Martyrs of deadly Oct 8 quake being remembered today

ISLAMABAD: Even after the passage of more than a decade since the 7.6 magnitude quake struck Muzaffarabad in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) killing over 73, 000 people, the region is still struggling to come to terms with the losses from it.

AJK — **The 2005 Azad Jammu Kashmir earthquake occurred at 08:50:39 Pakistan ST on 8 October.**

It was on this day 12 years back that the 7.6 magnitude quake shook Muzaffarabad and adjacent areas, killing more than 73,000 people and wounding 128,000, besides leaving around 3.5 million homeless.

The 45-second devastation

The devastating quake, which lasted for merely 45 seconds, caused massive destruction in the region.

Almost 80 people were killed and over 100 injured when a residential apartment complex Margalla Towers in Islamabad’s Sector F-10 collapsed as result of the quake.

It was the only building in the federal capital to be collapsed as result of the quake that hit Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK)’s capital city, located around 100 kilometres away to Muzaffarabad.

Event held to commemorate earthquake victims

Main event to commemorate the victims of the quake was held in Muzzafarabad. The event began with siren at 8:52 am, which was followed by a minute’s silence in the respect of the martyrs of the disaster. Special prayers were also held for the victims in mosques.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Acting Prime Minister Raja Nisar laid floral wreath at the memorial of the martyrs.

Later in the day, special events will be held to pay homage to the victims of the disaster and raise spirits for facing the challenges in the post- disaster scenario.

In this connection, National Disaster Management Authority is organizing various programs including flag march, cyclotrons, awareness march and a public ceremony at Fatima Jinnah Park, Islamabad today.

Special prayers will be offered and candle vigil and sky lanterns lighting will be held at the end of the programs in the evening.

In Balochistan, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake damaged several areas in Sept 2013 in which at least 370 people were killed and 100,000 people were left homeless.