to outpace response capacity. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warns of sustained high flows in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers, with floodwaters projected to reach the Guddu Barrages, posing downstream threats to Sindh and straining evacuation and flood defense systems.

Key Risks and Impact

SectorImpact
Shelter & Displacement4,700+ homes destroyed and hundreds of thousands displaced, many sheltering in schools or with host communities.
Urgent need for emergency tents, winterisation kits, and transitional shelter as floodwaters recede.
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)Widespread contamination of water sources and collapse of sanitation infrastructure.
Rising cases of malaria, skin infections, and diarrheal diseases, especially in urban flood zones and remote valleys.
Critical gaps in hygiene kits, clean water access, and disease prevention measures.
HealthDamage to 40+ health facilities, disruption of medicine supply chains, and limited disease surveillance capacity.
WHO and partners are scaling up vector control and outbreak containment, but access remains a challenge in cut-off areas.
Food Security & LivelihoodsAgricultural losses mounting across Punjab and Sindh, with thousands of acres of crops destroyed.
Livestock deaths and disrupted supply chains threaten food availability and income for rural households.
Need for cash-for-work programs to support debris clearance and recovery
Protection & EducationOver 400 schools damaged or closed, leaving children without safe learning spaces.
Increased protection risks for women, girls, and displaced families, with urgent need for dignity kits, psychosocial support, and safe shelters.
Forecast & Climate RisksMeteorological forecasts warn of continued heavy rainfall and landslides through early September, especially in eastern Punjab and northern highlands.
GLOFs and unstable glacial lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan pose ongoing threats, exacerbated by climate change and rising temperatures

ADRRN has highlighted the urgent need to strengthen inclusive early warning and early action systems, backed by transformative investment in disaster risk reduction (DRR) to break Pakistan’s recurring cycle of flood-related loss and damage. Priority areas include:

  • Community-based DRR; training local residents in search and rescue
  • Forming Emergency response teams
  • Building local capacity for immediate medical and psychosocial support

Advancing locally-led climate adaptation requires complementing community knowledge with scientific and technical support to effectively address evolving risks.

Immediate Humanitarian Needs

The 2025 monsoon floods have triggered a nationwide humanitarian emergency, with over 2 million people affected and more than 880 lives lost. Punjab remains the epicenter, but downstream threats to Sindh and cascading disasters in Gilgit-Baltistan are rapidly escalating humanitarian needs across provinces.

Priority Needs Across Pakistan:

  • Shelter & NFIs: Over 4,700 homes destroyed; displaced families urgently require tents, tarpaulins, blankets, and kitchen sets. Winterisation items are critical in northern regions.
  • Multipurpose Cash Assistance: Where markets remain functional, cash support is critical to enable families to meet diverse needs; food, medicine, transport, and shelter, while preserving dignity and choice.
  • Health Services: More than 40 health facilities damaged; rising cases of malaria, dengue, and diarrheal diseases demand mobile health units, medicines, and disease surveillance.
  • Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH): Contaminated water sources and collapsed sanitation systems have led to surging infections. Hygiene kits, safe water access, and sanitation facilities are urgently needed.
  • Food Security & Livelihoods: Agricultural losses in Punjab and Sindh threaten food availability. Livestock deaths and disrupted supply chains require food rations and cash-for-work support.
  • Protection & Education: Over 400 schools damaged or closed; children face heightened protection risks. Dignity kits, safe learning spaces, and psychosocial support are essential.
  • Climate & Disaster Risk: Forecasts warn of continued heavy rainfall and landslides. Glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Gilgit-Baltistan compound risks, especially with winter approaching.

Community World Service Asia (CWSA) Response

Anticipatory Action in Sindh: With upstream river discharges threatening a “super flood” in Sindh, CWSA has activated anticipatory measures across flood-prone districts:

  • Pre-positioned supplies: Lifesaving medicines, medical equipment, and hygiene kits stocked at Umerkot warehouse.
  • Mobile health units: Strategically placed for rapid deployment.
  • Risk communication: Disseminating early warnings, safe water guidance, evacuation protocols, and disease prevention messages in local languages.
  • Coordination: Working closely with PDMA Sindh, health agencies, and cluster partners to ensure targeted, inclusive response and avoid duplication.

Despite these efforts, additional support is urgently needed to scale operations, particularly for reaching remote communities and covering operational costs.

Continuous Response in Gilgit-Baltistan

In response to GLOFs and monsoon-triggered landslides, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) has launched emergency relief in Hunza and surrounding districts:

  • Emergency Relief Kits: Distributed to affected households.
  • Winterisation & NFIs: Planned distributions of household items and kitchen sets to mitigate cold-related risks (if funds are mobilised)
  • Food & Shelter Assistance: New projects initiated to support displaced families.
Emergency Relief Kits distribution.

Emergency Relief Kits distribution.

However, significant gaps remain:

  • Many households remain unreached due to access and resource constraints.
  • Additional winterisation, sanitation, and shelter supplies are needed.
  • Multipurpose cash support is critical where markets remain functional.
  • Enhanced coordination with local authorities is required to facilitate last-mile delivery.

Coordination & Accountability

CWSA continues to work in close coordination with NDMA, PDMAs, UN agencies, and humanitarian clusters and working groups and with ACT members in the country to harmonise response efforts and avoid duplication. As Co-Chair of the AAP Working Group in Pakistan, CWSA places communities at the centre of response, ensuring fair access to aid, clear information in local languages, safe feedback channels, and inclusive decision-making. However, the scale of the crisis demands urgent and flexible funding to translate readiness into lifesaving action.

