President briefed over relief activities for earthquake victims

KHAR Oct 29 (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain here Thursday visited
earthquake hit Bajaur Agency and was briefed over ongoing
relief and rehabilitation efforts by the government for the
assistance of affected people.
The President was briefed by Political Agent Bajaur Agency
Yaya Akunzada about the relief, rescue and rehabilitation efforts
by the government departments for assistance of earthquake
victims soon after arrival at Khar, headquarter of Bajaur Agency.
KP Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan, Senator Hidayatullah Khan, Members National Assembly, Shahabuddin Khan and Bismallah Khan were also
present on the occasion. The President was told that Bajaur is the most
earthquake affected agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas
(FATA) where most casualties occurred.
As many as 22 people died and 159 were injured besides damage to
8120 houses, 32 schools and 11 basic health units in Bajaur Agency, the President was informed. Maximum casualties occurred at Salarzai tehsil where 10 people lost their lives followed by Mamond with five deaths.
The President was further told that Rs 50,000 were given to heirs
of each deceased for burial purposes besides Rs 10,000 cash amount.
He was briefed that most of the damaged houses were constructed
of mud and stones that could not bear the powerful shocks of the
October 26 earthquake and resultantly, the houses were
either completely destroyed or partially damaged.
The President was informed that relief and
rehabilitation operations have been expedited in the agency as
more than 1275 food packets, 864 tents and 900 blankets have
been already distributed among the affected people while 1275 blankets,
1000 tents were being brought to Bajaur for assistance of the affected people.
On this occasion, the Governor directed the officials
concerned to expedite relief efforts to reach out to all the affected swiftly. The Governor said delay in distribution of relief goods
would not be tolerated.
He lauded the services of FC, Army and Bajaur Scouts besides civil administration for their prompt response after 8.1 magnitude powerful earthquake had struck FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.