Press Releases

South Asia Quake Leaves Millions Homeless

Saturday began like any other ordinary day in Pakistan. Children were just beginning their lessons in school, and morning rush hour was the usual traffic jam. Then the worst earthquake in Pakistan’s history struck about 8:30AM local time. The quake was felt across a wide swath of South Asia, with damage spanning at least 250 miles. The death toll is steadily climbing, with over 25,000 confirmed dead and many thousands more missing. More than 2.5 million were left homeless by the 7.6 magnitude quake.

Sadly, children made up over half the population in the affected areas. Entire towns have seen a whole generation wiped out as school buildings collapsed. Hundreds of young adults are also feared buried in classrooms and dormitories as most of the buildings at the university in Muzaffarabad collapsed. Some of the most affected areas are still inaccessible due to landslides over the roads. While most of the dead are in Pakistan’s mountainous north, India has reported over 800 dead, and Afghanistan also experienced loss. The epicenter of the quake is just 50 miles from the Pakistan capital of Islamabad.

Tens of thousands of injured people need help immediately. For security reasons many of the sick and dying are scattered on lawns, without proper medicines or doctors. A Humedica medical team from Germany arrived Sunday night in Pakistan, carrying 3,000 emergency health kits with them. A local NCM volunteer is guiding them to Mansehra, one of the worst hit areas. NCM is grateful for our partnership with Humedica over the years. “Their medical volunteers often arrive within 24 hours, an unbelievable accomplishment with visa and flight requirements,” stated Dr. Hermann Gschwandtner, NCM Coordinator for South Asia. “This allows us to respond effectively immediately.”

Dr. Robert Alexander, District Superintendent, is still assessing the local situations for pressing needs as well as long-term rehabilitation efforts. In his initial response he notes: “The buildings in Lahore shook, everybody ran to the street, but it wasn't bad enough to affect us there (and we have built well). Thankfully, it seems that all our churches and people are safe, including the children in Peshawar Child Development Center. Our people do not live in the immediate vicinity of the earthquake, but several of the districts close to us have been severely affected.” Pastors and leaders in Pakistan who have been trained in trauma counseling are being mobilized. “This is a devastating loss to millions across Pakistan and will require long-term assistance,” stated World Mission Director Louie Bustle. “It is also an incredible opportunity for the Church of the Nazarene to show Christ’s love to many people in this area of the 1040 window. Let us be generous in our prayers and in our support of relief efforts.”

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for relief efforts can mark their checks “South Asia Earthquake ACM1570” and mail them to the General Treasurer, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3. Immediate donations may also be made online at www.ncm.org.

All donations remitted through the General Treasurer’s Office will receive 10% Mission Special credit if the local church is identified.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2005

• On-line using VISA or MasterCard
• OR In the US, make checks payable to: General Treasurer
• and mail to:
  General Treasurer
  6401 The Paseo
  Kansas City, MO 64131
• In Canada, make checks payable to: Church of the Nazarene
• and mail to:
  Church of the Nazarene Canada
  20 Regan Road, Unit 9
  Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3

All donations remitted through NCM and the General Treasurers Office will receive 10% Mission Special credit if the local church is identified.

NCM is the liaison between the pressing needs of the world and the individuals that are committed to making a difference. We understand that you may not be able to respond to every need. However, we want to keep you informed of the opportunities for your involvement in projects such as this. Every project deserves your individual consideration.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2005