Pakistan Navy mobilises resources for earthquake relief effort

0
203
Pakistani soldiers load food bags for earthquake survivors into an army helicopter in Peshawar on October 27, 2015. Rescuers were picking their way through rugged terrain and pockets of Taliban insurgency in the search for survivors after a massive quake hit Pakistan and Afghanistan, killing nearly 300 people. The toll was expected to rise as search teams reach remote areas that were cut off by the powerful 7.5 magnitude quake, which triggered landslides and stampedes as it toppled buildings and severed communication lines. AFP PHOTO / HASHAM AHMED

 

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, while expressing grief over the catastrophe that struck the country on Monday, has directed Pakistan Navy to accord highest priority and provide all possible relief and rehabilitation support to the affectees of the earthquake.

The naval chief directed Navy Field Commands to help and reach out to Pakistani brethren in this hour of need.

Pakistan Navy has already mobilized its resources to carry out relief and support operations. A Crisis Management Cell has been established at Naval Headquarters to overview earthquake relief operations. A Forward Relief Response Centre has also been established and activated at Swat for distribution of relief goods and to assist medical teams to reach out to far flung areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Medical teams comprising ambulances, doctors and paramedical staff equipped with necessary medicines have been dispatched to Swat. These teams, stationed at Saidu Sharif Hospital, will provide all necessary medical assistance to the affectees of Swat and adjoining areas. In addition, trucks containing relief goods have also been dispatched to Swat for distribution among affectees in coordination with district administration. Relief goods from Karachi will be transported through Pakistan Navy’s aircraft.