Islamabad, October 8, 2024 – The nation solemnly observes the 19th anniversary of the devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake today, marked as National Disaster Awareness Day to reinforce the importance of disaster preparedness and safety measures.
The 7.6-magnitude earthquake claimed over 80,000 lives, injured more than 100,000 people, and caused extensive damage across Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northern Pakistan. In remembrance, special prayers were held during Fajr across mosques nationwide for the departed souls.
The AJK government declared a gazetted holiday to honor the victims, and the central ceremony is taking place in Muzaffarabad, the epicenter of the quake. The event is both a tribute to the victims and a testament to the solidarity shown by the Pakistani people, the government, international NGOs, and friendly nations who provided immense support during the disaster.
In addition to the main event, various awareness programs, including walks, seminars, and symposiums, are being held across AJK and Pakistan. These initiatives aim to educate the public on disaster preparedness, focusing on precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters. The events have drawn participation from a wide array of citizens, including social activists, political figures, lawyers, journalists, and business professionals, all united in their commitment to enhancing national resilience.
