On Saturday morning a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, the center of the earthquake was in Pakistan. The earthquake was one of the most tragic natural disasters to occur in the Indian subcontinent this century. Although the earthquake is a tragic event, there is a silver lining in the fact that for once India and Pakistan are on the same page. They are finally working together to find victims and help relief organizations.
The current death toll in Pakistan is set at around 35,000, but continues to climb. Experts predict that the toll will probably reach somewhere around 40,000 people. Roughly 42,000 people were injured. We on Ed Board feel terrible that this disaster occurred and feel that we should do everything we can to help Pakistan especially since Pakistan is helping the United States fight the war on terror and in the search for Osama bin Laden.
In India the death toll reached over 1,000 and two deaths have been accounted for in Afghanistan. Preliminary estimates suggest that 4.5 million people are without shelter as winter approaches. These people will have nothing left since many of their possessions were destroyed in the earthquake.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have been rocky since the 1947 partition of the two countries. Experts hope that India’s pledge to help out Pakistan will help improve Pakistan-India relations. India has pledged to send blankets, tents, food and medical supplies to Pakistan where thousands are now left homeless. India was one of the first countries to offer help to Pakistan. This is a huge step on India’s part especially since many were killed in India as well.
Experts are also saying that the United States’ pledge to help Pakistan will also improve Pakistani’s view of the United States. Many Pakistani’s do not have a positive image of United States, especially those in the villages. United States aid should help change this position.
One of the hardest hit areas was Muzzafarabad, the capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. Experts say that that many of the city’s 600,000 residents are left without shelter and electricity as the nights turn cold. Many of the city’s homes and all of the government buildings were destroyed.
Experts are also saying that Osama bin Laden might be hiding in Kashmir and might have been hurt by the earthquake.
The United Nations warn of a threat of measles, cholera and diahrrea amongst survivors. Thousands are still left below fallen buildings and schools.
Ed Board encourages SMU students to donate money and supplies to various organizations as Pakistan is in dire need of blankets, food, assistance in opening roads, and medicine.
