PRESS RELEASE Islamabad, 25th September 2013 –An earthquake measuring 7.7 Richter scale occurred in Balochistan at 1630 hours on 24 September 2013. The tremors of the earthquake were felt across Balochistan Province, seriously affecting Awaran and Kech Districts, due to which a number of casualties have occurred in the affected districts. The Districts worst affected by the earthquake are Awaran and Kech. The confirmed deaths as of 18300 PST today are 285 in Awaran with 373 injured while 43persons died and 72 are reportedly injured at District Kech. The Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and the civil administration are carrying out rescue efforts in the affected region. Urban Search and Rescue Teams (with search dogs and technical equipment)have also been dispatched to the affected areas. The teams involved in rescue and relief operations also include doctors and paramedic staff. A field hospital is being established at Awaran and additional teams comprising doctors and paramedics have also been sent out. A number of military and civil hospitals along with ambulances are engaged in rescue and relief efforts. NDMA has placed 5,000 tents at the disposal of PDMA Balochistan from its strategic reserves at Karachi and has also mobilized its resources to provide 7,000 Food packs (53 KGs each) to the affectees in Awaran and Kech. Forward Operating Bases are being established in Khuzdar and Bela for logistic support and provision of essential supplies (food and non-food items). Causalities are being evacuated to Khuzdar, Bela, Thal and Karachi. After the earthquake, an island emerged at a distance of 5 kilometers from the Gwadar coast which is 300 to 400 meters in size around 10 meters in height. National Institute of Oceanography is collecting samples of the soil to determine its composition. Further information will be shared as the report become available. Major General Muhammad Saeed Aleem, Chairman NDMA is visiting Quetta to coordinate with the Provincial Government and oversee rescue and relief efforts in the affected areas. The following helplines have been established at National Emergency Operation Center, NDMA to facilitate and coordinate responses: UAN 051-111-157-157 & 051-9205037 -------------------------------------- Government of Pakistan National Disaster Management Authority Islamabad
Posted on: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 04:00:20 +0000
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