Aftershocks

Islamabad, Oct 10. (PTI): Even as aftershocks continued to rattle the quake hit Kashmir valley and Pakistan, Pakistan today ruled out joint relief operations with India in quake-hit Kashmir region and instead made a counter offer to help New Delhi in its efforts to deal with the crisis.

"There is no possibility of any joint relief operations on both sides of the LoC. There is no population on the LoC," newly-appointed Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasleen Aslam told reporters here.

Quake-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir as well as Pakistan continued to be jolted by aftershocks, with two medium-intensity earthquakes recorded in the region today. The total number of aftershocks in the aftermath of Saturday's killer quake has gone up to 37 with the two fresh tremors, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

-The Hindu Online Edition

I'm starting to wonder if Kashmir is being ditched in its time of need, by both countries. Clearly rescue operations and relief efforts will be faster and more efficient if recources from both countries were to be pooled in. But 'military issues' (read: 'fear of infiltration by military and spy operatives') are preventing both countries to seek help. May the lord help the troubled and injured in kashmir and elsewhere.

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Update:

Donate to relief efforts through Association for the Development of Pakistan.

This blog has up to the minute information about immediate relief efforts being carried out locally.

This web page has lots of information about both local and international organizations where you can make donations for the earthquake relief.

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