Action by Churches Together (ACT)
Alert - Pakistan - 1/2002
Second Earthquake Hits Gilgit Region
Geneva, 22 November 2002


Early on the morning of 21 November a second earthquake in less than a
month hit the region of Gilgit located in the northern mountainous region
(Himalayan Range) of Pakistan.  The quake was of magnitude 5.5 on the
Richter Scale with its epicentre 45 km south-east of Gilgit (200 miles
north of Peshawar).  According to local officials 23 people died and over
100 have been injured.  However, these figures may rise as access to these
areas remains problematic with landslides (caused by the quake) blocking
roads, telephone lines are down and communication is through wireless
only.

Currently people are lying out under the open sky at night, terrified of
another major quake as tremors continue to shake the area.

Army helicopters have been bringing out wounded people from the three
worst affected villages and the government has flown in hundreds of tents,
thousands of blankets along with other emergency goods to Gilgit. A local
official reported that over 1,000 houses have been damaged or destroyed
and that more tents and blankets were needed. However, delivery to the
most affected villages remains a problem and further news of casualties is
expected from those areas not yet contacted.

The ACT CO is in contact with partners in Pakistan and ACT member Church
World Service - Pakistan/Afghanistan is currently assessing the situation
and preparing to assist with food and shelter for approximately 500
families.

Thank you for your attention.

For further information please contact:

ACT Director, Thor-Arne Prois (phone +41 22 791 6032 or mobile phone
+ 41 79 203 6055)
or
ACT Appeals Officer, Mieke Weeda (phone +41 22 791 6035 or mobile phone
+41 79 285 2916)


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Action by Churches Together (ACT) is a worldwide alliance of churches and
their related agencies, meeting human need through co-ordinated emergency
response.  The ACT Coordinating Office is based with the World Council of
Churches (WCC) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Switzerland.
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   Ecumenical Centre                          Phone: ++41-22-791.60.33
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   Switzerland                                 http://www.act-intl.org


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