ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (APP): The earthquake; that hit northern and central parts of Balochistan early Wednesday, affected 35,600 population among which 3,375 have been displaced, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Thursday. Addressing a news conference, the NDMA chairman Lt Gen =AE Farooq Ahmed said that a total of 4,610 families were affected and so far 149 deaths have been confirmed while the toll is likely to increase. "357 sustained injuries. However, final figures will be provided after a detailed survey," he added.
He said that the relief operation is in full swing in the affected areas and so far 1,605 blankets, 1,666 tents and 720 sleeping bags have been distributed amongst the affectees. In addition to this relief goods have also been dispatched from Karachi and Rawalpindi by PAF C-130 aircraft(s) to the affected areas.
The NDMA chairman said that Balochistan Administration, Army and FC are leading relief operations and 13 helicopters have been deployed to carry relief goods and to pick up the injured.
Briefing about decisions of meeting at interior ministry, Gen Farooq said NDMA has been declared focal point to coordinate the relief activities of all government and non-government organisations, besides political parties.
"Adviser on Interior Rehman Malik directed Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan to prepare 10,000 bags containing food items including one stove to facilitate quake affected people," he added.