Mirpur:The government and people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will observe the 21st anniversary of the devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake on Thursday with solemn ceremonies to pay tribute to the victims and promote public awareness about disaster preparedness and safety.
Special prayers will be offered in mosques across the state, while a two-minute silence will be observed at 8:52 a.m. in memory of those who lost their lives in the catastrophe. Walks, seminars and symposiums will also be held at various locations to highlight the importance of preparedness, mitigation and effective response to natural disasters.
The anniversary will also recall the September 24, 2019 earthquake that struck Mirpur and adjoining areas, claiming 45 lives and injuring more than 1,000 people. As in previous years, a major commemorative ceremony will be held at the Kashmir Orphan Relief Trust (KORT) and Educational Complex in Mirpur, with participation of dignitaries, social workers, volunteers and representatives of various institutions.
The AJK government has declared October 8 a gazetted holiday across the state to facilitate public participation in commemorative activities and remember the victims. In the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake, major rehabilitation and reconstruction projects were completed under a phased development programme with substantial support from the Government of Pakistan, national and international NGOs and friendly countries, helping restore infrastructure and improve civic facilities in quake-hit areas.