BURBANK, California (October 9, 2005) – The death toll from the devastating

earthquake that affected Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India in South Asia has

reached 20,000, and officials fear that the number may rise closer to 40,000.

Islamic Relief has launched a worldwide $10 million appeal for emergency

disaster relief for earthquake victims. Of this, $4 million has already been

allocated for immediate relief projects.

Islamic Relief Responds

Islamic Relief has three full-time offices near the earthquake-affected areas

in Islamabad, Neelum Valley, and Muzaffarabad.

Islamic Relief’s healthcare center in Neelum Valley (in Pakistani-administered

Kashmir) is receiving and treating the injured. So far, up to 2,000 victims

have been treated at the Neelum Valley center. A needs assessment was

carried out in Rawalakot on Saturday, and will be carried out in Bagh on

Sunday. Islamic Relief staff have identified that the immediate needs for the

victims include tents, blankets, and medical supplies.

Islamic Relief has an Emergency Response Team based in Islamabad, Pakistan,

which recently responded to earthquakes in Afghanistan in 2002, and Iran in

2003.

Islamic Relief has already contacted major non-governmental organizations

(NGOs) in the United States to deliver in-kind aid for the victims of the

earthquake.

Islamic Relief has over 20 years of experience in disaster relief, including the

recent Hurricane Katrina disaster, the food crisis in Niger and Mali in West

Africa, and the Asia tsunami.

Islamic Relief is urgently appealing for donations to help the victims of this

tragedy.

NOTE TO EDITOR:

PLEASE INCLUDE ISLAMIC RELIEF IN THE “WAYS TO HELP” SECTION OF

YOUR STORY

Islamic Relief is accepting donations on the Internet, via telephone, and

postal mail.

To donate, visit www.irw.org/asiaquake or call toll free at (888) 479-4968.

Our mailing address:

Islamic Relief

South Asia Earthquake Appeal

1919 W. Magnolia Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91506