The 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck close to Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir on 8 October caused nearly 75,000 deaths by official estimates and anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 by other estimates (UN, Edhi etc) and devastation that may take a decade to repair. This earthquake is being described as the worst disaster in Pakistan's 58-year history.

Within the Kunhaar valley, the areas from Balakot to Mahandri have been badly afftected, while Naran has mostly been saved from destruction. But since the roads in the valley were closed down, logistics is a huge problem. People stuck in the Kaghan and Naran valleys are getting supplies mostly through helicopters. The major affected areas are: Balakot, Kewai, Paras, Malakandi, Faridabad, Jared, Phhagal, Mahandri, Khhanian, and Kaghan.

 

The University of Lahore is operating a base relief camp in Balakot and operating forward relief camps in areas further from Balakot (Kewai, Jamoo Kot, Jared, Ghhanol etc.).

The University of Lahore has established a complete supply chain – from cash and goods collection, purchasing of rations, tents, clothing, quilts/blankets to packing, to delivery at Balakot and up to the forward quake hit areas, to the homes of quake victims. Medical relief is an allied activity.

The university staff and students not only carry and help carry wounded back to the medical camps, but the doctor’s team associated with us and even our students treat some wounds on the spot.

A team of students, doctors and staff headed by Prof. Nasir Mahmood is constantly operating from Balakot and forward areas, since the earthquake and we plan to continue for the next six months, to sustain the victims through the winter, and later help them rebuild their homes and lives in next spring.

Front 1: Basic Relief

Front 4: Rehabilitation and house building