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High in the mountains of northern Pakistan lies Broghil Valley, one of the most remote and isolated landscapes in the country. Located nearly 250 kilometers from Chitral town and rising between 3,280 to over 4,300 meters above sea level, the valley borders Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor and is surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks. Broghil is known for its breathtaking alpine meadows, vast wetlands, and the stunning Qarambar Lake. During the short summer months, the valley comes alive with grazing yaks, migratory birds, and cultural festivals that celebrate the traditions of its pastoral communities. Yet beneath this extraordinary beauty lies a quieter reality. Life in Broghil is shaped by geographic isolation, extreme winters where temperatures can drop below –17°C, and limited access to services. Roads remain nearly impassable for months, healthcare facilities are scarce, and educational opportunities are limited.

Three years ago, a group of 28 young girls and boys from Broghil Valley were displaced and relocated to Gulmit, where the local community welcomed and supported them with care and compassion. The young IDPs have been well looked after and gradually integrated into the community.

Yet even in a supportive environment, the emotional weight of displacement and distance from their homeland quietly lingers. Loneliness, uncertainty about the future, and the memories of a place left behind often take their toll. Recognising this need, the Gulmit Council requested Community World Service Asia (CWSA) to organise a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and Wellbeing Workshop for these young people. Conducted on 26 February 2026, the workshop was made possible with the support of the Week of Compassion (WoC). The goal was simple but powerful; creating a safe space where the youth could express their emotions, reconnect with their strengths, and begin healing together.

When Silence Turns Into Stress

In remote mountain communities, mental health is rarely discussed openly. Daily life revolves around survival, herding livestock, enduring long winters, and navigating limited opportunities. In such settings, emotions are often carried quietly. For the youth from Broghil now living in Gulmit, the experience of displacement added another layer to this silence. Many shared feelings of isolation, homesickness, and uncertainty about what their futures might hold. The workshop aimed to gently open conversations around emotional wellbeing and help participants understand that these feelings were valid and shared.

Painting in the Cold: A Moment of Resilience

One of the most powerful moments of the workshop came during a creative expression activity. Participants were invited to paint their thoughts, memories, and emotions. Although facilitators initially planned to conduct the activity indoors due to the cold weather, the youth asked for something different. They wanted to paint outside surrounded by the mountains and landscapes that reminded them of home.

Wrapped in warm shawls and sitting on the frozen ground, the young participants began painting the valleys, lakes, and peaks that shaped their memories. Brushes moved slowly across canvases, translating emotions that words often struggled to express. For many of them, it was the first time they had ever been invited to share their feelings through art. Some painted mountains as symbols of strength and endurance. Others painted open skies representing hope and freedom. What emerged was more than artwork. It became a quiet but powerful expression of resilience.

“In these mountains we learned to stay strong in silence. Today, with colors in our hands, we finally learned how to speak, shared one of the participants”, Zahra.

A Workshop for Healing

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshop used several community-based psychosocial approaches designed to encourage reflection, connection, and confidence. Through therapeutic arts and storytelling, participants explored ways to release stress and communicate emotions safely. Guided reflection and mindfulness exercises introduced breathing techniques and simple practices that help manage anxiety and restore inner calm. Small group dialogues created safe spaces where participants could share their experiences, listen to each other, and realise they were not alone in their feelings. For many participants, it was the first time emotional wellbeing had been openly discussed and supported.

Power of Small Interventions

For communities living in remote and underserved regions, even small psychosocial support initiatives can create meaningful change. When young people feel heard and supported, they gain the confidence to cope with stress, rebuild hope, and strengthen their relationships with others. Programs like this move communities from survival toward resilience. They remind young people that their dreams still matter. They encourage girls and boys to find their voices. And they strengthen the bonds that hold communities together.

Why Support Matters

Delivering psychosocial support in remote mountain regions requires determination and sustained investment. Long travel distances, harsh weather conditions, and limited infrastructure make such initiatives challenging but deeply necessary. Yet the impact can be transformative. By supporting initiatives like this Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshop, partners and donors contribute to:

  • Strengthening resilience among displaced and vulnerable youth
  • Supporting emotional wellbeing in remote and isolated communities
  • Creating safe spaces for dialogue, healing, and self-expression
  • Building more connected and confident young generations

In places where emotional struggles often remain unspoken, even small moments of support can spark powerful change.

30

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 ↩︎

39

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

50

High in the northernmost reaches of Pakistan, in Upper Hunza of Gilgit-Baltistan, lies the remote and breathtaking Chupurson Valley. Bordering the Wakhan Corridor and surrounded by towering peaks and vast glaciers, this isolated valley is home to a resilient Wakhi community whose lives revolve around livestock, small-scale farming, and deep-rooted traditions. Winters here are long and merciless. In January, temperatures plunge to –19°C and –20°C, freezing water sources, sealing off roads, and testing human endurance.

