MINGORA: Children, women and men, terror-stricken, began fleeing here and there when a powerful earthquake hit Swat valley on Monday.
As many as 25 people died and over 200 were injured in the 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Emergency was imposed in all the government and private hospitals where injured were rushed to the hospitals.
“I felt the earth heave beneath my feet, it was the most powerful earthquake I have ever felt,” said Hajra Bibi, an aged woman from Charbagh, dazed and shaken from the experience.
A dead body lying in STH. Photo: Author
Hajra Bibi was injured in the earthquake, and was admitted in a hospital along with her two children, who were also injured.
The government has declared an emergency in all government and private hospitals of the region.
Doctors administer surgery in STH. Photo: Author
Residents of Pakistan’s northern areas, still have horrifying memories from the massive earthquake that devastated the region in 2005.
“We thought that the earth would split open again, like it did 10 years ago,” said Zainab Bibi, a resident of Amankot.
Zainab added that the air too was filled with an ear shattering sound.
Bakht Rawan, a resident of Parrarai, rushed an injured neighbour to the hospital, said that all the villagers ran to the riverbank and many houses in his village were destroyed.
A man taking an injured child to STH. Photo: Author
Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital (STH), which is the largest in Malakand division was short of beds to treat the injured, who were lying on the ground awaiting treatment.
Hundreds of people have reached the hospital in the to donate blood and help in any way they can, while lawmakers and officials from provincial administration are trying to ensure that all help is provided to the affectees.
People rushed to STH to donate blood and extend services. Photo: Author
“I came to the hospital to assist, and sent all the Assistant Commissioners to sub-divisional hospitals to do the same,” said Deputy Commissioner of Saidu Sharif, Mehmood Aslam Wazir.
Army troops have also reached Malakand division, and have initiated rescue and relief efforts.
