CRS in crisis response to Pakistan/India earthquake

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October 2005

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CRS in crisis response to Pakistan/India earthquake
October 10, 2005, Kabul, Afghanistan—Catholic Relief Services' (CRS) emergency relief teams continue to conduct assessments in the regions hardest hit by Saturday's deadly 7.6 magnitude earthquake in South Asia. CRS has worked in the region for more than half a century, and was among the first agencies on the ground within hours of the earthquake. The estimated death toll has increased to about 22,000 people with some sources saying it could go much higher.

In Pakistan, CRS assessment teams have already identified immediate needs for survivors: shelter, medicine, food, clean water, blankets, and water cans. Immediately after the quake struck, the agency committed an initial $50,000 to be utilized in the provision of these needs. This amount, however, will increase significantly as additional assessments take place in the most devastated areas of Pakistan, namely Abbotabad, Hazara, Mansehra, Batagram, Mingora, Kohistan, and Changhla.

"Continuous tremors and multiple aftershocks are forcing traumatized victims to live outside without shelter," says Jack Norman, CRS Country Representative for Pakistan. "In addition, the onset of the monsoon season has made critical roads inaccessible and the start of operations arduous. We fear that landslides may soon follow."

CRS' vast network of partnerships in the region, and its experience and familiarity within Pakistan and India, ensures a timely and efficient response to those most affected. CRS is working closely with Islamic Relief and other international non-governmental organizations on the ground, and is in close communication with the local Caritas office to facilitate a coordinated response from the collective Caritas Internationalis community. Caritas Internationalis is a confederation of 162 Catholic relief, development and social service organizations working in over 200 countries and territories around the world. CRS is a member of the Caritas network.

While the most devastated areas are in Pakistan, reports indicate hundreds of deaths in India. CRS is working with its local partner, Caritas India, and sending a three-person assessment team to Srinigar. Based on these assessments, CRS relief efforts will support the greatest needs for those who are most affected and vulnerable. It has been reported that the Indian armed forces have launched a large-scale response, with 100 metric tons of food aid, 1,000 tents, and medical supplies being airlifted and trucked to the affected areas.

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