South Asia quake: people fear and pray
The death toll is rising everywhere and has now surpassed 19,000. People are spending the night outdoors. Prayers have been held in all the churches for victims and survivors.
Islamabad (AsiaNews) The death toll of the earthquake which struck south Asia is growing by the hour. Aftab Sherpao, Pakistani Minister for the Interior, put it at 19,136 and the number of those wounded at 42,397.
Pakistan-administered Kashmir is the worst hit; so far its death toll is of 17,388 and 40,421 people have been wounded. At least 11,000 people have died in Muzaffarabad alone, the regional capital. In the North West Frontier Province, 1,760 people died and 1,797 people have been injured. In Punjab, 11 people died and 83 were wounded, and two people died in the border area between China and Pakistan.
The quake also hit southern Afghanistan, where some people were killed, and India. State secretary, Vijay Bakaya, said that at least 583 people were killed in Jammu and Kashmir, 300 of them in Uri section alone.
According to all indications, the death toll is set to rise further.
In Pakistan, the government relief organization has mobilised and NGOs are rushing to reach the worst-hit zones. Today, some international rescue teams arrived. However, many areas remain isolated because of the extent of the destruction and landslides provoked by the earthquake and storms.
Everything has come to a standstill in the region: schools, banks, offices have all closed or are unable to function; first aid health teams are doing everything possible to meet the enormous needs of the people.
In Islamabad, survivors spent the night outdoors. "We are living in a continuous fear," Imatiaz Nadeem told AsiaNews. "We spent last night praying and the whole day in a park."
Amir Irfan, programme officer of Action Aid, reached North West Frontier Province last night. He said: "The damages are huge and we are trying to find out what the urgent needs are. At the moment these are medicine, food and tents. Within a day or two we will start our more general relief work to help the people."
Communications are difficult: the road link between Muzarabad and Islamabad has been cut off because the Kohala Bridge has been completely damaged.
Mgr Anthony Lobo, bishop of Islamabad- Rawalpindi, called on the faithful to pray held for victims and survivors of the quake in all masses today. "Even people who usually do not pray, are praying at such a crucial time," he said.
The director of the metrological department, Qamar Ul Zaman Chaudhry said aftershocks may yet occur in the coming days.
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13/01/2005
