Earthquake in Pakistan: HI emergency teams on the ground

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Punjab province (Jhelum city) in Pakistan on Tuesday 24th of September, killing at least 38 people and injuring 646. HI plans to offer its expertise in post-earthquake response and is currently conducting an evaluation of the needs of the more than 7,000 families affected.

A view of a badly damaged house in the Mirpur District in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, on September 26, 2019 | © Muhammad Reza/ANADOLU AGENCY/AFP PHOTO

Pakistan Authorities are addressing immediate emergency needs, distributing 570 tents, 1,000 blankets and 21 tons of food items. However many needs are still not covered, particularly for 500 severely injured people in need of trauma care and physical rehabilitation.

HI has been working alongside the government since the quake and will carry out a specific needs assessment in Mirpur (Azad Jammu & Kashmir), on Saturday the 27th of September.

Based on our experience in past emergencies, we expect that needs may include physical rehabilitation:

“Following earthquakes, people who suffer from traumas such as crushing, fractures and spinal injuries caused by collapsing buildings, need specific care.
HI’s physiotherapists regularly take over from surgeons in hospitals and provide post-operative care (rehabilitation sessions) to limit the onset of disabling complications,”

explains Mehdi Iken, Pakistan Country Director.

HI will also envisage provision of psychosocial support, protection and inclusion services and hopes to work with all actors on the ground to ensure that people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups have fair access to humanitarian assistance.

Date published: 27/09/19