Pakistan quake: World Vision ready to respond as survivors face frigid temperatures

After a 6.4 quake struck southwestern Pakistan early on Wednesday (29 October), World Vision's team in Pakistan has been meeting with international and national aid agencies and government bodies to prepare for a coordinated response.

"We're concerned that the number of casualties could grow, as reports suggest people are still under the debris. Survivors will also be affected by freezing temperatures," said Graham Strong, World Vision Pakistan's Country Director.

An emergency consortium, the Pakistan Humanitarian Forum, of which World Vision Pakistan is a member, is conducting a rapid assessment. The emergency consortium was developed following the October 2005 earthquake that killed tens of thousands and injured a similar number.

World Vision staff are on standby to travel to the earthquake-affected zone, about 1.5 hours flight from the capital, Islamabad.

“We are capable of mobilizing nationally to assist in this response.  We are relying on partner assessment data, which is to be compiled tomorrow,” said Strong.

“World Vision does not have current programmes in the affected province of Balochistan, but we will contribute to a relief response if the scale of the impact warrants our involvement,” Strong continued.

World Vision has helped more than 116,000 people rebuild their lives in the past three years through its earthquake relief and rehabilitation project in Pakistan.

The official death toll from today's earthquake is 150, with 500 people injured and more than 15,000 displaced. 

Between 2,000 and 3,000 houses have been reported damaged and 500 have collapsed. In the city of Ziarat, houses are either partially or severely damaged. 

Four other main areas have been affected: Harnai, Qilla Abdullah, Vaam and Kelli Zargoom.

The government of Pakistan has requested 2,000 tents and 5,000 blankets so far to assist survivors.

29 October 2008