The 5.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Mirpur and other parts of northern Pakistan has made life extremely difficult for those in affected areas, especially women.
The earthquake ripped apart roads and destroyed electricity poles, leaving people in the affected region without electricity and water. Following the destruction of poles by the earthquake, authorities had shut down electricity to prevent electrocution. The shutting down of electric power meant no water supply as the motors pumping water from tube wells run on electricity.
According to a report in Dawn, the lack of water has added to the troubles people are facing. A family interviewed by the newspaper had been forced to clean their pots and utensils with dry fabric. The family has also been without food since the earthquake.
A family had only one room left in their house, as the other rooms had been destroyed by the earthquake. Tanzeela, who owned the house, had lost her father several years ago. The earthquake had added problems to her already troubled life.
In the village of Saang, the increased movement of locals on cars and motorcycles has resulted in traffic congestion on the muddy roads of the village. Meanwhile, AJK traffic police and military personnel were reportedly helping to maintain the traffic.
Moreover, shops in the earthquake-affected areas have closed and food storage areas have been damaged. A free kitchen has been established by an NGO. Most men managed to have the food and also took extra food back home after they had eaten. The women suffered as they were the last ones to eat.
An aid worker told media, “The various sufferings of women are ignored in such eventualities, and this includes rest because they cannot sleep out in the open and they have to wait for the men to bring something to eat.”
Even among families who have moved into relatives’ homes, the women are responsible for gathering and managing the household items, the aid worker added.