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.