Karachi (AsiaNews) – Catholics' solidarity vis-à-vis quake victims continue as the death toll rises to 74,000. On November 1, it was the turn of the archdiocese of Karachi to show its colours, raising relief aid worth 5 million rupees.

In the previous meeting of parishes and Catholic institutions in the diocese, the Vicar General, Fr Arthur Charles, called on young people to provide aid and on organisations to send it to the field.

As a response, the faithful gathered before St Patrick Cathedral and set up a relief collection centre. Relief goods worth 3 million rupees (€ 42,000 or US$ 50,000) were collected on the Cathedral grounds.

More than 50 volunteers crafted 'family packs' that can sustain one family with food and water for a week in the affected areas.

On All Saints', Mgr Evarist Pinto, Archbishop of Karachi, celebrated mass in the cathedral, followed by a special prayer during which the relief material was blessed.

Everything was then sent onto Rawalpindi, where the army will distribute it according to the priorities of its relief operations. 

Catholic schools raised another 2 million rupees (€ 28,000 or US$ 30,000) which was then turned over to the President of Pakistan's Relief Fund for earthquake victims.

Archbishop Pinto praised the diocesan catholic community for its efforts. He said that young people "have done a splendid job; their commitment, determination and selfless devotion to this cause will help alleviate the sufferings of the earthquake survivors."