HUNZA: The powerful tremors of the earthquake in Chapursan valley of Upper Hunza in Gilgit Baltistan have spread panic in the area.
According to initial reports, the road leading to Chapursan has been closed due to the earthquake, while several residential houses and cattle sheds have been affected.
Local sources say that an elderly person has been reported to have been buried under the rubble as a result of the collapse of a house; however, rescue teams are facing severe difficulties in reaching the affected area due to the closure of the main road. According to media reports, rescue operations are underway.
According to reports, a Jamaat Khana in the area has also been partially damaged. Immediately after the earthquake, citizens came out of their homes and gathered in open places, where the atmosphere of fear continues to prevail.
Residents of the area have demanded that the administration immediately restore the Chiporsan Road so that relief and rescue activities can be started in time and immediate relief can be provided to the affected people.
Severe tremors of a 5.8 magnitude earthquake were felt in the districts of Ghizer, Hunza, and Gilgit city of Gilgit-Baltistan.
The earthquake spread panic among the citizens, and people came out of their homes and offices reciting the Kalima Tayyaba. According to the Seismological Centre, the intensity of the earthquake was recorded as 5.8 on the Richter scale, while its depth was 10 km. The epicentre of the earthquake was located about 90 km northeast of Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to local sources, the tremors were felt more clearly in the Gakuch area of Ghizer and the upper areas of Hunza, including Gojal and Chiporsan. No reports of any loss of life or major property have been received so far; however, the district administration and rescue agencies are on alert to deal with any emergency. tremors also felt in Islamabad, Swat, and the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Travellers have been advised to be cautious in view of the risk of landslides in mountainous areas.
