On 19 January 2026, a moderate-to-strong earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale struck northern Gilgit-Baltistan, with its epicentre located approximately 50 kilometres north-northwest of Karimabad, Hunza, in close proximity to the Yash Kuk Glacier and the Chuperson Valley.
The earthquake was felt across Upper Hunza (Gojal), lower Hunza, parts of Ghizer district, and adjoining valleys, causing widespread panic among residents and tourists.
The earthquake occurred during peak winter conditions, when temperatures in Upper Hunza routinely fall between –10°C and –15°C, with snowfall, icy winds, and limited daylight hours. These conditions have significantly exacerbated the humanitarian situation. Preliminary assessments indicate that over 100 houses have been completely destroyed, while nearly 200 additional houses are severely cracked and unsafe for habitation. Damage to water supply channels, micro-hydropower systems, and cattle sheds has been widespread, resulting in loss of livestock and increased risks to food security and livelihoods.
Due to extreme weather displaced families are facing prolonged exposure to cold, limited access to heating fuel, and heightened health risks, particularly respiratory infections, hypothermia, and complications among children, older persons, and those with pre-existing conditions. The cumulative impact of shelter damage, winter exposure, and livelihood disruption places affected communities at high risk of deteriorating humanitarian conditions without timely intervention.
ACT Alliance member Community World Services Asia is currently on ground implemented their ongoing projects and planning to extend emergency assistance to the affected areas with the support from the ACT Alliance Rapid Response Fund (RRF).
