As winter approaches and freezing temperatures threaten earthquake victims in India, the Church is sending winter clothing and blankets to help those living in the disaster zone.
In addition, the Church donated $100,000 to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund in India.
"They were very appreciative that a church would reach out to them in a time that they so desperately need the resources to help people prepare for winter," said Garry Flake, director of Church Emergency Response, who just returned from India where he met with government leaders and assessed the country's needs.
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake — the largest earthquake to hit South Asia in a century — struck India, Pakistan and Afghanistan Oct. 8, killing 53,000 and leaving 3 million homeless. The Church continues to monitor the situation and assess needs in Pakistan, where Latter-day Saint relief items have already been distributed, with more planning to arrive in mid-November. (Please see reports about Church assistance in Pakistan in the Church News issues of Oct. 15, 22 and 29.)
In India more than 1,000 people died, mainly in Indian-administered Kashmir, and more than 1,000 buildings were destroyed.
Working through the HELP Foundation, a Indian non-governmental organization, the Church is providing corrugated tin-roof sheeting to earthquake victims.
Government leaders, said Brother Flake, are "encouraging families to stay in their homes and patch them up the best they can." That increases the need for corrugated tin — as well as blankets and winter coats, he explained.
While in India, Brother Flake met with Wajahat Habibullah, chairman of the government's Central Information Commission, who assisted the Church in making a donation to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. The Church's donation was accepted on behalf of the prime minister by Pritchviraj Chavan, India's Minister of State.
E-mail: sarah@desnews.com