Date Published: 29 October 2008

UNICEF statement on the recent earthquake in Pakistan

UNICEF is concerned and ready to help children who may have been affected by the recent earthquake in Balochistan province in south-western Pakistan. The tremor struck 70km (45 miles) north of Quetta at 0409 (2309GMT Tuesday) at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles), the US Geological Survey said.

The latest death toll from agencies is 160 dead, with teams working to rescue people from collapsed houses. This figure is likely to continue rising.

The area, north of the capital of Balochistan province, Quetta, is sparsely populated. What seems to be the worst affected district, Ziarat, has a population of 50,000 people. There are reports of villages affected by landslides triggered by the earthquake.

UNICEF Spokesperson, Shima Islam, said:

“Our staff on the ground is working with the government and other United Nations agencies to coordinate a response. UNICEF is also part of a rapid assessment mission that has been sent today to the worst affected districts.

The local disaster management agency has already requested tents, blankets, food, medicine and water. UNICEF is ready to mobilise its stocks to respond to the needs of families affected by the earthquake.”

For more information, please contact media@unicef.org.uk and 020 7430 0162.

About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

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