Goto main content

Earthquake in Pakistan: HI emergency teams on the ground

Emergency
Pakistan

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Punjab province (Jhelum city) in Pakistan on Tuesday 24th of September, killing at least 38 people and injuring 646. HI plans to offer its expertise in post-earthquake response and is currently conducting an evaluation of the needs of the more than 7,000 families affected.

A view of a badly damaged house in the Mirpur District in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, on September 26, 2019

A view of a badly damaged house in the Mirpur District in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, on September 26, 2019 | © Muhammad Reza/ANADOLU AGENCY/AFP PHOTO

Pakistan Authorities are addressing immediate emergency needs, distributing 570 tents, 1,000 blankets and 21 tons of food items. However many needs are still not covered, particularly for 500 severely injured people in need of trauma care and physical rehabilitation.

HI has been working alongside the government since the quake and will carry out a specific needs assessment in Mirpur (Azad Jammu & Kashmir), on Saturday the 27th of September.

Based on our experience in past emergencies, we expect that needs may include physical rehabilitation:

“Following earthquakes, people who suffer from traumas such as crushing, fractures and spinal injuries caused by collapsing buildings, need specific care.
HI’s physiotherapists regularly take over from surgeons in hospitals and provide post-operative care (rehabilitation sessions) to limit the onset of disabling complications,”

explains Mehdi Iken, Pakistan Country Director.

HI will also envisage provision of psychosocial support, protection and inclusion services and hopes to work with all actors on the ground to ensure that people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups have fair access to humanitarian assistance.

Date published: 27/09/19

COUNTRIES

Where we work

Read more

In Niger, HI supports thepopulation in the face of thesecurity and climate crisis
© I. Abdoulaye / HI
Emergency Explosive weapons Health Inclusion Prevention Rehabilitation

In Niger, HI supports thepopulation in the face of thesecurity and climate crisis

The Tillabéri and Diffa regions are facing a humanitarian crisis due to armed violence in the Sahel region. Humanity & Inclusion  has been running a project there since 2021, which has already helped more than 32,000 people.

Sudan: Stimulation therapy helps Aisha's* children overcome the effects of malnutrition
© HI
Emergency Rehabilitation

Sudan: Stimulation therapy helps Aisha's* children overcome the effects of malnutrition

21.2 million Sudanese are facing acute hunger due to the war (1). For young children, this heightens the risk of lasting developmental delays.

Sudan: Fleeing violence, Sadia lost her leg
© HI
Emergency Rehabilitation

Sudan: Fleeing violence, Sadia lost her leg

Intense fighting in Wad Madani forced Sadia and her family to flee. Limited access to medical care had devastating consequences.

FOLLOW US