Salvation Army steps up aid after Pakistan earthquake

A Salvation Army aid convoy is now well on its way to Abbotabad in the earthquake-stricken region of northern Pakistan. The trucks contain enough supplies to meet the immediate food and washing needs of 5,000 people (500 families). Also on board are 100 tents and 1,000 blankets. A further 500 tents will follow soon.

Each family will receive a food parcel containing, flour, water, milk powder, dahl (pulses), sugar, tea, washing powder and soap.

A team of 15 Pakistani Salvation Army officers is accompanying the convoy to oversee the distribution and help in other ways.

Also travelling with them are Captain MacDonald Chandi (International Headquarters) and Major David Wakefield (United Kingdom Territory), both of whom have valuable experience of emergency and relief work in that part of the world. They will support the work of the national officers. Captain MacDonald, a Pakistan-born officer, served in the North West Frontier town of Peshawar in 2002, when he directed a large relief programme in support of refugees from Afghanistan.

To ensure the safe arrival of the Salvation Army supplies, the British High Commission provided security for the convoy.

The Salvation Army's International Headquarters has sent a further US$60,000 to finance the purchase of relief supplies, having made a similar sum immediately available. Donations in aid of the relief work are welcome and urgently needed.