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November
7, 2005 
VOL.
43, NO. 19Oakland,
CA
CRS continues earthquake response
As the death toll in Pakistan alone recently soared
past the 70,000 mark following a devastating earthquake on Oct. 8, Catholic
Relief Services (CRS) is racing against time and impending harsh winter
weather to distribute relief and supplies to the survivors.
With temperatures dropping, the humanitarian agency provided winterized
tents to shelter some 25,000 people and was expecting to distribute another
30,000 tents for those who had been displaced from their homes. In the
weeks immediately following the 7.6 magnitude quake, CRS delivered blankets,
water cans and kitchen sets to more than 50,000 people.
CRS helped assess the extent of damages to water and sanitation systems
in villages around the country and assisted in necessary repairs. It also
designed hygiene kits for distribution to those in need.
Similarly CRS assisted local agencies in evaluating and responding to
the country’s damaged educational system. According to reports,
about half of the schools in rural villages were damaged beyond repair.
Parents were reportedly reluctant to send their children to schools that
survived the temblor. The quake claimed an estimated 18,000 children and
850 teachers.
In India, where some 1,500 people were killed, CRS distributed emergency
relief packages to more than 10,000 people across 11 mountainous villages.
The relief packages included four blankets, two tarps, and a 10-day food
basket.
A Pakistani earthquake survivor returns after receiving relief goods in Balakot, northwest of Islamabad. With the Himalayan winter just weeks away and millions homeless, fears are growing for the lives of tens of thousands villagers.
RNS PHOTO/REUTERS/Ibrar Tanoli
