Just before the onset of the harsh Himalayan winter, a devastating earthquake hit Pakistan on Oct. 8, 2005, killing an estimated 80,000 people. Located in the Kashmir region of Pakistan, the earthquake destroyed villages, caused landslides, blocked roads, and collapsed schools, hospitals, homes and other buildings.

Although not the largest earthquake to hit this region in terms of magnitude it is considered the deadliest, surpassing the 1935 Quetta earthquake. The Pakistani government’s official death toll as of November 2005 stood at 87,350, although it is estimated that the death toll could reach over 100,000. Approximately 38,000 were injured and over 3.5 million rendered homeless and approximately 250,000 farm animals died due to collapse of stone barns.

It is estimated that more than 780,000 buildings were either destroyed or damaged beyond repair, and many more were rendered unusable for extended periods of time. Out of these, approximately 17,000 school buildings and most major hospitals close to the epicenter were destroyed or severely dam- aged.

Lifelines were adversely affected, especially the numerous vital roads and highways that were closed by landslides and bridge failures.