From saquake.org

From saquake.org

The most urgent priority need on the ground right now is for shelter and warmth. Below is a list of resources on donating tents - Please keep in mind that tents should be 'winterized' and water-proof, accomodate at least 5-8 people and where possible, should have some bathroom facility

WASHINGTON: A group of doctors from Georgetown University Hospital and other areas is appealing for urgent donations to send vital supplies to the quake-hit area.

The 25-doctors group, which returned last week from Pakistan after making an urgent trip there, says in a note to the National Council of Pakistani Americans (www.ncpa.info) that tones of important items are decaying at New York’s JFK airport due to the non-availability of cargo space on PIA flights.

My name is Usman and I work as an International Trade Analyst for a law firm in Washington, DC.

As you may know, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck close to Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on 8 October. The earthquake has cause widespread destruction in the area and has affected many in India and Pakistan. There are now reports of over 50,000 confirmed deaths and devastation that may take a decade to repair. The World Food Programme says some 500,000 people in remote areas have received no aid at all. One of the biggest problems is meeting the demand for tents that can provide shelter as the cold weather worsens.

I have been involved in the relief effort - both in terms of raising funds and collecting/shipping goods and supplies to Pakistan. My family, working out of Pakistan, has recently informed me that an area overlooked is the need for Artificial Limbs for Victims. The Federal Health Minister, Muhammad Nasir Khan, has reiterated government's decision not to send any injured person of the earthquake abroad for treatment. This means that any demand for artificial limbs will be met by imports and possible local production. Therefore, I am writing to you to find out if you, or someone you know, would be interested in setting up an artificial limb manufacturing facility in Pakistan for the benefit of the earthquake victims.

There are a few specific things I need help with:

Visit this section to find out how you can help continue to support the relief effort.

I've spent the last few days working with a large number of enthusiastically dedicated individuals who have been sorting out thousands of boxes of donations, transferring them from ADAMS to a warehouse and onto a tractor-trailor.

We've had to turn away a large number of donors. Some have been sending in regular clothes and an unusual odd assortment of utterly unnecessary goods. Now only tents, medical supplies and blankets are being accepted; no exceptions.

URGENT: Young medical doctors needed for medical team working with SUNGI out of Muzaffarabad. 

I post this on behalf of a close friend who just called me from Muzzaffarabad, where he is working with SUNGI. SUNGI urgently needs medical doctors and/or final year medical students as part of a medical team to *travel by foot for several hours* to outlying villages beyond Muzaffarabad that *have not been accessed at all* as they are only accessibly by foot, and where individuals and families need urgent medical help. 

AP: Search for shelter in Pakistan frantic

It is clear what is needed most in Pakistan now and communities from China to North America have responded by donating tents and finding creative ways (recycling bilboard canvas) to provide warmth and shelter to the homeless.

Dear Friends:
This is Sameena Nazir from Pakistan. I need your urgent attention to our latest update below. Please take a few minutes to read and help if you can. Please also pass on this message to others you know who may be able to help. Thanks.

----------------------

UPDATE: Monday, October 16, 2005
Our Pakistani NGO, PODA has sent two teams to the worst hit areas of the earthquake in Kashmir.   

Shenaaz Janmohammed, along with a team from Pakistan and the UK are coordinating a fund to purchase a large number of tents both in Pakistan and abroad. These tents will be sent through different distribution channels to remote populations in the north that have not been as accessible to international aid.

To donate visit http://tentdrive.blogspot.com

Below is a blog entry from a friend of mine Mustafa Hadi, who is also an Impak Co-Director.

Mustafa's narrative, both engaging and difficult to fathom, provides you a perspective from an outside volunteer working among extraordinary conditions alongside extraordinary people. 

------------------------------------------------------