Christian and Humanitarian Relief Services responded to the earthquake that shook south Asia on Oct 8 by offering their condolences, prayers, and services to a region that is claiming thousands of casualties.
Over 30,000 to 40,000 people were killed by the quake that measured 7.6 on the Richter scale, which shook the area north of Islamabad, bringing destruction to north-west Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, and day by day that number is increasing.
Entire villages were destroyed while victims were buried under mudslides and rubble, according to Pakistani and international officials, AFP (Agence France-Press) reported, leaving millions of people homeless and in need of shelter and food.
Church World Service (CSW), a U.S. based Christian humanitarian relief organization that assists over 80 countries has responded to the situation in Pakistan by sending out 600 shelter kits and family food packages to Muree.
The teams from CSW Pakistan/Afghanistan with offices in Karachi, Islamabad, Mansehra and Murree are also organizing relief efforts and sending out assessment teams who will determine the long-term needs of the people.
The Salvation Army, another Christian relief organization, responded "swiftly" to the scene and have mobilized two truckloads of relief supplies, ready to travel to the worst-hit regions as soon as the roads are clear. In addition, the international headquarters has raised $60,000 dollars for relief work and is setting up a South Asia Disaster Fund.
As relief agencies work to assist the victims with food and shelter, leaders from around the world, which include the United States, China and Britain have responded to the quake, believed to be the strongest in over 100 years, by sending doctors, helicopters, rescue teams and supplies.
President Bush said in Washington according to Reuters, "My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this horrible tragedy."
He has sent eight helicopters after the Pakistan government said they didn¡¦t have enough "airlift capacity" to get to some of the rural areas where people are unable to receive relief.
The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC), a humanitarian social relief organization said on Sunday to all the "bereaved families and victims."
"At this difficult time, our hearts are with you," Jiang Yiman, executive vice president of RCSC said with hope that people would be able to recover from the "devastating earthquakes" and return to their normal lives as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Chinese churches in San Francisco have dedicated their prayers to the loss of lives and the families who have lost loved ones.
