Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan hit by 5.6 earthquake; deaths and injuries reported

Quake strikes near Barishal in Gilgit-Baltistan

A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan on 19 January 2026 at 11:21 local time (PST), according to widely reported event details, with the epicentral area linked to the Barishal region. The quake’s depth was listed at around 35 km, a factor that can influence how strongly shaking is experienced on the surface and how broadly it spreads.

Casualties, injuries and the affected areas

Reports indicated at least two deaths and four injuries in connection with the earthquake. The event was described as severely affecting parts of the surrounding valleys, and it was felt across multiple areas including the wider Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan regions. As is common with earthquakes in mountainous terrain, disruption risks can extend beyond structural damage to include landslides and access challenges for emergency responders.

Wide tremor felt across borders

Beyond the immediate area, shaking was reported to have been felt across a broad geography—including parts of Pakistan and into neighbouring countries and regions. Such cross-border perceptibility is typical of moderate quakes when the seismic waves travel efficiently through geological structures, and it often triggers public advisories even in places where damage is limited.

Why the region remains at risk

Northern Pakistan lies in a seismically active zone shaped by the collision of tectonic plates, making periodic earthquakes a recurring hazard. Even when magnitudes are not extreme, the combination of rugged topography, variable construction quality, and winter conditions can amplify human impact. Authorities typically urge precaution around aftershocks and unstable slopes following such events.