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South
Asia earthquake: Red Cross Red Crescent issues preliminary appeal Geneva, 9 October 2005 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is issuing a preliminary emergency appeal for 10.8 million Swiss francs to support some 30,000 families, victims of the devastating earthquake which struck the region bordering Pakistan, northern India and Afghanistan on 8 October. The funds will be used to provide survivors with food, tents, mattresses, blankets and cooking sets and to support Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) operations. “This is an initial response to the emergency, meant to mobilize resources rapidly. We are ready to revise this appeal as new information arrives about the extent of damages and priority needs for the victims,” notes International Federation Director of Operations, Susan Johnson. The Federation is also mobilizing international delegates to support Pakistan Red Crescent operations. A first seven-member Turkish Red Crescent team left Ankara today for Islamabad. It includes logisticians, relief coordinators and specialists in psychological support. Additionally, the International Federation is sending in a five-member coordination team including specialists in relief coordination and logistics later today. According to government sources, it is feared more than 19,000 people may have died, at least 42,000 may be injured and some four million may be left without shelter, in the country. The Pakistan Red Crescent teams continue to lead the search and rescue effort in Islamabad where several apartment buildings collapsed. According to the PRCS, some 150 people may still be trapped under the debris. So far 26 bodies were taken out. The PRCS assessment missions dispatched to the north western frontier provinces were unable to reach the worst-hit areas because of destroyed roads. A joint ICRC, Federation and PRCS assessment team left Islamabad for Pakistan-administered Kashmir earlier today to assess damages and priority needs. According to government figures, some 600 people have died in India, mainly in the Uri sector of Baramulla, in Indian-administered Kashmir. The Indian Red Cross Society has mobilized some 400 volunteers to carry out rescue and relief work in the worst-affected areas, Baramulla and Uri. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: In New Delhi: Bijoy Patro, Information Officer, Tel: + 91 11 26 85 86 71/+ 91 98 102 841 96 In Geneva: Marie-Françoise Borel, Information Officer, Tel. + 41 79 217 33 45$ Siân Bowen, Manager, Media Unit, Tel: + 41 79 217 33 88 Media Service Duty Phone (Out of hours), Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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