Citylife tends to focus on hyper-local issues. However, we have reported on and supported further-flung causes over the years when the matter is close to our hearts or when we are asked to.
Recently our editor spent some time visiting, and falling in love with, Gilgit-Balistan, in Northern Pakistan.
This remote and breathtakingly beautiful region where the Himalayas, the Pamir, the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram mountain ranges collide: where the Indus froths, flows and feeds millions and where the Silk Road meandered through its valleys and mountains over centuries, introducing and mixing peoples and cultures, is fascinating.
Over the past few weeks, however, disaster has struck the region, killing thousands and affecting millions. With over 80,000 glaciers in Pakistan, global warming and a record-breaking heatwave this July, has caused rapid melting and ensuing disaster. Flooding, landslides, and bursting glacial lakes and dams has seen people, buildings and entire villages being swept away. With many people displaced.
There is simply not enough governmental support in the region, and to be fair access is challenging and at times almost impossible. Most people and communities are forced to help themselves. The images which have come out of this recent set of disasters have been heartbreaking. Worst, it’s barely been reported upon outside the region.
We couldn’t find an aid agency to support, but if you trust us, then this is the bank account of a group of local volunteers working in Skardu whose works I’ve been following closely.
I will send over 5000 baht this week.
If you can spare some baht, if you care to help, I ask that you do so.
Photo credit from IG: mister_balti110
Bank Name: HBL
Account Title: HAIDER GENERAL
Account Number: 53857000116451
IBAN: PK81HABB0053857000116451
Branch: IBB Skardu Branch
Thank you for your consideration,
Pim Kemasingki
Editor-in-chief
Citylife Chiang Mai
