An earthquake of 7.7 on Richter scale with epicenter in Hindu Kush struck major parts of Pakistan today.
Taking immediate notice of the situation NDMA has extended all possible assistance to all DMAs including Provincial and State Disaster Management Authorities FDMA and GBDMA. National Emergency Operation Centre of NDMA has also been activated to monitor the situation 24/7. Pakistan Airforce 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.
PTA has also been requested to restore the communication networks so that immediate information is sought from the concerned departments. NDMA teams have also been sent to the northern earthquake affected areas of Chitral, Peshawar/Kohat and Kallar Kahar (Punjab areas)to assess damages in the areas. NDMA help line number 111-157-157 and 9205037 have also been activated to record the updates.
All related agencies are on board in addition NDMA USAR teams and all other emergency services have also been put on high alert. Army has started search and rescue operations.
NDMA is gathering information from all possible sources. All P/S/F 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 Army, Pakistan Airforce and all relevant departments are ready to cope with the situation.
NDMA is mobilising all possible relief and rescue efforts to save lives of our people in anticipation and to possible affected and northern areas.
NDMA requests people of Pakistan to stay alert, share information for early initiation of rescue and relief activities in affected areas.
NDMA has also issued advisories to all concerned authorities to exercise caution in next 24 hours in view of expected aftershocks.