ISLAMABAD (Online) – The government has established a central crisis cell in Islamabad after a strong earthquake left over 100 people dead and hundreds injured in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has directed the crisis cell to gather information about damages and loss of lives.
Read more: Over 100 dead after powerful earthquake hit Pakistan
The PM has also directed all federal civil, military and provincial agencies to declare immediate alert and kick off relief and rescue activities in affected areas.
State television has provided the following numbers for the quake-affected people to contact authorities: 0519206978 and 03006337544.
Authorities in Peshawar have provided the following numbers for the victims: 091921302 and 0919211338.
Reports said northern areas, including tribal agencies along afghan border, are worst hit of the earthquake that struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region and was felt throughout much of South Asia.
The US Geological Survey put the epicentre near Jarm in the country’s northeast, 250 kilometres (160 miles) from the capital Kabul and at a depth of 213.5 km.
The quake, which lasted at least one minute, shook buildings in Kabul, Islamabad and New Delhi, sending people rushing into the streets.
In Pakistan, the tremors were felt in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Sialkot, Quetta, Peshawar, Swabi Kohat, Abbottabad, Swat, Malakand and other cities and towns of the country.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif has also directed troops for immediate relief and rescue efforts in affected areas.
