On October 7, 2021, at 3:02 a.m., an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 and a depth of 15 kilometres struck Harnai district, Balochistan. According to preliminary accounts, 42 people were killed, 229 were injured, and 409 homes were entirely or partially destroyed.

Houses within a 15-kilometer radius of Harnai districts have been destroyed, public buildings such as schools and hospitals have been severely damaged.

According to the local government administration, 35,363 individuals were displaced in Harnai district’s Municipal Committee Harnai, UC Saddar –I, and UC Saddar –II.

The Islamic Relief Pakistan (IRP) Field Office Harnai is working closely with the PDMA and the District Administration (DC Office/DDMA, DHQ Hospital Harnai) to respond to the emergency. After the incident, the IRP team was able to rescue two injured women and transport them to the hospital, as well as make arrangements for safe drinking water for the affected people at the hospital.

Since 2020, IRP has a well-established field office in District Harnai with trained staff, and have begun the response for the affected community. Our Area teams are meeting with PDMA and DDMA/local administration to coordinate efforts and will undertake a joint Rapid Needs Assessment.