BRADFORD'S British-Mirpuri community have been reacting to the earthquake that hit Azad Kashmir on Tuesday.

According to the latest reports, at least 37 people have died and over 450 are injured after a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck the area, with the Mirpur district and in particular the town of Jatlan being some of the worst affected.

The earthquake has also caused damage to homes and to road networks.

Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is in the area providing people with tents and blankets as well as food and water.

It is estimated that 70 per cent of British-Pakistanis are originally from the Mirpur area, which is in Azad Kashmir.

The construction of Mirpur's Mangla Dam between 1961 and 1965 resulted in over 280 towns and villages in the area being submerged, which lead to the displacement of over 110,000 people.

With Britain needing to fill labour shortages in the aftermath of the Second World War, many of the displaced people were invited to work in England, with 'mill towns' like Bradford being popular destinations.

Since then, Bradford has become a hub for British-Mirpuri people, while the city of Mirpur has even been dubbed as 'little England' by some Pakistanis due to the large numbers of British-born people who regularly go there to see family.

Majid Ali is a Lidget Green resident who has lived in Bradford for over twenty years. He is originally from Mirpur and is currently there visiting relatives.

Mr. Ali said, "Thankfully we are okay, but others have not been as fortunate. It is so sad that so many people have been injured and killed."

"The damage in Mirpur is bad but it is far worse in Jatlan, which is just over 30 minutes away by car."

"The main hospital in the area was full last night so some injured people had to be moved to other hospitals further away."

Mr. Ali continued, "The roads around Jatlan have been closed and authorities have shut down the nearby Mangla Dam to stop villages being flooded."

"There is not enough infrastructure in place here to deal with the earthquake, but the Pakistan Army are doing a great job. They have opened up temporary pharmacies and are rescuing people from damaged homes."

Choudhary Rangzeb, former Lord Mayor of Bradford, is originally from Kharak, situated just a few miles north of Mirpur city. Mr. Rangzeb was in the area visiting family and had a narrow escape, flying back to the UK from Islamabad International Airport just three hours before the earthquake struck.

After confirming that his family were okay, Mr. Rangzeb said, "The earthquake is a devastating blow which has caused extensive damage. The death toll is rising and this is concerning news."

"We are appealing to people to help, we need to get together to raise funds. The Pakistani government are helping but we as individuals need to play our part as well."

"We all have a moral responsibility to help the less fortunate"

Some fund-raising efforts for the victims of the quake have already begun and can be found online.