- January 20, 2026
ADRRN Network Update
Location: Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan (Upper Hunza – Chipurson Valley)
A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, on 19 January 2026. While no fatalities have been reported, the earthquake has caused severe damage to housing, infrastructure, and livelihoods, particularly in remote high-altitude areas where access and communication remain constrained.
Chipurson Valley in Upper Hunza is among the worst-affected locations. The valley is home to around 3,000 people across more than 500 households and is currently experiencing extreme winter conditions, with temperatures ranging from −18°C to 0°C. Preliminary assessments indicate that more than 100 houses have been destroyed, and nearly 200 others are severely damaged and unsafe for habitation. Critical community infrastructure has also been impacted, including water channels, micro-hydropower systems, and livestock shelters, contributing to heightened food insecurity and livelihood losses.
Many families, especially women, children, and the elderly, are currently living in makeshift shelters or under open skies. This has increased the risk of hypothermia and illness and has intensified immediate needs related to food shortages, safe drinking water, and access to medical care, particularly under harsh winter conditions.
In response, the Karakorum Area Development Organization (KADO) has launched an Emergency Appeal of USD 207,000 to address immediate life-saving needs during the first month of response. The intervention aims to support 200–300 of the most vulnerable households through coordinated, principled, and community-based humanitarian action. The planned response aligns with UN Cluster priorities and focuses on winterized shelter and non-food items, food assistance, health services, WASH support, emergency logistics, and livelihood protection.
Without urgent assistance, affected communities face severe humanitarian consequences, especially given the combination of extensive shelter damage, limited access in remote terrain, and extreme winter temperatures.
ADRRN requests support to help deliver timely and life-saving assistance and will share further details as needed to facilitate coordination and resource mobilisation.
To support the response operation, please send your contribution to:
Bank Name: Soneri Bank
Account Title: Karakoram Area Development Organization -KADO
Account No. : PK31SONE0002520000185068
SWIFT Code: SONEPKKAXXX
