By now everyone knows about the 7.6 earthquake that rocked Pakistan and the Kashmiri part of India on Saturday morning. As is often the case, a disaster which would yield a lot of casualties in a developed region, yields a mind-bogglingly high number in a region of ancient-vintage architecture and non-existent building codes.
From throughout Pakistan, a variety of estimates on the death toll poured in. By evening, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said 19,369 people had died and at least 43,000 had been injured, based on estimates from local officials. But with much of the country still unseen by the authorities, it was impossible to settle on a definitive figure. "There are clearly several areas which are inaccessible," Mr. Aziz said. "Gradually, in a day or two, we will reach them."The toll will rise.At least 600 people were reported killed by the quake in neighboring India, and the United Nations said 2.5 million people in the entire stricken region needed shelter.
I heard someone on the news ask whether Pakistan and India had come to this country’s aid in its recent time of need. The answer is and should be: who cares? You know the drill by now.
PAKISTAN QUAKE RELIEF: Americares
