PM directs institutions to stay alert as quake strikes country

• PM directs NDMA, other institutions to stay alert
• Health Minister said there were no reports of loss of lives or property
• A 6.8 magnitude earthquake jolted most parts of the country

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the National Disaster Management Authority and other relevant institutions to stay alert to deal with any untoward situation after an earthquake jolted most parts of the country.

The prime minister prayed to Allah Almighty to keep everyone safe and protect the country from any calamity. He also prayed to Allah Almighty for the safety and well-being of his countrymen.

An earthquake of 6.8 magnitude on the Richter Scale jolted several parts including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and parts of northern areas. The epicentre was at the depth of 180 km in the Hindukush mountains near the Pak-Afghan border.

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Abdul Qadir Patel said that so far no report of loss of life or property was received from anywhere due to the earthquake.

However, one person lost his life due to a heart attack while leaving the house through stairs during a quake in Sector G-7. He was shifted to Federal Government Polyclinic but he couldn’t survive.

There were reports of severe damage in Swat Valley and adjoining areas. Around 120 were reported taken to Saidu Sharif hospital, while several were injured from roof collapses in Swabi and Lower Dir.

Meanwhile, keeping in view the severe earthquake, all major federal government hospitals have been directed to remain on high alert.

According to a spokesperson of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, the alert was issued to the hospitals. The National Emergency Health Services will also remain on high alert.

The minister directed the administration of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Polyclinic to ensure all necessary arrangements.

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