NDMA establishes helpline to provide earthquake information

ISLAMABAD, Oct 26 (APP): National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA) has established a help line number 111-157-157 to provide
information to masses regarding earthquake that struck Monday afternoon
with an intensity of 8.1 on richter scale.
Another number 9205037 have also been activated to record the
updates. NDMA is also extending all possible assistance to Provincial
and District Disaster Management Authorities, including the one in Gilgit-Baltistan.
National Emergency Operation Centre of NDMA has also been activated
to monitor the situation around the clock. Pakistan Airforce has been
requested to carryout aerial photography and survey to analyze the extent
of infrastructure damages.
SUPARCO has been asked to provide satellite images to analyse
the extent of damages, said a press release issued by NDMA.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has also been requested
to restore the communication networks so an immediate information
could be shared with concerned departments.
NDMA teams have also been sent to the northern earthquake
affected areas of Chitral, Peshawar/Kohat and Kallar Kahar
(Punjab areas) to assess damages in the areas.
All related agencies are on board in addition NDMA USAR teams and
all other emergency services have also been put on high alert. Army has
started search and rescue operations.
NDMA is gathering information from all possible sources. All DMAs
have been requested to share information on damages and losses for quickest mobilization for possible rescue and relief assistance.
All hospitals have been put on high alert. NDMA in collaboration
with Pakistan Army, Pakistan Airforce and all relevant departments
are ready to cope with the situation.
NDMA has also requested people to stay alert and share
information for early initiation of rescue and relief activities
in affected areas.
NDMA has also issued advisories to all concerned authorities
to exercise caution in next 24 hours in view of expected aftershocks.