ReliefWeb

Islamic Relief has sent aid and a group of assessors to the Balochistan area of Pakistan following the 7.9 magnitude earthquake that hit the region on April 16.

The epicentre of the quake was in a sparsely populated part of south-eastern Iran, near the border with Pakistan. But the worst damage was caused on the Pakistani side of the border, which is where Islamic Relief is focusing its response.

At least 35 people lost their lives in the earthquake, and over 180 people were injured.

After an immediate assessment of the damage, Islamic Relief dispatched 375 family-sized tents and 500 kits that provide a family with essential household and kitchen items, such as pots and pans, cutlery, blankets and mattresses.

Islamic Relief’s assessment team has visited ten villages that were heavily affected, in Sotagan, Ladghast and Mashkel Tehsil. In these areas 85% of families have been affected in some way and half have seen their homes completely destroyed.

Islamic Relief Pakistan staff regularly work near the affected region in Pakistan, which allowed for a swift response.

Over the coming days and weeks, we aim to provide more shelters, household and kitchen sets as soon as possible, as well as assisting in the removal of rubble and debris.

Islamic Relief has been working in Pakistan since 1992, and is the only international aid agency to be granted permission by the government to provide emergency assistance in the affected area.