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This devastating quake is estimated to be responsible for at least 18,000 deaths in southern Asia – and the death toll may be as high as 30,000 according to local officials.
Additionally, government officials in Pakistan report that at least 42,000 may be injured and some 4 million may be left without shelter in their country.
The Pakistan Red Crescent and Indian Red Cross responded immediately and continue to lead search and rescue efforts, provide emergency supplies, and assist with emergency medical needs.
In Islamabad , Pakistan , Pakistan Red Crescent ambulances were deployed to the collapsed apartment buildings to transport the injured to hospitals. Volunteers are assisting with rescue and relief activities, and Pakistan Red Crescent paramedic staff are providing medical assistance at the disaster site. Additionally, Pakistan Red Crescent teams continue to lead the search and rescue effort where several apartment buildings collapsed. According to the Red Crescent, 150 people may still be trapped under the debris.
The response is hindered by the remote mountainous terrain where the epicenter of the earthquake is located. Teams deployed to the north western frontier provinces were unable to reach the worst-hit areas because of destroyed roads. Further hampering the response, the communication systems in the area are overloaded and functioning sporadically.
As a national society linked to the Pakistan Red Crescent and the Indian Red Cross through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the American Red Cross is prepared to help its sister societies. The American Red Cross has its International Response Team, a group of trained relief workers, on-call for deployment to the affected region. Additionally, the American Red Cross has pre-positioned non-food relief supplies located near the region that will be sent upon request.
The International Committee of the Red Cross, which leads Red Cross efforts in conflict zones, will also assist the earthquake survivors in the contested Kashmir region on the Pakistan and Indian border.
You can help those affected by this crisis and countless others around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243 , Washington , DC 20013 . Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org . |
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