Urgent Funding Priorities:

  • Expand anticipatory action in Sindh with rapid deployment capacity and community communication.
  • Scale up winterisation, shelter, and cash support in Gilgit-Baltistan based on community-identified needs.
  • Strengthen logistics and last-mile transport to reach high-risk, remote communities.

Without timely and flexible funding, the humanitarian toll in Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and other provinces will continue to rise. CWSA stands ready to respond, grounded in local partnerships, strategic coordination, and a commitment to inclusive, dignified humanitarian action.

Contacts:

Shama Mall
Deputy Regional Director
Programs & Organisational Development
Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

Palwashay Arbab
Head of Communication
Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

References

  • ADRRN Statement on Recent Disasters in Afghanistan and Pakistan – ADRRN
  • Live Updates: Pakistan floods 2025 – DAWN.COMhttps://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1336438-trail-of-death-and-destruction-rescuers-recover-bodies-as-rains-floods-toll-tops-350
  • OCHA Update – September 3, 2025
  • https://www.ungeneva.org/en/news-media/news/2025/08/109815/monsoon-floods-kill-more-700-pakistan-heavy-rains-set-continue
  • https://www.ungeneva.org/en/news-media/news/2025/08/109815/monsoon-floods-kill-more-700-pakistan-heavy-rains-set-continueNational Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Report August 17
  • https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/pakistan-evacuates-million-people-farming-belt-hit-by-worst-floods-decades-2025-08-28
  • https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/aug/30/pakistan-punjab-province-deadly-floods-disease

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As climate-induced disasters intensify across Pakistan, the remote region of Gilgit Baltistan stands at the frontline; battered by glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and relentless monsoon rains. Entire communities have been uprooted, homes destroyed, and livelihoods lost.

This photo essay documents the unfolding humanitarian crisis through the eyes of those living it. It captures not only the devastation but also the extraordinary resilience of families navigating loss and uncertainty. Their stories reveal urgent needs for shelter, food, healthcare, and long-term recovery, and call for a coordinated, compassionate response.

CWSA is on the ground, working with local partners to deliver life-saving aid and advocate for climate justice. These images are more than documentation, they are a call to stand in solidarity.

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Photo credits: The Guardian

Crisis Overview

Pakistan is facing one of its deadliest monsoon seasons in recent history. Since late June, relentless rains have triggered flash floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). Over 650 lives have been lost, with 351 deaths reported in KP alone in the past 72 hours. Entire villages have been swept away, infrastructure crippled, and thousands displaced.

The situation is particularly dire in KP’s Buner district, where 204 fatalities have been confirmed and entire communities have been obliterated. In GB, GLOFs have destroyed roads and homes, isolating vulnerable populations and complicating relief efforts.

Key Risks & Impact Highlights

SectorImpact
Lives & Injuries657 deaths, 929 injuries nationwide; KP worst affected
Shelter2,462 homes damaged; mass displacement in KP, GB, and AJK
Infrastructure152 bridges destroyed; major road closures including Karakoram Highway
LivelihoodsCrop and livestock losses; economic devastation in rural districts
HealthRising cases of trauma, waterborne diseases, and mental health distress
ProtectionHeightened risks of GBV, exploitation, and early marriage in displacement settings

Immediate Humanitarian Needs

  • Search & Rescue Operations in landslide-prone and inaccessible areas
  • Emergency Shelter & NFIs including tents, blankets, lighting, and kitchen sets
  • Safe Drinking Water & Hygiene Kits to prevent disease outbreaks
  • Mobile Health Services for trauma, maternal care, and psychosocial support
  • Food Assistance & Cash Support for families cut off from supply routes
  • Debris Clearance & Road Access Restoration to reopen relief corridors
  • Protection Services for women, children, elderly, and persons with disabilities
  • Early Warning Systems & Community Alerts for continued rainfall and GLOF threats

Community World Service Asia (CWSA) Response & Preparedness

Community World Service Asia has launched emergency relief operations in Hunza and Nagar districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, which are among the most remote, and hard to reach areas of Northern Pakistan. Hunza and Nagar are nestled within the Karakoram Range, and are surrounded by some of the highest Karakoram peaks like Rakaposhi, Golden Peak, and Ultar. These districts are most affected by recent climate change impacts, despite zero contribution to emissions. CWSA is distributing Emergency Relief Kits to 150 families in these two districts. These kits include food items, first aid, and hygiene supplies tailored to restore dignity and safety.

CWSA is coordinating closely with NDMA, PDMAs, and local partners and intends to scale its emergency response activities in areas where it already has a strong field presence, while retaining the flexibility to expand operations as the crisis develops. Built on existing local networks and partnerships, the response will remain adaptive, inclusive, and community-driven. Our approach prioritises:

  • Mobile Health Units for emergency care and psychosocial support
  • Temporary Shelters for families who have lost their homes
  • Protection-Focused Spaces for women and children
  • Gender-Responsive Programming across all sectors
  • Multipurpose Cash Assistance & In-Kind Support
  • Community Engagement & Accountability Mechanisms

Call to Action

Community World Service Asia urges humanitarian partners, donors, and media to amplify the voices of affected communities and support a coordinated, dignified response. The scale of devastation demands urgent action to prevent further loss of life and restore hope for thousands.

Contacts:

Shama Mall
Deputy Regional Director
Programs & Organisational Development
Email: shama.mall@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

PalwashayArbab
Head of Communication
Email: palwashay.arbab@communityworldservice.asia
Tele: 92-21-34390541-4

References

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