20 October 2005

Death toll rises in Pakistan

As officials set the death toll closer to 80,000 with more than 4.5 million affected by the Pakistan earthquake, aid agencies are desperately trying to provide tents for shelter.

Cold weather shelter is currently the number one priority in Pakistan, but officials say there are not enough tents in the world to fulfil the demand.

"The total need for tents is about 600,000. World Vision has 4,000 winterised tents in the pipeline and an additional 7,3000 being flown in from Canada," says Rienk van Velzen, World Vision's Communications coordinator in Mansehra, in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.

World Vision is also managing a temporary tent camp in Balakot for 25,000 people. "We will focus on the protection of children by setting up 20 Child Friendly Spaces, providing emergency education," says Mr Van Velzen. Children living outside the camp will also be able to benefit from the Child Friendly Spaces.

World Vision is expecting three airlifts in the next few days, carrying relief goods for the survivors.

So far World Vision New Zealand has raised $100,000 for its relief work in Pakistan-controlled Kashmiri, and is hoping to raise more.

Donations can be made to: 0800 80 2000 or www.worldvision.org.nz

ENDS

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