On January 19, 2026, at approximately 11:21 AM, that endurance was tested beyond measure. A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck the valley, its shallow depth amplifying the violent shaking. The epicenter was near the Yash Kuk Glacier and Zoodkhun village, about 50 kilometers north-northwest of Karimabad, Hunza. The tremor was followed by relentless aftershocks, prolonging fear and instability.

The impact was devastating.

At least 11 villages were affected, with Zoodkhun and Shetmerg among the hardest hit. Nearly 2,500 people across 500 households were impacted. Between 210 and 300 homes, built largely of stone, mud, and timber, collapsed or were rendered unsafe. Landslides cut off road access, isolating communities already battling extreme weather. Livestock sheds crumbled, leading to significant animal losses, a devastating blow in a region where animals are central to survival. With temperatures dropping to –20°C, families were forced to seek refuge in tents pitched over frozen ground. Nights were brutal, the cold seeping through fabric and blankets, while every aftershock revived panic and trauma.

Amid these statistics is the story of one mother.

That morning, she was preparing tea when the first tremor rattled her home. Her son had been playing outside moments earlier. Instinctively, she ran to find him, but in the confusion, he had rushed back inside. Within seconds, the house collapsed. Dust and debris filled the air. Amid the chaos, she heard his faint voice beneath the rubble. Neighbours rushed to help, digging with bare hands and shovels. Hours of desperate effort finally pulled him out alive. Injured and in urgent need of care, he was evacuated by helicopter the following day. Today, he is physically recovering, but emotionally, the earthquake still grips him, startled by aftershocks, waking at night in fear, like many other children of the valley.

Relief efforts were initiated by the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) and local NGOs, distributing tents, blankets, food packs, and kerosene heaters. Yet ongoing aftershocks, blocked roads, and extreme cold slowed assistance, creating a critical humanitarian situation.

For the people of Chupurson, survival is not new. But this disaster has left scars deeper than cracked walls and fallen roofs. It has shaken a community already living on the edge of geography and climate. Rebuilding will require more than bricks and timber, it will require restoring a sense of safety in a land where the earth itself has become uncertain.

Community World Service Asia’s (CWSA) Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Response

In response to the earthquake, Community World Service Asia (CWSA) is supporting local communities with emergency winterisation assistance along with Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) sessions, specifically requested by families enduring freezing temperatures and difficult conditions. Children were traumatised and frightened, and many families refused to return to their cracked homes.

Through its MHPSS initiatives, which are financially supported by Week of Compassion (WoC), CWSA has conducted 10 sessions, directly reaching 352 individuals, including affected community members and internally displaced persons (IDPs). In addition, 27 one-on-one counseling sessions are also provided to youth and elders, offering targeted psychosocial support.

The team also responded to a special request from the Gulmit Council to facilitate a dedicated session for 28 youth IDPs from Chitral (Baroghol), who had been hosted by local families in Gulmit for the past three years. A comprehensive full-day session was conducted, providing them with tailored support and engagement.

These interventions not only address immediate trauma but also contribute to strengthening resilience, restoring hope, and reaffirming community solidarity in the face of disaster.

In Chupurson Valley, the earth may have trembled, but the spirit of its people, supported by collective action and compassion, remains unshaken.

55

Imtiaz Bibi, a mother of four from Talidas village, represents the experience of many women whose livelihoods and homes were completely destroyed by the 2025 floods1 in various villages of district Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan. Before the disaster, she worked in agricultural fields and orchards, cultivating crops and selling fruit and wood to cover her household expenses and her children’s education.

Despite the challenges her family faces, Imtiaz Bibi ensures all four of her children remain in school. Her youngest attends Early Childhood Development classes, while the older three are progressing through Grades 10, 9, and 6. Together, their education costs amount to around PKR 15,000 (approximately USD 54) each month, a significant expense for the family. With her husband, Ijlal Hussain, currently unemployed, the couple works side by side in the fields, relying on farming as their primary source of income to sustain their family and keep their children’s education on track.

“Before the floods, we worked on our fields and orchards and sold fruit and wood. The income covered my children’s education and our yearly household needs,” she shared.

The couple sold fruits such as apples, cherries, pears, apricots, almonds, and grapes. Their total earnings before the flood amounted to PKR 450,000 (approx. $ 1,600). This income was sufficient to cover her basic household needs, including kitchen expenses and construction costs, as well the children’s monthly school fee of about PKR 28,000 (approx. $100-101).

