NDMA conducting relief, rescue operations in quake-hit areas

Islamabad: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is conducting a relief and rescue operations with a sizeable relief being sent to the areas affected by the recent earthquake.
In view of ongoing rescue and relief efforts in quake-hit areas in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Fata, Gilgit Baltistan, AJK and Punjab, NDMA is extending all possible assistance to all provinces and Fata. NDMA Chairman Major General Asghar Nawaz told ‘The News’ that according to Pakistan Metrological Department about 67 aftershocks with magnitude ranging from 2.5 to 5.3 on Richter scale have been recorded so far. NDMA and all associated departments are mobilising maximum possible assistance for the affected people.
He along with a field team visited Malakand Division on 29 October to monitor relief activities and compensation verification process. Several measures have been taken by NDMA to ensure timely response: Satellite imageries from SUPARCO and aerial photography/survey from Pakistan Air Force received. Analysis indicate that no wide spread damages have occurred. All provinces have been advised to carry out verification of damages/losses in their respective areas which is to be completed by Sunday (1st November, 2015).
Similarly, payment of compensation to the affectees will commence from Monday (2nd November) and is required to be completed by Thursday. NDMA has also requisitioned helicopter (with KPK Govt.) and carried out missions and evacuated 55 persons, and also carried 5000 kg of relief items. Asghar Nawaz told that as per NHA, all National Highways are opened for traffic and all telecommunication networks have been restored.
For awareness purpose, NDMA is timely issuing precautionary SMS Alerts through PTA in the areas of Shangla, Upper Dir, Chitral and Bajaur Agency. In order to assess ground situation and ascertain relief efforts, PM along with Chairman NDMA, Chairman NHA and concerned ministers visited Shangla. Later on visited Chitral and Peshawar. NDMA team was deputed in Chitral to assess the situation on ground and oversee relief operation. National Emergency Operation Centre of NDMA remains activated since the onset of earthquake and is functioning 24/7.