A Danish photojournalist, Laura, told reporters at the National Press Club in Islamabad that the Chapursan earthquake has left vast destruction in the valley of Gilgit‑Baltistan, with thousands of homes completely collapsed and survivors exposed to extreme winter conditions.
Laura said temperatures in Chapursan have fallen to around minus 20°C, and elderly people, children and livestock are increasingly vulnerable to cold-related illnesses. She urged immediate delivery of warm blankets, fuel, tents and medicines to prevent further loss of life and to stabilise families made homeless by the Chapursan earthquake.
Speaking alongside Mubarak Hussain, president of Hunza Small Traders and Small Industry, Laura explained that she had been visiting Pakistan on holiday and abandoned her planned schedule to assist victims, donating her personal savings to relief efforts. The Danish embassy in Islamabad has publicly praised her commitment to the affected communities.
Mubarak Hussain thanked Laura for her help and raised concerns that international aid meant for the region has not reached survivors. He said that Chinese relief supplies currently held at the Sost border have not been released to Chapursan despite directions from federal authorities, leaving families to endure the cold without sufficient shelter or supplies.
Both Laura and local representatives appealed to the federal and provincial governments to announce an immediate Chapursan relief package and to expedite delivery of existing aid. They warned that without swift action to provide blankets, heating fuel, medical aid and temporary shelter, the humanitarian situation will deteriorate rapidly in the valley.
