Flood Relief Appeal

Flood Relief Appeal, Dain Valley, Ishkoman

On 14th August 2025, devastating floods struck the serene valleys of Dain, Sholja, and Asumber in Ishkoman, Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan, causing unprecedented destruction and plunging nearly 10,000 residents into a dire humanitarian crisis. What was once a flourishing and peaceful community is now reeling under the weight of disaster, with families stranded and essential infrastructure destroyed beyond recognition. The magnitude of this calamity has shaken the entire region and called for urgent and collective action to provide relief and restore hope.

The Scale of the Disaster

The flash floods that ripped through the valley left behind a trail of devastation. More than 100 houses were washed away, rendering hundreds of families homeless overnight. For many, these houses were not just structures of shelter but repositories of memories, livelihoods, and generational heritage. Alongside the homes, a mosque, a Jamat Khana, and a crucial water supply project were destroyed, stripping the community of its religious, cultural, and basic survival resources.

The tragedy also claimed precious lives. At least two individuals lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries that require urgent medical care. For their families, the loss is irreplaceable, adding immeasurable grief to an already overwhelming catastrophe.

Perhaps one of the most devastating impacts of the flood was the destruction of the historic 612-foot suspension bridge that connected Dain to Chatorkhand, the main town of Ishkoman. This bridge was not just a physical structure; it was a lifeline that connected the valley to the outside world, enabling access to markets, schools, hospitals, and essential services. Its collapse has left the valley completely cut off, further isolating the affected communities and compounding their suffering.

The Humanitarian Crisis

The aftermath of this disaster has created an acute humanitarian emergency. Families who once thrived on agriculture, livestock, and small businesses are now left with nothing. With homes destroyed and communication lines severed, thousands of people are stranded without access to food, clean water, shelter, or healthcare.

The absence of clean drinking water has heightened the risk of waterborne diseases, while the lack of proper shelter exposes families—particularly women, children, and the elderly—to the harsh weather of Gilgit-Baltistan. Moreover, many injured individuals are unable to receive timely medical assistance due to the valley’s isolation.

Winter is fast approaching, and without emergency shelter, warm clothing, and blankets, the situation may escalate into an even more devastating crisis. The lives of the most vulnerable are at serious risk if immediate interventions are not made.

Our Relief Efforts and Appeal

In this time of great need, Shad Foundation has launched an urgent Flood Relief Appeal for Dain Valley. Our immediate priority is to mobilize resources and deliver life-saving assistance to the affected families. We are working to provide:

• Emergency Shelter: Tents and temporary housing units to protect families from exposure.
• Food Supplies: Essential rations to sustain families who have lost their means of livelihood.
• Clean Drinking Water: Safe and reliable water sources to prevent the outbreak of disease.
• Warm Clothing & Blankets: Protection against the cold, particularly for children and the elderly.
• Medical Assistance: Immediate healthcare support for the injured and sick.

Every contribution, regardless of size, can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have lost everything. Together, we can restore hope, dignity, and resilience in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Dain Valley.

How You Can Help

We appeal to individuals, organizations, and the global community to come forward and support this urgent cause. Your donations will directly contribute to saving lives and rebuilding a devastated community. With collective compassion and generosity, we can help the residents of Dain, Sholja, and Asumber navigate this tragedy and begin the process of recovery.

Donation Details:

• Bank: MCB
• Account Title: Shad Foundation
• Account Number: 0993047301002230

For more details and updates, please visit: shadfoundation.com.pk

A Call for Solidarity

Disasters like this remind us of the fragility of life and the power of human solidarity. The people of Dain Valley are resilient, but resilience alone cannot rebuild homes, restore water supplies, or heal the wounds of loss. They need us—our empathy, our support, and our collective action.

We urge everyone to stand with the affected families of Ishkoman during this painful chapter. Let us not only provide them with immediate relief but also empower them to rebuild their lives with dignity and strength. Every donation, every prayer, and every act of kindness counts.

Together, we can turn despair into hope and destruction into the foundation of a stronger tomorrow.