PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army in Pakistan Responds to Earthquake
November 4, 2008 –The Salvation Army in Pakistan is providing assistance to some of the thousands of people made homeless by an earthquake in the country’s northern region near the Afghanistan border last week. The tremor, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, struck Wednesday, October 29, killing more than 200 people and destroying whole villages, leaving 45,000 people without homes. Severe aftershocks continued to be felt for another three days, making access difficult.
Salvation Army leadership in Pakistan responded quickly, sending experienced emergency workers to the affected region the day after the disaster. Meetings with provincial government leaders and the Pakistan military have been very positive; The Salvation Army has been assured full cooperation.
The immediate need is for suitable temporary accommodations, especially tents and blankets or quilts. Salvation Army disaster response personnel are working hard to resource tents that will withstand the rigors of winter and allow people to survive until spring, when reconstruction can begin.
Salvation Army Captain Elizabeth Hayward, international emergency services coordinator, says the team in Pakistan is doing an outstanding job in difficult circumstances but adds, “We need funds to allow the team to help as many people as possible. The situation is desperate—people are dying.”
The Salvation Army serves in more than 100 countries and provides both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help in the event of any disaster. Funds for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services come from corporate and private donations given specifically for disaster relief. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
