Situation:
A second deadly earthquake – this one of 7.2-magnitude — hit Pakistan’s Balochistan province early Saturday (Sept. 28). At least 22 people died. This follows last week’s quake in the same province, which killed hundreds.
Officials fear the death toll from Saturday’s earthquake could rise. The region has suffered massive loss of infrastructure including communication and road links. It is also a stronghold of the Baloch separatist movement which has waged a decade-long insurgency against the state. Media sources reported that relief efforts continue to be disrupted by insurgents.
Local authorities appealed to all Baloch separatist groups to stop attacks in the earthquake-affected regions. Insecurity in the region is constraining relief efforts, and authorities say that that women and men in the affected areas are in desperate need of assistance.
CWS Response:
In the case of both quakes, CWS quickly initiated contact with local partners in the area and is continuously assessing the situation. The emergency response team is on standby but at this point, as with the initial situation assessment, CWS is not planning a direct response given the security concerns. However, the situation will be closely monitored and CWS will act accordingly.
How to Help
Contributions to support CWS emergency response efforts may be sent to your denomination or to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515. Donations to our emergency response efforts around the globe may also bemade online.
Church World Service is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy.