On September 24th at approximately 4.00pm, Pakistan was hit by an earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale.
Over 40 people have died and more than 1600 injured in the regions of Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. With earthquake measuring almost 10km deep, villages and towns came crashing down on to an unprepared community who are now vulnerable to aftershocks and the elements. The earthquake destroyed almost 1700 homes, with roads and bridges flooded and collapsed. Widespread panic has magnified the chaos as people have tried to flee the areas and find themselves trapped. Many hospitals and schools are severely damaged impacting recovery as the country tries to come to terms with the scale of the disaster.
Muslim Aid’s response teams, incorporating Muslim Aid Pakistan and Muslim Aid UK, issued an emergency relief effort to assist the victims within the first 72 hours.
The initial emergency response efforts included the identification of 180 families within the area in need of immediate assistance. Working with our partners, Muslim Aid were able to carry out needs-assessment and distribute supplies to protect those at risk from further injury and trauma. With over 75% of houses destroyed in some villages, 180 tents were distributed to provide urgent shelter. 250 food parcels and clean drinking water supplies were given to families, including widows and young children.
In villages that were hard-hit by the quake, such as Kala Kotha, vulnerable families were identified for support and shelter through rapid needs assessment. Ambulances were deployed to take the sick and injured to the nearest working healthcare clinics for immediate treatment. Relief aid included x-ray and ultrasound equipment to treat broken limbs.
Muslim Aid met with government officials, key stakeholders and fellow NGO partners to establish a long-term and widespread response plan. This included a programme to deliver aid to over 5,000 people affected by the earthquake and in need of support. A call was placed for voluntary assistance and psychiatrists to support families traumatised by the disaster.
Sustainable development for the future.
Ongoing support to the area by Muslim Aid, includes the reconstruction of Basic Health Unit for Pul-manda village and surrounding villages. Many local resources, including shops which doubled as medical clinics, have collapsed, placing increased pressure on the limited health resources. Further sustainable aid work includes the rebuild of a number of schools which were damaged during the earthquake, including 41 schools identified by the District Education Officer.
Continued support through the Muslim Aid’s Pakistan Emergency Appeal and General Humanitarian funds will help secure further investment in the area, to ease the suffering and concerns of those caught in the disaster. From medical equipment to school resources and the rebuild of homes, ongoing charitable support is required to be delivered directly to the people of Pakistan. Muslim Aid continues to work from our field offices and with our partners and government programmes to ensure that the future of the people of Pakistan can be rebuilt and bright.
