11 October 2005

Grim Reports Back From Assessment Team

World Vision has got grim reports back from its assessment team which traveled into the upper north of the North West Frontier Province and the Mansehra District, the area hardest hit by Saturday's earthquake in Pakistan.

The team leader, Igaz Ahmed said there are at least 10,000 dead and 200,000 injured just in that area, and dead bodies are everywhere. "The hospital is completely filled and the wounded are lying all around the compound."

Mr Ahmed said there's a shortage of coffins and World Vision has ordered immediate transport of coffins, tents, water, food, medicines and blankets to the district.

Hundreds of schoolchildren are still buried under the rubble, Mr Ahmed reports. "So many children are missing. Parents are in shock as they do not know whether they survived after the quake hit. This is so extremely painful. I just cannot describe it by words."

Team members say the rivers are polluted because of landslides and people are without drinking water.

A UN cargo plane, partly filled with WV relief items was to have left from Brindisi yesterday, while other airlifts are planned. The first shelter (winter) tents, quilts, burial clothing and water containers have been purchased locally and were being distributed in accessible communities yesterday.

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

ENDS

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