China is calling on its people and the international community to aid earthquake victims in Pakistan especially now that winter has set in, according to a press conference held Tuesday by the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation.
"Although great efforts have been made to help earthquake victims in the region, the majority still don't have access to any kind of aid," Geng Hesun, vice secretary of the foundation, said.
"The winter has swooped in with subfreezing temperatures, so a second wave of death may be triggered if the victims cannot get enough tents, blankets and food," Geng said.
Naghmana A. Hashmi, minister of the Embassy of Pakistan in China, expressed sincere thanks to the Chinese government for its quick response and timely aid to the quake-hit region.
"This is testimony to the evergreen friendship between Pakistan and China," Hashmi said.
The earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck on October 8, leaving more than 86,000 dead and millions homeless in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The Disaster Relief Program Department of the China Foundation of Poverty Alleviation, at the invitation of the Islamic Relief Worldwide, conducted investigation in the quake-hit region from November 16 to 17.
(Xinhua News Agency November 30, 2005)
