AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, October 27, 2015 (PPI-OT): In view of ongoing rescue relief efforts in response to an earthquake that struck parts of Pakistan on 26 October 2015, affecting mostly areas of KP, FATA, GB and Punjab. NDMA has extended all possible assistance to all Provinces and FATA.
In order to apprise Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on the latest updates Chairman NDMA Major General Asghar Nawaz gave detailed briefing to Prime Minister PM House today. This briefing was attended by Chief of Army Staff, Minister For Information, Chairman NHA and DG ISPR. PM appreciated efforts of all agencies involved in disaster response. He also directed concerned departments to ensure all possible assistance needed in the affected areas.
In order to assess the ground situation Chairman NDMA also accompanied PM, to the earthquake affected areas in Shangla. NDMA is mobilizing all possible relief and rescue efforts to save the lives of people in the affected areas.
In this regard NDMA has requested and further provided a helicopter to PDMA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for rescue/relief operations. The helicopter has reached KP and has started with rescue operation. So far NDMA has released 2500 blankets, 3250 tents and 3000 floor mats to KP.
In addition following measures have also been undertaken by NDMA
Pakistan Air force has been requested to carryout aerial photography/survey to analyze the extent of infrastructure damages.
SUPARCO has been asked to provide satellite imageries to analyse the extent of damages. same will be
For awareness purpose, NDMA through PTA has issued SMS Alerts in the areas of Shangla, Upper Dir, Chitral and Bajaur Agency.
All related agencies are on board. Urban Search and Rescue Teams (USAR teams) and other emergency services have also been put on high alert.
NDMA is gathering information from all possible sources. All DMAs have been requested to share information on damages/losses for quickest mobilization for possible rescue/relief assistance. All hospitals have been put on high alert.
NDMA in collaboration with Pakistan Armed Forces and all relevant departments are ready to cope with the situation.
NDMA team has also been sent to the earthquake affected area of Chitral to assess damages in the areas.
National Emergency Operation Centre of NDMA has been activated and is functioning 24/7. NDMA help line number 111-157-157 and 9205037 have also been activated to record the updates.
For more information, contact:
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Prime Minister’s Office, 2nd Floor,
Sector G-5-1, Constitution Avenue,
Post Code 44000, Islamabad
UAN: +92-51-111-157-157
Tel: +92-51-9205037
Fax: +92-51-9205086
Email: info@ndma.gov.pk
Website: www.ndma.gov.pk