Episcopal Relief and Development is providing ongoing emergency relief to people affected by the earthquake in Pakistan and India. The October 8th earthquake killed more than 87,000 people and left four million homeless.

“As winter descends, there are immediate needs for additional assistance,” said Kirsten Laursen, ERD’s Senior Program Director of Asia and New Initiatives. Eight inches of snow fell in the Himalayan region last weekend. 

ERD responded immediately after the earthquake and continues working with Anglican and ecumenical partners to reach the most vulnerable populations. In addition to extensive destruction in Pakistan, the earthquake caused large scale damage on the Indian-side of the Line of Control in Kashmir and Jammu.

ERD is working with the Church of North India (CNI) to provide relief supplies in the area of Parmpilla village in the Diocese of Amritsar and the adjoining habitat of Datta Madir, Tehsil Uri, in the District Baramulla, in the State of Jammu. Together with CNI, ERD is supplying 1000 blankets, 100 tents, and 300 tarps. Winter clothes, collected by CNI Tyndale Biscoe & Mallinson School (Tangmarg Branch), were distributed to children under 14 years of age. The diocese has formed a Disaster Management Committee to further assist devastated communities in India. The second phase of the diocesan rehabilitation program will focus on restoring livelihoods, including agriculture.

ERD is also providing additional assistance to the Dioceses of Peshawar and Sialkot and continues working with the Diocese of Lahore in the Church of Pakistan. ERD is committed to providing long-term support to help expand health care services in affected areas.

To help people affected by the earthquake, donate to the Pakistan Fund at http://www.er-d.org/, or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief and Development, Pakistan Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.