Baluchistan Earthquake Victims need Support

An earthquake measuring 7.8 on Richter Scale hit Southern Iran and Pakistan round 03:44 PST on Tuesday, the 16th April, 2013. Tehsil Mashkhel is the central locality of District Washuk, Baluchistan province of Pakistan, which has been badly affected. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) says that up to 200 people have been injured in the quake. The initial death toll is estimated at more than 40, including women and children. Caritas Pakistan responded situation by sending Disaster response team in area for assessing the situation and rapid assessment for response. Caritas Pakistan has initially targeted 1000 most deserving families, which will further be raised. Caritas Pakistan has been requested by PDMA to support the victims and issued an NOC for relief operation. Caritas Pakistan is targeting through Caritas Quetta to provide the; Tents, NFI / Hygiene kits, Food packages and Safe Drinking Water. Caritas Pakistan is one of the two organizations has presence in the affected areas. Caritas Pakistan would like thank those who immediately responded and seeking positive responses to assist the victims. A team from Caritas Pakistan headed by Mr. Nisar Mushtaq, Diocesan Disaster Management Coordinator, Social Mobilizers and Volunteers are in Mashkhel affected area and it took them 16-18 hours to reach to the affected areas from Quetta. PDMA Baluchistan has requested Caritas Pakistan through Quetta office to provide the following items on immediate basis:

• Tents 500 (but we increase to 1000 in view the situation reported by CP team in Field)
• NFI / Hygienekits 1000
• Food packages1000
• Safe Drinking Water

NOCs and Relief agencies presence: Caritas Pakistan and Islamic Relief are the only two organizations who have been able to get NOC (No Objection Certificate) from PDMA Balochistan for smooth functioning in the quake hit area. Caritas Pakistan is part of all the coordination meetings taking place in Quetta and in affectedarea. Only Caritas Pakistan and Islamic Relief are present in the Mashkel affected area to respond to the situation.