Twitter flooded with prayers for earthquake affectees on 10th anniversary

Twitter flooded with prayers for earthquake affectees on 10th anniversary
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Summary WHO declared the Pakistan earthquake as a bigger tragedy than many such disasters in recent history.

(Dunya News/Web Desk) - The 10th anniversary of the devastating earthquake of 7.6 magnitude that shook parts of Pakistan on October 8, 2005 is being observed today (Thursday) across the country.

One minute silence was observed at 8:52am whereas sirens were also sounded in Azad Kashmir to pay homage to more than 73,000 people who lost their lives and 128,000 people who sustained severe wounds in the earthquake.

Prime Minister Azad Kashmir along with Chief Secretary and other higher officials laid floral wreath over the earthquake martyrs and offered special prayers. National Flag along with AJK flag is hoisting half-mast on all public buildings. Chairman State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Major General Asghar Nawaz participated in a ceremony held in Muzaffarabad whereas different events have also been scheduled in different areas of the country.

The main conference was also organized at Government High School in Balakot to mark the day.

The local authorities have failed to complete rehabilitation of the affected areas despite passage of 10 years.

At 08:52 am in 2005, an irresistible earthquake jolted parts of Pakistan with such ferocity that millions wondered if this was the end. Just after quake, collapsed Margalla Towers in Islamabad were focused where 73 people died and 100 were injured.

However, the destruction went on as massive loss was reported in northern areas of Pakistan. Cities like Muzaffarabad and Balakot were entrapped under rubble while towns like Rawalakot, Bagh and Garhi Habibullah, Batal, Battagarm Jaborihi and Allai in KP were severely damaged.

The earthquake demolished over 600,000 houses, 5,808 educational institutions, 307 health units, 715 government buildings, 40,830 water supply schemes and over 2,000 kilometers of roads in the area.

Meanwhile, World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the Pakistan earthquake as a bigger tragedy than many such disasters in recent history.

Taking notice of this natural disaster the brave armed forces immediately launched Operation Lifeline in the 30,000 sq km of the affected areas to rescue the sufferers.

Twitterati have taken to the social media platform to remember the martyrs of earthquake and paid tribute to them by trending #Earthquake.

Wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan, Reham Khan also expressed grief over earthquake and tweeted.

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