|
American Relief materials reach J&K Quake Victims,
U.S. Experts Report Urgent Needs for Essential
Supplies
October18, 2005
NEW DELHI -- Two U.S. government disaster relief
experts returned from Jammu and Kashmir on October
17 after distributing relief supplies to the
earthquake victims. Blankets and winterized jackets
reached the devastated people as part of a first
relief package sponsored by the U.S. Government and
distributed by partner Save the Children.
The two United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) disaster relief specialists,
after their return from a four-day emergency needs
assessment in the state, reported urgent needs for
shelter, warm clothing and other necessities in
earthquake-affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
These two U.S. Government specialists deployed to
the area were the first “on the ground” among
bilateral donors.
The U.S. Government – through the USAID Office
for Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) – disbursed
$100,000 in assistance immediately following the
catastrophic earthquake that struck northern
Pakistan and India on October 8. Half of the relief
funds went to the Prime Minister’s National Relief
Fund and $ 50,000 has been invested in direct relief
efforts by Save the Children.
These and more investments to ease the suffering
of victims will reach Indians through
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with a history
of work in this remote and sensitive area. Close
coordination with local officials, organizations and
other donors is ongoing. The reconnaissance trip
will shape recommendations for next steps in U.S.
humanitarian assistance.
Inclement weather and difficult-to-reach
locations complicate life-saving relief. A
fast-approaching winter intensifies the need for
shelter and warm clothing. As seen in recovery from
the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004, returning
adults and children to normalcy – restarting schools
and community activities – eases trauma from such
shattering events.
Numbers of those killed or affected by the
disaster are rising. In India, thousands died or
were injured, and the homes of at least 150,000
people are destroyed or damaged.
Photo caption: As temperatures drop,
children in the earthquake devastated village of
Bandi reach for warm jackets and blankets provided
with U.S. support and partner Save the Children.
Credit: Save the Children
Related news:
U.S. Embassy Provides Humanitarian
Relief to Earthquake Victims in India
|
