Hunza: After a severe earthquake in the Chipurson Valley, hundreds of families are living under the open sky in temperatures as low as minus 20°C. In the villages of Zodkhun and Shamsherg, not a single house remains fit for habitation, while other nearby villages have also suffered severe damage to basic infrastructure.
Local residents say that after the earthquake, it has also become impossible to transfer injured or sick people to Aliabad or Gilgit. A series of aftershocks is still continuing, and more than 50 tremors have been felt so far. They warn that if the affected people are not immediately evacuated by helicopter, a major humanitarian disaster could occur.
According to the regional coordinator of the Human Rights Commission, Israruddin Israr, out of around 600 houses in the valley, about 300 families have already been shifted into tents and are currently living in ordinary tents. He said that in winter temperatures here can drop to minus 30°C, so living in standard tents is not possible. Urgent provision of winterized tents, heating, and basic facilities is necessary; otherwise, the risk of human loss will increase.
Local people say that for the past few months, continuous underground explosions have been occurring in the area along with earthquakes. However, this recent earthquake was the most severe and destructive. Earlier, on October 13, a strong explosion was followed by a severe earthquake, which had also forced people to leave their homes, though the cold was less intense at that time.
Israruddin says that the real cause of the earthquakes or explosions can only be determined by experts after proper research, but for now this has become a daily occurrence.
According to geologists, Chipurson Valley is located in a region where underground activity makes such events possible, and their intensity may increase in the future.
Geologist Rahat Ali says that Chipurson Valley borders both Afghanistan and China, and if explosives are used for underground mining, the resulting blasts can produce aftershocks at intervals. Similarly, if an earthquake occurs, its aftershocks may continue for some time.
Surrounded by majestic mountains, this city still struggles for a reliable supply of electricity. For many residents, power outages remain a daily reality, affecting homes, businesses, and essential services.
Gilgit's river is reclaiming its natural course, posing a growing challenge for the expanding city. As climate pressures and unplanned development reshape the landscape, the question is whether authorities and residents can act in time to protect lives, infrastructure, and the river's natural flow.
