Its unique geography makes it particularly prone to natural disasters including floods, windstorms, avalanches and landslides, fires and droughts.

[23] The earthquake had a maximum Modified Mercalli intensity of XI (Extreme) evaluated in an area around the epicentre,[2] between the towns of Muzaffarabad and Balakot.

Field surveys of heavy damage to buildings and other structures in Balakot determined that the Modified Mercalli intensity exceeded X.

Since then, measurements from satellites have shown that mountain parts directly above the epicenter have risen by a few meters, giving ample proof that the Himalayas are still being formed and growing and that this earthquake was a consequence of that.

The government and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) coordinated relief efforts, distributing food, water and medical supplies.

Helicopters conducted aerial reconnaissance and delivered essential supplies to remote areas while infantry units engaged in search and rescue operations.

[49] The collective action of local residents, government agencies, and NGOs was instrumental in providing immediate relief and setting the stage for long-term recovery and reconstruction.

Medical rehabilitation services swiftly intervened, providing assistive devices and customized prosthetics to facilitate the early recovery of injured individuals' functional abilities and psychological states.

[46] The MST Military Hospital, equipped with 12 beds and a team of experienced specialists, provided urgent medical and surgical care for post-disaster casualties.

This rapid response accelerated the rehabilitation process, ensuring that victims received timely and professional medical support even under extreme conditions.

They treated thousands of survivors in makeshift clinics, ensured access to clean water and sanitation, and established child-friendly spaces to aid psychological recovery.

Before winter, the IRC distributed warm clothing and bedding and assisted in rebuilding homes and infrastructure, supporting long-term recovery efforts.

For instance, Saudi Arabia contributed a $133 million aid package, including emergency supplies and medical teams, and institutionalized its support through SPAPEV.

[60] Turkey delivered $150 million in aid, sent 30 aircraft with medical teams and relief goods, and built tent cities for 70,000 people.

[61][62] Cuba dispatched 2,260 health professionals, set up 32 field hospitals, supplied 234.5 tons of medicines, and offered 1,000 free medical scholarships to Pakistani students from rural areas.

[63][64] Numerous NGOs, including Médecins Sans Frontières, Save the Children and Oxfam provided medical care, clean drinking water and temporary housing.

[65] The Gift of the Givers Foundation, for example, concentrated on delivering food, water, and medical supplies to remote areas that were difficult to access.

[67] Temporary shelters and overcrowded camps coupled with inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, led to outbreaks of respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases and measles.

[69] The earthquake caused significant psychological trauma for survivors who endured the sudden loss of family members, homes and livelihoods.

[70] The lack of mental health infrastructure in the affected areas compounded these problems as there were few resources available for trauma counselling or psychological support.

Mental health clinics set up by non-governmental organisations provided some relief, but the support was often short lived to limited funding and resources.

Research conducted years after the earthquake found that many survivors were still experiencing symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders.

The geographical isolation of these regions made it challenging for rescue teams to provide timely assistance, leading to higher mortality rates in these hard-to-reach areas.

[75] Women, especially those who were pregnant or had caregiving responsibilities faced additional health challenges due to their limited mobility and high risk of injury during the earthquake.

In the aftermath, women often struggled with mental health issues including depression and anxiety as they assumed the burden of caring for the injured family members while dealing with their own trauma and additional occurrence of domestic violence.

[76] Children were at a heightened risk of developing psychological issues, including PTSD due to the traumatic experience of witnessing death and destruction.