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Islamabad, October 28, 2015 (PPI-OT): In view of ongoing rescue and relief efforts in response to October 26, 2015 earthquake mostly affecting areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, NDMA has extended all possible assistance to all Provinces and FATA. While over 41 aftershocks with magnitude ranging from 2.5 to 5.3 on Richter scale have been recorded so far. NDMA and all associated departments are mobilizing maximum possible rescue and relief efforts to save precious human lives, ensure minimum loss of assets etc.
In order to assess ground situation and ascertain relief efforts, PM along with Chairman NDMA, Chairman NHA and Ministers visited Shangla on 27th October, 2015 and has visited Chitral and Peshawar today.
NDMA in the presence of Mr. Neil Buhne (UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator designate for Pakistan) also held detailed briefing with Heads of UN Organizations from UNDP, UNOCHA, UNHABITAT, WFP, UNICEF, FAO, IOM today. The purpose of the meeting was to apprise NDMAs development partners about national response to earthquake and the ongoing relief efforts and measures being undertaken to ensure timely assistance to all affected areas.
Mr. Neil Buhne (UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator designate for Pakistan) expressed solidarity and deep concern with the Government and people of Pakistan. He appreciated efforts of Government and in particular, quick response from NDMA for enhancing national response capacity over the years. All UN organizations extended full support during ground assessments of damages/losses, long term recovery and rehabilitation. He assured that all possible assistance to NDMA if needed, would be extended in support of the earthquake affectees.
In addition, NDMA has also taken following measures:
All provinces have been advised to carry out detailed survey in the respective earthquake affected areas.
Aerial assessment/survey with the facilitation of Pakistan Air Force has been carried out and data is being analyzed.
Satellite imageries of the affected areas are being accessed, obtained through SUPARCO.
For awareness purpose, NDMA through PTA has issued/precautionary SMS Alerts in the areas of Shangla, Upper Dir, Chitral and Bajaur Agency.
One Helicopter has been requisitioned and provided to KPK.
All telecommunication networks have been restored.
Work on removing landslides in the affected areas is in progress while KKH has been opened through the efforts of NHA and Army.
NDMA in collaboration with Pakistan Armed Forces and all relevant departments are ready to cope with the situation.
NDMA team is already in Chitral to assess the situation on ground.
National Emergency Operation Centre of NDMA activated at the onset of earthquake is functioning 24/7.
NDMA’s Help Line Number 111-157-157 and 051-9205037 is available for all updates since start of emergency.
So far NDMA has released 13,000 blankets, 8,750 tents 3,500 plastic mats , 7 ton of Food Packs and 14 tons of bottled water for the earthquake affectees.
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