Ireland pledges more earthquake cash

Ireland pledged an extra €2m for earthquake relief in Pakistan today, bringing the Government’s total allocation to €5m.

The October 8 natural disaster has killed at least 51,000 people in Pakistan and 1,300 in Indian Kashmir, as well as injuring more than 74,000 people and leaving more than three million homeless.

Minister Conor Lenihan made the aid announcement today at a meeting of EU development ministers in Leeds after a briefing by UN emergency relief coordinator Jan Egeland.

He said: “The Government’s response to the earthquake, which measured 7.6 on the Richter Scale, has been quick and it has been effective.”

The money has been allocated to Irish and international non-governmental organisations and to UN agencies working to meet the most basic requirements, including blankets, food, water, tents and other shelter.

“The challenge now is to sustain our response, to sustain our commitment. Mr Egeland has emphasised that the need for increased resources is urgent,” added the minister.

A fresh aftershock measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale hit Pakistan on Sunday but no major casualties were reported.

Mr Lenihan said quake survivors are now heading into a harsh winter, compounding the already enormous challenges of getting adequate assistance to them.

He said: “Events in Pakistan have highlighted for all of us the importance of expanding and improving our capacity to respond quickly and effectively to major disasters.”

He told RTE Radio later: “The biggest priority on the ground at the moment is winterised tents and shelter.

“The world’s production of tents has been brought to a halt by this disaster and obviously there is a need for more helicopters.

“Roads have been destroyed, tracks have been wiped away

“Relief journeys are taking 13 days by mule but could be completed in 10 minutes if enough helicopters were available.”

“Between now and April it will be very, very harsh temperatures.

“People have died because of the difficult terrain and because the rescue operation can’t get to them on time.”