International solidarity with Pakistan quake victims
Islamabad (AsiaNews/Agencies) Pledges and delivery of aid supplies for areas devastated by Saturday's earthquake in Pakistan have been forthcoming from world leaders and large international organizations. The quake of 8 October the strongest in the region in around 100 years measured 7.6 on the Richter scale. It hit the mountains in Pakistan-administered Kashmir as far as the border with India, reaching northern Afghanistan too.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by an appeal for international solidarity by Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf. In his appeal, the head of state asked especially for "medicines, tents and helicopters to reach people in distant regions isolated from the rest of the world".
Pledges of aid poured in yesterday. The Asian Development Bank promised 10 million US dollars for emergency aid to Pakistan's worst-hit zones. China has promised 6.2 million US dollars, according to Islamabad, and the European Union yesterday committed 4.4 million US dollars in primary emergency relief.
From the United States, president George Bush promised 100,000 US dollars and the dispatch of military helicopters. He added that if necessary, more aid would be delivered.
The United Arab Emirates and Britain also committed themselves to sending aid and groups of experts; Japan has promised medical personnel and 220,600 US dollars and Turkey will dispatch two military airplanes and doctors.
Unicef has warned of the risk facing child survivors: hunger, cold, illness related to the serious health and hygiene conditions. The UN organization has already sent tents, clothes, blankets, good and water purification tablets.
Indian premier, Manmohan Singh, yesterday telephoned Musharraf to offer to help in rescue operations in a sign of easing tensions in ties between the two rival states. The Dutch government offered 9.4 million US dollars in aid and rescue teams. Australia has declared it will send 379,000 US dollars in immediate aid for Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, where at least one person died.
In Indian Kashmir, the diocesan social work group, together with Caritas India, has gone to Srinagar and Baramulla to take relief supplies. They were joined by some sisters of the Missionaries of Charity.
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