Focus will be on rescue operations for next two days: Chairman NDMA

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt (gen) Mohammad Afzal said the concerned departments will focus on rescue operations for next two days after magnitude 5.2 earthquake jolted several parts of Azad Kashmir, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the NDMA chairman said the authorities’ main focus will be on rescue operations for the next two days, adding that the relief activities would start from next week.

He confirmed that at least 19 people were dead and over 300 injured after a powerful earthquake hit parts of the AJK and other areas.

“Right now, I can confirm the death of 10 people. “Approximately 100 are injured. Some reports say 300 are injured, said Lt Gen Afzal.

The Chairman NDMA said Mangla to Jatalan road has been damaged in the quake, while three bridges also suffered.

He further said that 200 tents, 800 blankets, and 100 medical kits are being dispatched to the affected areas.

He confirmed that the quake has not affected Mangla Dam.

“Thank God the quake has not affected Mangla Dam. Turbine operation of Mangla Dam has been suspended due to technical reasons,” he added.

He said Provincial Disaster Management Authority of Punjab has provided 20 ambulances and six rescue vehicles.

The strong earthquake of 5.8 magnitude had brought disasters to different parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) which claimed at least 19 lives and more than 300 left injured so far.

The quake hit some urban and rural parts of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) including Muzaffarabad, Kotli and many other scattered places.

The death toll rises to 19 in the affected areas primarily Mirpur and Jatlan of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir which was previously stood at 2 after the emergence of initial reports.