Southwest Asia Disaster

On Saturday morning just after 8:50 a.m., only a few hours into the fasting day, a 7.6-magnitude killer earthquake struck regions of Pakistan and Kashmir. Though many regions have not yet been reached officials have already counted 35,000 bodies and estimate that the toll could exceed 65,000 as survivors and rescue effort teams dig through collapsed building, houses and schools. At least 60,000 people are believed to be injured and the United Nations estimate that more then 2.5 million survivors will be in need of shelters as the temperatures reach near-freezing. The worst-affected city was Muzzaffarbad, the capital of Kashmir, where 70 percent of the entire housing was destroyed by the earthquake. President Bush, who counts the Pakistan as a key ally in the US-led war against terrorism, said assistance would be provided as needed. “My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this horrible tragedy,” he said in a statement. The Queen expressed her heartfelt sympathy and Tony Blair pledged UK assistance. Other nation officials have also expressed their thoughts and prayers out to the people affect by the earthquake. Houston Haunts sends our condolences to the families and people affected by this disaster and urge everyone to contribute to the cause of humanity. To donate to the Asia earthquake (Pakistan and Kashmir) please visit www.islamic-relief.com. To learn more about the earthquakes or to donate to the Red Cross visit www.redcross.org. To make a direct denotation to the Pakistani Red Crescent please visit www.ifrc.org.