In the early hours of 14 th February 2004
, two earthquakes measuring 5.7 and 5.5 on the Richter scale struck the
Khagan Valley in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. At least
24 people were killed, and over 30 injured.
Hundreds of houses were destroyed or
damaged, leaving thousands of families homeless in the snow and bitterly
cold weather.
In the worst affected district of Allai the quake triggered landslides, killing 12 people. An estimated 90% of homes in Allai have been left uninhabitable.
Roads, buildings, and electrical and water supplies have also been damaged. When two further earthquakes rocked the region on the 15 th February, they caused terror and panic amongst the survivors.
Shelter and Clothes
Islamic Relief Pakistan teamed up with Oxfam and FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance to form a joint assessment team on the 16 th of February.
The team found that most women and children were living outdoors with little or no shelter, and inadequate clothing for protection against extreme temperatures of below freezing.
Snow-blocked roads, landslides and the rugged, mountainous terrain are hampering relief efforts.
Islamic Relief Response
Islamic Relief has pledged an initial $10,000 to help around 1600 of the homeless earthquake survivors. Two hundred winterised tents, and four hundred blankets and sleeping mats are already on their way to the area.
Islamic Relief staff are working closely with the local government and village development committees in order to provide an effective and efficient response.