ISLAMABAD, Sept 28: The government has set up ‘Prime Minister’s Balochistan Earthquake Relief Fund 2013’ for the relief and rehabilitation of people hit by the powerful quake.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has appealed to the nation to donate generously for the quake-affected people in their hour of adversity.

A letter issued by the ministry of finance says that all branches of State Bank, National Bank and scheduled banks are designated to receive funds from international and domestic donors, and overseas contributors.

Pakistani missions in different countries will remit the received contributions to the State Bank. The proceeds received in the name of funds will be credited to federal government’s public account.

The immediate needs of quake-hit people are food, water, healthcare, shelter and relief items, while humanitarian agencies are more concerned about the safety and security in areas affected by the earthquake.

Official sources said humanitarian and security assessment were being conducted.

International Oxfam and its partners are helping more than 9,000 people by providing water through tankers, besides repairing the water distribution system. Oxfam also started distributing relief good from the contingency stock which arrived on Saturday. It aims at supplying 10,000 people with clean water, improved sanitation, mosquito nets and creating awareness about the heightened health risks, while 7,500 families will be given food, and cash to make a living.

Meanwhile, The Balochistan Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has dispatched 13,840 tents, 13,322 food packets, 5,300 blankets, 1,700 plastic mats, 3,300 mosquito nets, 300 jerry cans and bottled water and the Punjab PDMA 5,000 tents, 400 blankets and miscellaneous food items to affected areas.

Military and paramilitary agencies have donated 200 tents, 1,212 food packs, 300 mosquito tents and bottled water.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had given 7,000 tents and 7,000 food packets for the people of Awaran and Kech districts. Other affected districts are Gwadar, Panjgur, Chaghai and Khuzdar.

Healthcare is being taken care of by the provincial health department through mobile units with kits provided by the World Health Organisation for emergency primary medical services to more than 100,000 people, while arrangements have been made to deliver high-energy biscuits to people.

According to the WHO report, Awaran has scattered population and some villages have been totally damaged and hard to reach. Rescue teams have not yet reached there due to tough mountainous terrain.