World Vision has sent truckloads of aid into northern areas of Pakistan, as further grim reports filter out from the area.

The trucks contain thousands of blankets, tents and burial cloths – and cases of water – headed for Mansehra, a three-hour drive north of Islamabad.

"There are a lot of terrible things here. People are receiving aid beside the roads and at the hospitals," said World Vision Programme Officer Fayyaz Gill.

He said 60-70% of straw and mud homes on the outskirts of Mansehra had collapsed.

In order to efficiently get the aid to the right people, World Vision is calling for a co-ordinated effort with local networks in Pakistan.

"They have the capacity and outreach and they know which areas are most impacted," World Vision staffer Igaz Ahmed said.

"One local NGO that World Vision is working with has 1,400 community groups of 35 people each, totalling some 49,000 people – this is a massive network. We are working with several groups like this."

Planes carrying 27 tonnes of relief, including medical kits, are being flown in from Hanover and are due to arrive in Islamabad tomorrow morning (local time), ready for distribution.

Winterised blankets are being purchased from Dubai, and sent into the affected region. Another plane carrying 40 tonnes of relief will also leave from Dubai later this week.

World Vision is accepting donations for the Pakistan Earthquake Appeal on 0800 80 2000 or www.worldvision.org.nz

ENDS

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