An earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, which occurred on 8 October 2005, has affected large areas in northern Pakistan. Massive destruction has taken place in six northern districts of North Western Frontier Province (NWFP), five districts of Azad of Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including Muzaffarabad. The estimated number of deaths is more than 18000, but the number is rising with time. There have been more than 20 severe aftershocks measuring 5 and above. In addition access to areas is difficult because of landslides.
How can you help?
The best and most versatile way of helping communities overseas - in an emergency situation or not - is through a cash donation to a relief, development or refugee support organisation. In this way, funds can be allocated according to need - e.g. to purchase goods locally, support leaders and communities, or provide life saving relief such as medicine or food.
Unless specifically requested by an organisation responding to a disaster situation, donations of food, toys, clothing or blankets are not needed after a crisis and should not be collected or sent. ACFID will list any organisations collecting non-cash donations on this page.
The following ACFID agencies are conducting appeals:
Baptist World Aid Australia - 1300 789
991 or www.shareanopportunity.org
Care Australia - 1800 020 046 or www.careaustralia.org.au
Caritas Australia - 1800 024 413 or www.caritas.org.au
Oxfam Australia - 1800 034 034 or www.oxfam.org.au
Australian Red Cross - 1800 811 700 or www.redcross.org.au
World Vision Australia - 13 32 40 or www.worldvision.org.au