US Marines treat 2,000th patient in quake zone

More than 2,000 patients have been treated by US Marines and nearly 9 million kilos of humanitarian aid has been unloaded by the Air Force in relief operations in earthquake-ravaged Pakistani Kashmir, the US military announced.

More than 2,000 patients have been treated by US Marines and nearly nine million kilos of humanitarian aid has been unloaded by the Air Force in relief operations in earthquake-ravaged Pakistani Kashmir, the US military announced.

The Marines, deployed from their bases in southern Japan, opened a field hospital in the town of Shinkiari in the Kashmir quake zone on November 17, and treated their 2,000th patient yesterday, the military said.

The hospital has 60 beds, X-ray capability, an emergency room, a laboratory and a pharmacy.

“It’s deeply gratifying to know we’ve had such a significant impact,” said Cmdr. Tom Davis, senior medical officer for Combined Medical Relief Team 3.

“It’s emotionally trying to witness the suffering of the Pakistani people,” he said. “But it feels good knowing you’re making a difference one life at a time.”

The Air Force, meanwhile, unloaded its 250th relief flight at Chaklala Air Base on Tuesday. The Air Force unit has moved 7,200 boxes of food, 2,200 boxes of water, 4,600 sleeping bags and 4,500 tents. The unit has also helped handle aid from more than 20 other countries, it said.

“There are humans in need, and the rest of humanity is rushing to help,” Col. Richard Walberg, commander of the unit, said in the statement.

The magnitude-7.6 earthquake on October 8 killed at least 87,000 people and destroyed the homes of another 3.5 million people.

Officials say the onset of winter conditions is severely hampering relief operations, so the focus is remaining on immediate needs instead of long-term reconstruction.