News
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Govt vows all possible help to quake affecteesISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday assured that the government will ensure all possible help to the local administration for rescue and rehabilitation of the quake-affected people. Prime Minister Nawaz directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) chairman to update him on the relief activities and assistance provided by the Pakistan Army and other federal institutions in the earthquake-affected areas. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s House, the prime minister instructed the NDMA chairman to apprise him on a daily basis on the relief measures undertaken by the disaster management authority. Nawaz said the government would stand by the people affected by the natural calamity. The prime minister also directed Minister for SAFRON General (r) Abdul Qadir Baloch and Minster of State for Petroleum Jam Kamal to reach Awaran district, which was the worst hit by the quake, at the earliest. He instructed them to stay there for the supervision of all rescue and relief operations, and ensure coordination among the NDMA, Pakistan Army, FC and civilian authorities. They will be regularly updating the prime minister on the progress of the relief efforts. Prime Minister Nawaz was informed that on his directions Pakistan Army’s relief contingents have left for the earthquake-affected areas. The prime minister also expressed the confidence that the armed forces would live up to their tradition of helping people affected by disasters, along with the civilian authorities. Tuesday’s huge earthquake toppled scores of homes and sent people around the region rushing into the streets in panic. The 7.8-magnitude quake centred in Balochistan’s Awaran District and was felt as far afield as New Delhi and Dubai. Officials said the quake, which struck at 4:29 pm, demolished dozens of houses in Awaran, 350 kilometres southwest of Quetta. Its epicentre was 20 kilometres below ground. The area is sparsely populated and most buildings are mud-built. Television footage showed collapsed houses, caved-in roofs and people sitting in the open air outside their homes, the rubble of mud and bricks scattered around them. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk