ISLAMABAD (PR) - The Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) has rushed immediate relief goods to the calamity-hit areas as a devastating earthquake hit Quetta, Ziarat, Chamman and Pishin districts in Balochistan province at around 4:35 hours PST today (Wenesday). The earthquake measured 6.5 on the Richter scale.
The Deputy Chairman of ERRA Lt Gen Sajjad Akram soon after hearing about the report of the earthquake expressed his deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives and property and prayed for the early recovery of the injured. The Deputy Chairman ordered immediate relief to the affectees and deputed Brig Akhtar Javed Warriach Director General Planning to himself arrange and oversee distribution of relief goods among the victims. Medical rehabilitation teams who have successfully treated back injury patients during and after 2005 earthquake is also accompanying the ERRA team.
It may be mentioned that Brig. Akhtar has a vast experience of handling earthquake-related relief activities as he is attached with Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) since its very inception.
The Deputy Chairman said they have arranged two sorties of relief goods to the affected areas from the emergency relief items kept for unforeseen happenings in the nine districts that were badly affected in the October 8 earthquake in 2005.
The Deputy Chairman said the ERRA would continue to extend its services and expertise whenever required.
The relief goods include tents, blankets and sleeping bags. A C-130 plane carrying hundreds of tents, blankets, sleeping bags and jackets has already left for Quetta. Another plane would leave for Quetta later.