World saddened over loss of lives

WASHINGTON (Agencies) - The US Government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), will provide an initial $1m in assistance through international and non-governmental organisations to help meet the immediate needs of those affected by the earthquake in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. "We extend our deepest sympathies to the government and people of Pakistan," said USAID Administrator Henrietta H Fore.

"USAID is continuing to monitor the situation and is prepared to provide additional assistance if needed," he said, according to a news release.

In Geneva, the International Committee of the Red Cross said thousands may have lost their homes and hundreds may have died in the temblor.

Two ICRC teams have arrived at onsite where they are assessing the situation and needs. The two teams have reported that aftershocks are continuing and residents are staying outdoors in the cold, said the ICRC.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is also sending a support team to the region, including a disaster management expert, a health specialist and an information officer.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, conveyed his profound sympathy to the government and people of Pakistan.

The OIC Secretary-General solemnly appealed to all Member States and Islamic, humanitarian and relief organizations to extend all possible relief assistance to the affected people in these difficult moments.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai also expressed sorrow over the death and material losses caused by the earthquake in Pakistan.

A statement from the Presidential Palace in Kabul on Wednesday said the President was shocked by the reports about the killing of people in the earthquake.

The Turkish Red Crescent Society said Wednesday it was ready to send humanitarian assistance to Pakistan to help in relief work.

Two experts had already been dispatched to the province where the earthquake struck before dawn about 50km from the city of Quetta, the organisation said in a statement.

Meanwhile, India expressed its sorrow at the death of 216 people in an earthquake in Pakistan and offered aid to the government in Islamabad, officials here said. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in a message to his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani said New Delhi was ready to offer any help needed by Pakistan.

"The government of India stands ready to offer all possible assistance that you may require to provide relief to the people affected by this tragedy," Singh said.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit condoled the loss of lives in earthquake that hit various parts of Balochistan province.

In his message to Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the Egyptian Foreign Minister said, "I wish to extend to your Excellency and to the families of the victims of earthquake that hit Pakistan on October 29, my sincerest condolences, praying that you and the people of Pakistan be preserved from all the harm".

The WHO said it is sending enough medical aid and supplies for 50,000 people for three months to help victims of the earthquake in Pakistan that has killed at least 160.

The European Union offered humanitarian help to Pakistan.

"The EU stands ready to assist Pakistan with humanitarian assistance if requested," EU external affairs commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said in a statement.

FM Qureshi said Kuwait would provide food items to help quake-affectees.