A Brief Report of Relief Work by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind in the Earthquake Affected Areas of Jammu & Kashmir

Damage caused by Earthquake in J&K

The Kashmir earthquake measuring 7.6 on the moment magnitude scale that struck on 8^th October at 8.20 (IST), caused wide spread destruction in northern Pakistan, as well as damage in Afghanistan and Northern India. The earthquake had its epicenter near city of Muzaffarbad in POK. The destruction caused in Jammu & Kashmir was far less when compared to POK and Northern Pakistan however the loss on the Indian side in itself is huge and unparalleled in the sense the region experienced an earthquake of such a magnitude and such high casualties for the first time.

The official figures indicate a death toll of 1300 and 4500 injured as a direct result of the earthquake. However, the number of death occurring subsequently due to injuries suffered because of the earthquake, the casualties should not be less than 3000. About 32000 houses are reported to have been almost flattened mostly in the boarder districts of Baramulla, Kupwara and Poonch. 1500 houses were destroyed in Uri Sector of Kupwara. About 90% of the families living in the town which has a population of 30,000 were affected.

Relief work by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH)

Maulana Mahmood Madani, General Secretary, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind visited earthquake affected areas of Jammu & Kashmir during 10^th to 13^th October 2005. He was accompanied by a team of volunteers and relief workers. The areas directly hit by the earthquake such as Uri, Karnah, Kupwara, Tangdar and Sultan Duk bore the marks of total destruction.

Maulana Madnai expressed great concern over disaster and panic condition of victims. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has started immediate relief work in Uri, Karnah and Kupwara. Delhi office of the JUH has dispatched following relief material:

1500 family kits consisting of utensils, kitchen equipments and supplies

50 MT corrugated GI Sheets

10 truck loads of food grains

4000 blankets

4000 poly mats

100 JUH Volunteers and a JUH Ambulance are busy doing relief work round the clock in the above affected areas.

Maulana Madani has assured that after a detailed survey of disaster, JUH will expand its rehabilitation work as per its tradition and commitment.