In response to mounting dangers in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit South Asia on October 8, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has increased its assistance for desperate survivors in Kashmir, providing food, clothes, tents, and more to families in need.

ADRA is providing tents, blankets, water, and food packages to residents in the towns of Khajgan, Saddat, and Khan. The food packages will provide for a family of six for one month. The project will benefit a total of 2,400 people, or 400 families, and is valued at $130,000. According to a report from ADRA’s staff in Pakistan, each of these residents have lost their homes, and most have lost at least one family member. ADRA’s operation in Pakistan has also completed the distribution of winterized tents in Ariel and Mehmanpura, two villages located on the outskirts of Bagh District.

The ADRA office in Germany has also sent $85,000 of medical supplies to be given to survivors in need. Pakistan International Airlines has also donated $500 worth of medicine to ADRA. An additional $1 million worth of medicines is currently being airlifted and on arrival, and will then be distributed by ADRA’s medical teams. Each team consists of one doctor, three nurses and two support staff, and is equipped with medical boxes that each contains enough supplies to treat approximately 1000 patients for three months. The teams, which arrived in the disaster area last week, have been actively involved in distributing medical supplies in the affected region, as well as tending to the sick and injured.

According to Raafat Kamal, regional vice president for ADRA’s Trans-Europe region, which covers Pakistan and Kashmir, the local government has been pleased with the relief aid that ADRA has provided. The Imam of the local mosque also commented, “We have maintained our dignity while receiving assistance from ADRA.”

“ADRA’s office in the United Kingdom is working closely with other British non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and partners to airlift 500 winterized tents and a large number of blankets to be distributed by ADRA Pakistan,” stated Kamal. But, “winterized tents, blankets and jerry cans are very much still needed.” ADRA is also preparing to start reconstruction projects once the rehabilitation phase begins.

Updates will be released as response efforts increase.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, or ethnicity.