ISLAMABAD Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday announced Rs300,000 for the dead and Rs100,000 for injured of the recent earthquake in Ziarat, and Pishin, Balochistan. The Prime Minister would personally distribute the compensation to the quake affected families during his visit to the calamity-hit province.

It is in addition to Rs200,000 for dead and Rs50,000 for injured announced by the President Asif Ali Zaradri.

The Prime Minister directed to expedite the survey of the demolished houses. The provincial government assured that survey and assessment of damage would take about 10 days. 

The Prime Minister also directed the Erra Deputy Chairman and his team to visit the earthquake-affected areas of Ziarat and Pishin immediately to undertake damage assessment jointly with the provincial government and the Army and to propose an action plan for rehabilitation of the affected people including seismic and earthquake resistant housing for the quake-prone areas.

He directed that the construction of houses should be similar to those which have been done in the earthquake areas of Muzaffarabad, Balakot, Bagh, Rawalakot, etc.

The Prime Minister also assured that funds would be provided for construction of the houses.

Under the Prime Ministers directions, 130,000 blankets/quilts, 12,000 tents, 13,000 warm jackets, 12,000 plastic mats, 2,193 sleeping bags and 10,000 family ration packs have already been given to the quake-hit families.

Besides, 29 medical teams, five static clinics and two tertiary hospitals are engaged in relief operations.

PDMA, provincial governments/federal ministries have also provided 840 tents, medicines worth Rs4 million, 1,290 blankets/quilts, 728 food packs, 37,992 flour bags, 850 rice bags, 709 sugar bags, 546 ghee and 413 tea packets. 

Relief assistance from China, Japan, US, Saudi Arabia and Iran has also been received besides significant help from ICRC, WHO, Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Saudi Public Assistance. 

The World Food Programme has started supplying two months ration for 20,000 people from November 03, 2008.  Other local organizations like PIA, KPT, etc. have also provided relief assistance in cash and kind.  The Prime Minister has thanked all the donors, both international and local, as well as public for their assistance.