2005-10-10
6:29 p.m.

South Asia Earthquake

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale rocked the Kashmir region of Pakistan with tremors felt as far away as India and Afghanistan.

Latest reports indicate that more then 18,000 are feared dead and over 40,000 people are injured. The Pakistan Red Crescent immediately deployed 10 ambulances in the affected areas of Islamabad as well as medical teams to provide first aid. Local Pakistan Red Crescent teams in the Kashmir area have also been deployed to support search and rescue activities.

In India, the Kashmir branch of the Red Cross started distribution of blankets, kitchen sets and clothing, while in Afghanistan, the Red Crescent has deployed assessment teams to the affected area.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) has already released CHF 200,000 from the DREF Fund to support the immediate emergency response.

Singapore Red Cross is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to respond. A 4-men assessment team is ready to fly out tomorrow with the DART Team from SCDF in a C-130. In addition, another disaster specialist (Mr Sahari) will join the SEA Regional disaster Rseposne Team shortly.

Singapore Red Cross will launch a nation wide appeal "Asia Earthquake Appeal" to raise funds for the following activities:

A. To fund any deployment of aid workers to the affected region. (we are
planning to send a medical team)

B To purchase emergency relief items needed by the survivors

Letters of condolence has been sent to Pakistani RC.

Singapore Red Cross request no donations in-kind.
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SRC URGENTLY requires manpower to help man hotlines and assist in other areas at HQ. Appreciate if those who are able to help could email name, NRIC number, contact number, email address and availability period to myself or CHUA PEH YEE. Those who don't know our email addresses can get them from me.

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