Habitat Responds To Pakistan Earthquake

October 12, 2005

Habitat for Humanity has committed an initial US250,000 to provide technical assistance and support to partner organizations responding to the earthquake in Pakistan, and is seeking to raise up to US1 million for reconstruction.

7.6-magnitude quake on Saturday, October 8th was felt across South Asia, from central Afghanistan to western Bangladesh, shaking three nations and bringing down a large apartment building in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. The epicenter of the quake was in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which sits in the Himalayan foothills, some 96 kilometers northeast of the capital, Islamabad.

Habitat does not have an active presence in Pakistan, and so will work with partners to assess damage, rebuild and repair homes and develop building centers to help put the millions of people displaced by the earthquake back into homes.

A Habitat representative is currently making an initial assessment in an area north of Islamabad. Habitat envisages providing partners with funding and technical support for house construction, as well as providing assessment, planning, and project management expertise.

Shortly before the earthquake, Habitat for Humanity was in the process of formally establishing its presence in Pakistan. Over time, Habitat hopes to establish a long-term program in the country.

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Habitat for Humanity currently has no openings for volunteers wishing to travel to Pakistan to assist with relief and rebuilding work following the 8th October earthquake. Opportunities may arise in the coming months. Please check back on this web site for future developments. [12th October 2005]

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