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Death toll rises to 39 as earthquake wreaks havoc in AJK

Death toll rises to 39 as earthquake wreaks havoc in AJK
September 26, 2019
ISLAMABAD (92 News) – As many as 38 people were killed while 614 injured when an earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter Scale wreaked havoc in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The earthquake struck several cities across country and many areas of the AJK including Mirpur. However, relief operation continued in earthquake affected areas of Azad Jammu Kashmir. The Inter-Service Public Relation (ISPR) has released damage assessment of the earthquake based on aerial and initial physical survey. Special Assistant on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that WHO and the Health Ministry assessed the loss by earthquake. He assured that the daily use things and medicines will be provided to the quake victims today. Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the earthquake affected areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and ongoing damage repair efforts on Jatlan Canal Road, tweeted DG ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor. “Normalcy be restored with speed rendering full assistance to the civil administration and taking best possible care of the affected population,” he quoted COAS, as saying. According to the ISPR,  three communication bridges near Jatlan have been damaged whereas Jatlan-Mangla Road was damaged at multiple locations, rendering it unusable. In addition, medium to minor damages to weak structures in Mirpur, Jatlan and Jarikas have been reported while Mangla Dam is quite safe. The ISPR said Army teams are busy in rescue and relief efforts in coordination with other stakeholders whereas army engineering teams are repairing Jatlan-Mangla Road and bridges at Jatlan. Doctors and paramedics are providing necessary medical care and CMH Mangla and Jhelum have been made available for all casualties. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake measured 6.1 on the Richter Scale at a depth of 10km. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the quake measured 5.7 on the Richter Scale and 12km north-west of Jhelum. Aftershocks were also felt in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Kotli, Sialkot and Malakand. Five, killed, 100, wounded, earthquake, cities, across country, AJK The building of Benazir Bhutto Medical College’s Old Boys Hostel collapsed due to the earthquake. In Jhelum, a woman was killed and 13 injured in quake-related incidents. Aftershocks were also felt in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Kotli, Sialkot and Malakand. After the earthquake, flights were stopped in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi. Roads have been damaged and crevices were created in canals in Mirpur. Emergency has been declared in all hospitals in Mirpur. The wall of a house collapsed in Jhelum. Several buses and vehicles turned turtle due to the earthquake. Five, killed, 100, wounded, earthquake, cities, across country, AJK The WAPDA spokesperson said that no damage had been reported to Mangla Dam and Power House. He said that data was being collected through instruments installed at both places. “Water in Mangla Lake has turned muddy and powerhouse’s turbines have been shut as precautionary measures,” he said, adding the turbines would be switched on after would become clean. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has ordered the PDMA authorities to be alert. He sought a report about the earthquake in different districts across the province. Five, killed, 100, wounded, earthquake, cities, across country, AJK He also ordered to take precautionary measures keeping in view the aftershocks of the earthquake. Most damage was reported in Jatlan.