UN rushes aid to survivors of deadly earthquake in Pakistan

The United Nations is rushing urgently-needed relief supplies to survivors of the deadly earthquake that struck south-western Pakistan earlier this week and the aftershocks that have followed.

According to the South Asian nation’s Government, 150 people have died and 250 others injured.

Some 3,000 people have been displaced and 15,000 houses made of mud or wood have been destroyed by the tremors in Baluchistan province.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that winter-ready tents, blankets, warm clothing, health services and clean water are urgently needed for 7,500 families, and food items for 5,500 families.

It noted that the Government has set up two camps for people affected by the 6.4 magnitude quake, and four additional camps are planned.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is planning to supply one-month food rations – including biscuits, beans and wheat flour – to some 20,000 survivors, while the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has sent 3,000 hygiene kits to affected areas.