Editor's note: More extensive coverage of the Church's response to the earthquake will be published in the following weeks.
In partnership with Islamic Relief Worldwide, the Church sent first aid and medical supplies to victims of a 7.6 earthquake that struck Pakistan, northern India and Afghanistan Oct. 8.
The quake, which killed an estimated 79,000 people, left as many as 3.3 million homeless, and injured 67,000 others, has presented tough challenges for relief workers, who are providing aid in one of the world's most mountainous regions.
After the disaster, Islamic Relief Worldwide, a Muslim humanitarian organization with which the Church has partnered previously, contacted the Church. They committed to pay transportation costs for Church-donated medical and first aid supplies, as well as Atmit, a Church-produced dietary supplement, to help earthquake victims in Pakistan.
"They came to us knowing what we have," said Garry Flake, director of Church Emergency Response. "We were able to provide very relevant and needed items."
The Church is also working with the U.S. Department of Defense, which helped guarantee that the relief supplies reached victims in the extremely remote area.
In addition, Church leaders are currently assessing how to best provide aid in India.
"With the effective Welfare Services program and the generous donations of members, the Church can respond with what is most relevant, and do so quickly," Brother Flake said.