27 OCT 2015
Massive earthquake jolts Afghanistan, Pakistan, IndiaOxfam staff assessing situation and ready to respond
A 7.5 magnitude earthquake shook Northern Afghanistan yesterday (26 October), causing deaths, injuries and widespread damage. Neighbouring Pakistan and India were also severely affected. The quake left countless homes levelled and over 280 people dead, of which, over 200 were in Pakistan. The earthquake also jolted Kashgar, Aksu and other regions in Xinjiang in China.
Oxfam’s staff in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India are assessing the scale of the damage in order to respond to the needs of survivors as quickly as possible. With limited access to the mountainous region where the quake struck and hampered communications, the agency is coordinating with the local government and partners to obtain more comprehensive information. The number of casualties is expected to rise in remote areas.
Oxfam has projects in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India and has much experience in both development and humanitarian work in these countries. The agency will continue to work closely with local authorities and partners to obtain the latest information on the disaster and survivors’ needs to provide urgent and appropriate assistance such as shelters, food, clean water, and hygiene facilities and supplies. Survivors of the quake will be posed with even greater challenges as winter sets in; they will need supplies as soon as possible to keep them warm.
We are now raising funds for those affected by the Afghanistan earthquake (including those in neighbouring countries). Donation methods are as follows:
Donations can be transferred to Oxfam Hong Kong’s various bank accounts
Hong Kong (HKD)
- Bank of China:012-874-1-049363-3
- Hang Seng Bank : 284-401080-005
Macau (MOP)
- Bank of China Macau:01-01-20-840951
(Please choose Special Programme: Afghanistan Earthquake and send this form with the original bank receipt and write ‘Afghanistan Earthquake’ on the back)
Other donation methods
- Ends -
About Oxfam
Oxfam is a worldwide development organisation that mobilises the power of people against poverty.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Maggie Chum (Communications Officer)
Telephone: + 852 3120 5222 / + 852 6010 9961
Email: maggie.chum@oxfam.org.hk
Sarah Chu (Senior Communications Officer)
Telephone: + 852 3120 5280 / + 852 9276 0064
Email: sarah.chu@oxfam.org.hk