TEAR Fund New Zealand

For immediate release: 12/10/05

TEAR Fund providing urgently needed shelter and supplies to earthquake victims

TEAR Fund is currently in Pakistan and India addressing the most urgent needs of earthquake victims: shelter, food and water. TEAR Fund will remain in the region to work on long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation projects.

Officials in Pakistan and India estimate up to 2 million people have been left homeless by the recent earthquake. Many of these homeless live in Pakistan's cold mountainous regions, their the most urgent need is for shelter, blankets and warm clothing.

In Pakistan we are working through the Integral Network - a coordinated alliance of aid organisations - and our partners Swedish Mission Alliance and Medair.

Disaster response teams are currently distributing tents, blankets, warm clothing, clean water and water containers, food items and medicines. A medical unit has also been established in a hospital 80km north of Islamabad, and is treating the most serious victims of the earthquake. An earthquake search and rescue team is also en route to Pakistan from Tehran.

In India we are working through our partner Eficor. Currently we have emergency response teams in the affected regions of Baramullah, Uri and Kupwara. These teams are distributing emergency relief materials, including blankets, warm clothing, clean water and water containers, food items and medicines.

TEAR Fund remains committed to the reconstruction of devastated communities, and will remain in affected regions on a long-term basis to reestablish livelihoods and provide rehabilitation projects.

To donate to TEAR Fund's emergency appeal, visit their website www.tearfund.org.nz or call 0800 800 777 or to make an instant $20 donation call 0900 90 777.

ENDS

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