The floods washed away her home, farmland, orchards, and all sources of income. They had two houses constructed with cement. One house consisted of four rooms, while the other had six rooms. Like many families in Ghizer, Imtiaz Bibi and her family took shelter in tents on higher ground for several days before moving in with relatives for sometime, who live in a nearby village, due to fear of further flooding. However, due to limited space, they later moved to a tent.

“We lost everything; our house, crops, and orchards. We lived in a tent for 10 days and then moved to our relatives because we were afraid the flood would return,” she said.

Humanitarian assistance played a critical role in helping her family stabilise. Community World Service Asia (CWSA) provided food and cash assistance, with funding from ACT Alliance.

The project was implemented in coordination with Agha Khan Development Network (AKDN) to obtain primary data on flood-affected communities. At the start of the project, the CWSA project team coordinated with district-level stakeholders, including AKDN, Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), the Social Welfare Department, and NGOs/civil society organisations, to collect primary data and avoid duplication of assistance.

The food assistance by CWSA comprised 100 kg of flour, 7 liters of cooking oil, 4 kg of sugar, 1 kg of salt, and 8 kg of pulses. Currently, the family is eating two meals a day, which consist of a balance of staple foods supported through humanitarian assistance. The family also received multipurpose cash assistance in three installments of PKR 30,000 PKR (approx. USD 108) each, totaling PKR 90,000 (approx. USD 324) over a period of three months.

The project supported a total of 264 families across three Tehsil Headquarters (THQs) in District Ghizer including 157 families in THQ Gupis, 83 families in THQ Ishkoman, and the remaining families in THQ Punyal.

“CWSA supported us with food and cash. We used the cash to hire labour and cover construction costs. At that time, my husband had no work, so this support helped us begin rebuilding our lives,” Imtiaz Bibi shared.

The construction of a new house was made possible through the University of Lahore (UOL), which invested PKR 200,000 (approx. USD 720). Although the house has been rebuilt, the family has not yet moved in due to extreme cold weather and the unavailability of water. Currently, they are temporarily living in their shop, which they vacated for this purpose.

Since receiving assistance, their living conditions have significantly improved. The new house, financial support, and food rations have greatly reduced their hardships and enhanced their overall well-being.

Despite ongoing uncertainty, Imtiaz Bibi remains hopeful. Her story reflects the resilience of women who, even after losing everything, continue to prioritise their children’s education and work steadily towards recovery. The children have resumed attending school, which is within walking distance of their relatives’ house. During the floods, the school was submerged, and the children were unable to attend classes for two months. Once the water receded, the school reopened and classes resumed.

Imtiaz Bibi’s path to recovery involves continued financial support, access to basic necessities such as food rations, and having a stable home. These things are essential to improving her living conditions and reducing hardships. Although it is not yet clear whether the damaged land can be fully restored, agriculture remains their main source of income, so they plan to try again. When the next agricultural season arrives, they intend to resume crop cultivation and replant their fruit orchards.

  1. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/22/rains-flash-floods-kill-21-in-pakistan-tourists-rescued-in-hilly-north ↩︎

93

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.

201

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)

226

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

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The Hunza Valley, known for its mesmerising views, from breathtaking orchards to the grand mountains that surround it, has now become a source of concern for its locals. The people who once felt pride and comfort in building their livelihoods on the predictable rhythms of nature have grown puzzled and uneasy about what the future holds. Ahmed, a member of the Borong Welfare and Development Organization, which supports community engagement, local welfare, agricultural support, and IT education for students, feels strongly about anything that directly or indirectly impacts his community.

Ahmed Karim is a resident of the beautiful valley of Hunza, and has been a professional farmer for the last six years. Over the past five years, Ahmed has observed significant changes in weather patterns. One of the earliest and most alarming has been the accelerated melting of glaciers, Hunza’s primary source of water. With the ever-changing climate, strong reactions have emerged from the people. For Ahmed, who once relied on stable weather patterns for his livelihood and lifestyle, it has been especially frustrating and disheartening to witness the collapse of agricultural systems under sudden climatic outbursts and extreme fluctuations. Snow-covered winters, spring glacier melts, and timely rainfall that once sustained the region’s farming now take form in rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and the rapid melting of glaciers that disrupt the environment and threaten livelihoods.

In Hunza, the most common agricultural yields include potatoes, tomatoes, cherries, apples, and apricots, many of which are in high demand across the country and beyond due to their quality and health benefits. Potato farming, another cornerstone of Hunza’s agriculture, has been particularly affected. The harvesting process for this staple crop requires six months of effort, mostly dependent on manual techniques and family labour. It involves soil preparation, irrigation, composting, weeding, and hand-harvesting. The harsh weather patterns kill months of arduous effort and labour leaving the community in despair. Other crops, like tomatoes, now face frequent pest outbreaks and damage from unseasonal warmth. It is important to note that these are not isolated incidents but clear indicators of a growing climate crisis.

