UAE- Expats make frantic calls after deadly earthquake

10/26/2015 8:35:22 PM

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

The UAE was not affected by the deadly earthquake that hit the Afghanistan-Pakistan border on Monday the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) in Abu Dhabi has said.

"No tremors or seismic activity were felt in the region ... UAE residents ... have no reason for worry" said an official from the NCMS.

The 7.5-magnitude earthquake left over 200 people in Afghanistan and nearby northern Pakistan dead and sent shock waves as far as New Delhi India. As soon as news about the earthquake broke worried Pakistani Afghan and Indian residents in the UAE made frantic calls back home to check on their loved ones. Residents Khaleej Times spoke to said they are praying for the safety of people back home. Sarah Rizvi Pakistani national and Dubai resident said: "I hope everyone remains safe ... especially since aftershocks are expected in the next 24 hours. The Kashmir earthquake in 2005 left thousands of people dead and millions were displaced ... I really hope that will not be the case this time. "Some of the cities in Pakistan are not built strong enough to sustain an earthquake of such a magnitude."

Indian national and Dubai resident Suhaib Abdullakutty said: "We are fortunate enough to be living in a country where earthquake-proof buildings are the norm ... I sincerely pray that charitable efforts are also directed towards building earthquake resistant homes and schools in Afghanistan."

Another Indian national and Sharjah resident Meenu Jain said: "I checked with my family back home in Saharanpur Uttar Pradesh as soon as I heard about the quake. Thankfully everyone I know is safe." Residents also took to social media to share information tweets and comments on the quake.

UAE resident and Pakistani national Sami Sher posted on Facebook: "May Allah protect our country and Afghanistan ... and keep our brothers and sisters safe."

Twitter user SabahatAhmad said: "Stay safe everyone ... So far all friends n family are safe there (sic). #earthquake."

Twitter user snobers said: "The thoughts of the aftershocks are really scaring me." Twitter users also took to social media channel to offer condolences to the families of the 12 schoolgirls killed due to the quake in the Afghan province of Takhar.

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.