Quake worse than tsunami
Updated on 20 October 2005
The UN has called on NATO to mount an airlift to evacuate tens of thousands of vulnerable people from earthquake-hit Pakistan, and deliver aid to millions of others.
The UN has called on NATO to mount an airlift to evacuate tens of thousands of vulnerable people from earthquake-hit Pakistan, and deliver aid to millions of others.
The UN's emergency relief co-ordinator Jan Egeland said the death toll, which has already reached 50,000, could double if action isn't taken before winter arrives in about four weeks. Four million have been made homeless, have suffered injuries or are in need of supplies.
Almost two weeks after the earthquake, large parts of Pakistani-controlled Kashmir and North West Frontier Province still haven't been reached and no-one knows how many people in the hills have been killed.
Muzaffarabad is the worst affected area, according to the UN. Ninety per cent of the population is in need. That's 820,000 people. Bagh is also in serious difficulty, 80 per cent are in need: 364,000 people.
The most inaccessible areas are the Neelum and Jhelum valleys, where roads have been destroyed or blocked by landslides.
There are , still, only 60 helicopters carrying supplies. The UN says this number needs to be trebled or quadrupled. Emily Reuben reports.
Donation details
Disasters Emergency Committee hotline: 0870 60 60 900
You can also donate to DEC online: >>www.dec.org.uk
The charities above are grateful for offers of tents but say they would prefer cash as it is more practical to manage.
However, Islamic Relief will accept blankets, winterised tents and duvets and send them to affected areas. Please send them to:
Islamic Relief
49 Landor St
Birmingham
B8 1A
