7 100 homes destroyed, at least 40 people killed and 1 600 injured after M5.9 earthquake in Pakistan

More than 7 100 homes and 200 vehicles were destroyed after M5.9 (EMSC) earthquake hit Pakistan at 11:01 UTC (16:01 local time) on September 24, 2019. The incident took lives of at least 40 people while 1 600 others suffered injuries. The districts of Bhimber, Mirpur, and Jhelum in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab were the worst affected.

The quake struck at a shallow depth of 10 km (6 miles), with the epicenter lying 1 km (0.6 miles) southeast of Mirpur and Azad, Jammu and Kashmir.

Around 9 000 households have been affected by the catastrophic event. Out of the 7 100 ravaged homes, 1 000 were in Mirpur solely. The number of deaths, injuries, and affected families is feared to rise in the following days as the official report is still being conducted.

Authorities have declared emergency in all hospitals of Mirpur.

A first aid team was deployed to the affected areas, including nine doctors and three paramedics with three ambulances and 200 medicines and surgical kits.

Aside from damages in residential properties, infrastructures including roads, mobile phone towers, and electric poles were also affected. The main road in Mirpur along the Jatlan Canal was badly hit.

The National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) was activated following the event to accommodate queries from victims.

The District Administration, NDMA, State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), National Police Bureau, Pakistan Armed Forces, and Civil Defense are currently focusing on search and rescue operations.

Relief aid and items have been given, including 5 030 tents, 6 700 blankets and quilts, 200 hygiene kits, 5 475 ration packs, and 50 000 water bottles. Community World Service Asia (CWSA) plans to access the ACT Alliance's Rapid Response Fund to provide further needs.

Featured image credit: Progressive Life Centre Org