Source: Daily Dispatch

PAKISTAN said that it does not intend to seek international help following the deadly earthquake that hit the country’s south-west Balochistan province, killing dozens of people and leaving thousands homeless.

“According to initial information the situation is localised so far. We can deal with it,” Farooq Ahmed Khan, chairperson of the National Disaster Management Authority said.

“If someone wants to provide assistance, it would be most welcome. But we do not want to make an appeal at the international level.”

The European Union (EU) has already offered help if it’s needed. “The EU stands ready to assist Pakistan with humanitarian assistance if requested,” EU external affairs commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said.

According to Khan, 115 people have been confirmed dead so far and around 300 injured.

“The death toll is feared to rise. We will have exact figures later in the day.” Other local officials put the death toll at 160 and fear it might rise to 190.

Khan said the government has initially established two tent villages in Ziarat, the worst affected district, for the 2000 to 2500 people estimated to have lost their homes.

Eight villages, mostly consisting of mud houses, were hit by the 6.4 magnitude tremor.

 E-mail this article to a friend

Tags: balochistan, earthquake, quetta