ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan have conveyed condolences to the families of victims of the earthquake which struck the Harnai area of Balochistan early Thursday.
The 5.9 magnitude earthquake killed at least 20 people and left over 300 injured, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
“My condolences to families of those killed in the Harnai Balochistan earthquake. May their souls rest in peace. My prayers are for the injured,” President Arif Alvi said in a statement.
“I am sure that Provincial & National Disaster Management Authorities will provide quick relief,” he further said.
Rescue & Relief operation is underway after devastating Earthquake in Balochistan. Army’s special Rescue & Relief team being airlifted to Quetta & Hurnai.
Spokesperson NDMA pic.twitter.com/RffOuHpe5Z
— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) October 7, 2021
In his statement on Twitter, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he has ordered immediate assistance on an emergency basis for the Harnai earthquake victims, and for an immediate assessment of the damage for timely relief & compensation.
“My condolences & prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones,” the prime minister wrote.
The earthquake was centered near the Harnai district and had a depth of 15 kilometers.
Meanwhile, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan army troops have reached earthquake-hit areas of Harnai for rescue and relief efforts.
The ISPR said that necessary food and shelter items have been moved for earthquake-affected population whereas the army doctors and paramedics along with necessary medicines are assisting the civil administration for necessary medical care.
The Inspector-General Frontier Corps Balochistan (North) also reached Harnai for damage assessment and response.
The ISPR said that urban search and rescue teams are being flown from Rawalpindi to speed up and assist the rescue activities.
