South Asia Earthquake

The city of Muzzafarabad, in north west Pakistan, lies almost at the epicentre of the South Asia earthquake, which measured 7.6 on the richter scale and unleashed a force greater then when the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

At 8:52am on 8 October 2005 the city came crashing down; trapping men, women and children who had been going about their morning routine only moments before.

Across Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, approximately 80,000 people lost their lives and an estimated three million were left homeless by the earthquake.

The Fred Hollows Foundation's response was quick and effective. Dr Rubina Gillani, responsible for the implementation of The Foundation's eye health program in Pakistan since 1998, put all but emergency surgery procedures on hold to coordinate the purchase and delivery of vital supplies to those most in need.

Dr Gillani was given the full support of The Foundation, which launched a fundraising appeal to finance emergency relief and long-term rebuilding, particularly in the devastated health sector.

For more information see the timeline of events for a summary of The Foundation's
South Asia Earthquake response.