Relief Work
USAID Sends Additional Earthquake Assistance and Team of Experts to Pakistan
The U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an additional $1.5 million in emergency assistance in the aftermath of last week’s earthquake in Balochistan province in Pakistan. This brings the total USAID emergency assistance package to $2.5 million to date.
USAID committed $1 million of the $2.5 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The ICRC is providing emergency assistance, including emergency health care, shelter, relief commodities, and water and sanitation interventions, for earthquake-affected populations.
Through its international and non-governmental partners, USAID is distributing much needed relief commodities in Balochistan province. On November 3, the first trucks transporting USAID-funded plastic sheeting for the construction of temporary shelters arrived in Quetta. This plastic sheeting will be distributed to affected villages in Ziarat District, and additional USAID-funded plastic sheeting will be distributed over the next three days.
Red Cross in funding plea for Pakistan earthquake
The International Committee of the Red Cross on Sunday appealed for 7.8 million dollars in emergency funding to help victims of the powerful earthquake that rocked southwest Pakistan this week.
The ICRC said that the money would be used to step up the relief effort being carried out by its teams and those from the Pakistan Red Crescent Society.
Up to 300 people were killed and tens of thousands more left homeless when a 6.4-magnitude quake struck before dawn in mountainous Baluchistan province on Wednesday, flattening mud-brick houses as people slept.
Pakistan earthquake affects 108,000 people, half of whom are children
UNICEF is providing immediate lifesaving assistance to children and women affected by the earthquake that struck the southwestern province of Balochistan, Pakistan, on October 29, killing approximately 200 and affecting some 108,000 people—50 percent of which are children. Almost 19,000 of the affected are under five-years-old. The numbers are likely to increase with aftershocks and as relief teams gain access to more remote areas. On October 30, the Chief Minister of Balochistan appealed for international assistance to be provided to the earthquake victims.
Earthquake Strikes in Balochistan: More than 250 dead, 20,000 displaced
The 6.5 magnitude earthquake that hit Ziarat division of Balochistan on October 29, 2008, has left 250 dead and more than 20,000 dispalced. Areas of Ziarat, Khawas, Varshoom are the worst affected areas where more than 300 houses have been destroyed completely and recovery of bodies and injured from the rubble is still underway.
So far 44 aftershocks have been recorded.
Severe cold temprature (–1 to –4 C night time) making it difficult to continue with rescue and relief work.
Contacts for Relief and Rescue Work:
International Medical Corps (IMC) [website]
Special packages for doctors in quake areas
The
Speaking at a workshop on ‘District health planning and advocacy,’ at the Khyber Medical College (
He said the government had initially sanctioned a Rs 90 million grant to purchase medicines.
Belgium considering swap of 60m euro debt with quake aid
“My country will consider seriously to write off the loan of 60 million euros,” Mr De Gucht said after talks with his Pakistani counterpart Khurshid Kasuri.
PPAF launches project for quake-hit areas
The
In his inaugural address, the chief guest praised the role of IFAD and PPAF in development of rural areas. He said rehabilitation is a big challenge for the country and
Fatima Bhutto questions efficacy of quake relief efforts
Thanking the other speakers for their tributes, she brought up some very intricate issues.