Balochistan quake: Rescue operation continues in Awaran, other districts

Staff ReportQUETTA: The Balochistan government on Wednesday released Rs180 million to help local administration carry out rescue and relief operation in Awaran and other quake-hit districts of the province. On the directive of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Federal Minister Abdul Qadir Baloch and State Minister Jam Yousuf have reached Awaran, the worst-hit district, where death toll is close to 300. The federal government also provided a blank cheque to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to step up rescue and relief activities. Jan Buledi, a spokesman of the Balochistan government, says that all three provinces have offered their full support. According to military, more than 100 troops are taking part in rescue efforts in the province. In Awaran and Khuzdar, 21 army doctors and 50 para-medical staff are on the ground to help those injured in the quake. Pak Navy has also dispatched 300 officers in Turbat. – SAMAA