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