UN, US offer help in relief efforts

Pakistan’s UN Ambassador is briefing relevant UN officials about the situation resulting from the earthquake

UNITED NATIONS: Hours after the massive earthquake struck northern Pakistan and Afghanistan, the international community offered to help the two stricken countries.

The United Nations and its humanitarian partners stand ready to help Pakistan’s ongoing relief effort for the people affected by Monday’s devastating earthquake, and mobilise any support, if requested, a world body’s spokesman said.



“United Nations agencies are mobilising emergency stocks as a preparatory measure in case support is required,” spokesman Stephane Dujarric told the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi is briefing relevant UN officials about the situation resulting from the 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

Separately, the White House said that the United States stands ready to provide support to the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan following the devastating earthquake.

140 killed in Pakistan as 7.5-magnitude earthquake strikes

“The US government has been in touch with the governments in Afghanistan and Pakistan and we stand ready to provide any additional support that may be needed,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest told a briefing.

“There is a substantial USAID (US Agency for International Development) presence in both of these countries to try to assist their needs,” Earnest added. “And there are a number of pre-positioned emergency shelter and relief supply kits in warehouses throughout Afghanistan. In Pakistan, USAID has existing partners who are ready to respond if necessary.”



India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif soon after the quake struck. Modi offered assistance for relief activities in the quake-hit areas, according to a statement issued by the PM House.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2015.