Recently, Ahmed participated in a community engagement session on climate change and sustainable agriculture, organised by Community World Service Asia. The session brought together farmers, agricultural experts, and local stakeholders to explore practical solutions and adaptation strategies. Techniques such as crop rotation, organic composting, water-efficient irrigation, and the use of climate-resilient crop varieties were discussed. The session also emphasised the importance of conserving water, protecting soil health, and implementing community-driven solutions. Building on traditional techniques and knowledge, Ahmed was introduced to evidence-based agricultural practices, including organic mulching and integrated pest management. For communities like Hunza’s, such learning sessions are not merely supplementary, they are essential for sustainable growth, food security, and long-term resilience.

While Ahmed had participated in similar sessions in the past, he found this one particularly impactful for its emphasis on practical knowledge, community-driven innovation, and preparedness. As a forward-thinking and engaged member of his community, he strongly advocates for the equal participation of women, recognising their vital contributions and the pivotal role they play in shaping collective progress.

More than just an informative experience, the session left Ahmed with a renewed sense of hope and responsibility. He now sees his role not only as an agricultural grower but also as a messenger, committed to raising awareness about climate change and encouraging others to act. For him, climate change is no longer a distant concern. It is here, in the fields, homes, and mountains of Hunza. Ahmed believes the time to act is now, to prepare today for the generations that will come after.

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After witnessing decades of traditional cold winters and pleasant mild summers, erratic weather patterns have become a recurring reality. Homes that once needed no fans or air conditioners are now unbearably hot in the summer. Winters bring less snow, summers are warmer, signaling the broader climate crisis threatening the region’s fragile ecosystem and agricultural viability.

Gulkin, nestled in the heart of Upper Hunza, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, most notably the iconic Passu Cones of the Karakoram range. It stands near Gulmit, the cultural hub of Gojal Valley, known for its history and awe inspiring landscapes. Yet, like many mountain communities, the region has grown increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Saeed Arab Shah, a 61-year-old prominent Community member, farmer, and a businessman has lived a lifetime in the village Gulkin in Gojal, Hunza.Saeed Arab Shah, a 61-year-old prominent Community member, farmer, and a businessman has lived a lifetime in the village Gulkin in Gojal, Hunza.

In response to the challenges faced by northern communities, Community World Service Asia (CWSA), in partnership with the Forest Department Hunza, recently organized a collaborative plantation drive in Gulkin and Gulmit. The initiative brought together 35 participants, including students, local leaders, government officials, and community members. For Arab Shah, the enthusiastic involvement of youth reflected a growing generational commitment to environmental protection and civic responsibility.

A passionate advocate for community capacity building, Arab Shah has long emphasized the importance of grassroots efforts. He believes tree plantation carries drastic long-term benefits such as reduced soil erosion, water conservation, and strengthening of the region’s natural ecosystem. However, he also expresses concern over the unregulated cutting of trees for domestic and commercial use, which makes the land more susceptible and prone to landslides, floods, and other climate-induced hazards. He asserts that afforestation can rejuvenate soil, improve air quality, conserve water resources, and help restore the region’s natural ecosystem.

A strong advocate for inclusive development, Arab Shah underscores the crucial role of women in fostering sustainable and resilient communities. He believes that empowering women and integrating their leadership into local decision-making processes is, in his view, essential for lasting change. People of Northern Pakistan have long valued women’s contributions in environmental, educational, and economic spheres, and Arab Shah believes this legacy must be strengthened further as it not only enhances community outcomes but also ensures more balanced and inclusive development.

Reflecting on the plantation drive, Saeed Arab Shah highlighted the high level of community engagement as the most inspiring aspect of the initiative. The participation of youth and families from diverse backgrounds created a strong sense of unity, purpose, and collective responsibility. This shared effort not only deepened participants’ connection to their land but also sparked a renewed determination to protect and preserve their natural environment.

Looking ahead, Arab Shah envisions a future where community-led initiatives, such as tree plantation, awareness sessions, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices become routine. He particularly advocates for initiatives that actively engage schools, youth, and women’s groups, reinforcing the benefit that could be gained after utilizing maximum community engagement due to the participation of women fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and civic responsibility from the ground up.

The recent plantation drive concluded on a pleasant and optimistic note. Participants, especially the young, expressed a profound sense of fulfillment, purpose, and redirection to continue working together for a greener and more resilient Hunza. For Arab Shah and his fellow community members, this initiative marked a meaningful step toward combating the local impacts of climate change and restoring the natural beauty and ecological balance of the Gojal Valley.

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