Seismological survey must before reconstruction: Experts

ISLAMABAD—Experts at a seminar on “state of relief operations in earthquake-hit areas” proposed that government should carry out seismological survey before taking any step to resettle quake survivors, to ensure their safety in future.
The seminar was organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute(SDPI) here on Monday.
The participants were of the view that the government should first locate active zone through survey so that people could rebuild their house at safer places.
Dr. Shaheen Rafi Khan, Research fellow in Sustainable Development Policy Institute stressed for coordinated efforts between the government and private sector to ensure safe and smooth delivery of relief items among the quake affected people.
He stressed that Non-Governmental Organization should train local people in giving medical assistance to the quake-affectees, which, he added, would help overcome the paucity of paramedical in disaster zones.
Besides, Tariq Majeed, an NGO representative proposed thatZakat fund should be diverted towards quake-hit areas for welfare and rehabilitation of survivors of the natural calamity that struck the country on Oct 8.
The participants also suggested that the government should nominate a spokesperson to avoid chaos and confusion.—APP