“Six years later, that deadly 2005 earthquake still lives on in our memories,” said US Deputy Chief of Mission Richard Hoagland on Wednesday while speaking at a photo exhibition held to commemorate the massive earthquake that wreaked havoc in Pakistan. The event commemorated the victims of the devastating earthquake and highlighted the US government’s relief and reconstruction efforts, which was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Richard Hoagland at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).
The exhibition ‘Rebuilding Together: With Dignity and Hope’ was organised by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA). “That day still lives on in our memories, and in the images we are surrounded by at this exhibition,” said Hoagland. “I’m proud that the United States of America has worked with the Government of Pakistan and so many other international partners in responding to this humanitarian crisis.” The exhibition includes photographs and children’s drawings, both of the tragedy and subsequent reconstruction.
The US government has been at the forefront of relief and reconstruction since the massive earthquake struck northern parts of the country in October 2005. Along with other donors, the United States provided medical relief and social support to 2.6 million survivors and helped them return to their communities.