Rescue workers and locals at LRH seen trying to contact people as city cell services were suspended. PHOTO: UMER FAROOQ/EXPRESS
PESHAWAR:
Be it a bloody blast or the shifting of the tectonic plates; when the ground beneath the city’s feet shifts precariously, Lady Reading Hospital is the place victims or worried loved ones head. As the city’s major emergency centre, a majority of people injured during the devastating earthquake on Monday rushed to LRH’s emergency ward.
“The injured include children as well,” LRH Focal Person Dr Ghulam Subhani told The Express Tribune. “A majority of patients came in with fractures in their arms and legs; but some were seriously wounded and are being provided medical assistance.”
Over 160 people, including two bodies, were brought to LRH, 18 injured to Khyber Teaching Hospital and three to Hayatabad Medical Complex. This was the count of injured at the hospitals till this report was filed. Rescue 1122 and Edhi ambulances also took part in the rescue operation.
People in and around the hospital were visibly in shock while some were unconscious and later shifted to the medical ward. Not many patients could be sent to the neurology ward since it was dealing with patients registered prior to the event. Those with brain-related injuries or complications could not be accommodated there.
Collecting essential aid
International Committee of the Red Cross's (ICRC) sub-delegation office in the city also sent aid to LRH.
“We were told by officials at the sub-delegation office to immediately transport these items to the hospital,” one of the officials said, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to media. “ICRC contacted the hospital management before delivering the aid.”
The earthquake resulted in suspended cellular networks, making it all the more difficult for authorities to coordinate amongst themselves and the public at large. However, networks resumed later in the day.
Eye-witness account
Irshad Khan, a resident of Pasanni on the outskirts of the city, had driven his 50-year-old aunt to LRH as she had fell unconscious during the jolts.
“Everyone in the house was rushing outside, but she fainted before she could cross the veranda, “said Irshad. “I rushed to the market, rented a car and drove her to LRH where doctors stated her condition to be stable but she is still unconscious.”
Ziaullah, a resident of Garhi Qamardin, said he was at his shop when the roof caved in. However, he said he was lucky enough to run before the debris fell, but was hit by a T-iron.
Students on the run
As the calamity struck during school hours, the safety of students was a priority for teachers. “I asked my students to run for safety,” said a teacher, Fida Muhammad. “Everyone ran but the moment I crossed the veranda, bricks from the second floor fell on my head.” However, he said doctors told him he was out of danger.
According to rescue authorities, majority of the casualties were reported from interior city and areas on the outskirts of Peshawar. Minister for Health Shahram Tarakai, Minister for Information Mushtaq Ghani, MPAs Shaukat Yousafzai, Arif Yousaf, Yaseen Khalil and district nazim Asim Khan also visited the hospital.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 27th, 2015.
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