Earthquake Relief Report from Pakistan; FIFTH REPORT – January 27, 2006

Update -- January earthquake relief trip postponed by extreme weather.

I would like to inform you that the URI MCC Pakistan was all set to go to Muzaffarabad, Gohari and Chon to helpf  the victims of earthquake but bad rainly weather, snow fall and rains forced us to postpone our trip for some days. Would to share with you that with the help of the URI family, world over, we were able to have one truck load of warm clothes, quilts, mattress, blankets, socks, jackets, jersey,  and food items plus school bags, lunch boxes, colored pens and pencils and stationery. We have prepared packets containing all these things plus more for 100 families. Just one day before our depature from Multan for three days trip  18 - 20 January we were instructed by our URI CC members in Muzaffarabad that not to travel to Muzaffarabad because of snow, heavy rains, land slides. So this is what we did and postponsed our trip. 

       
 
However, several URI Coordinators gathered in Rawalpindi and we discussed this difficult situation. These coordiantors included: Allama Abudl Fathey G.R. Chisti, Syed Hansanain Gillani, Yuel Bhatti, Francis Xavier, Saeeur Rahman Siddiqui, Jahangir Piara, Chaudhary Barket and Fr James Channan OP. Coulple of other URI members such Mahboob Sada, Dr. Sabar Afaqi,  Younas Khan and Abbas Malik were also present.
 
While in Rawalpind we helped four Baha'i families who are the victims of this devastating earthquake in Muzaffarabad and Gohari. These families have shifted to Rawalpindi temporarity. We helped them with all items mentioned above. The following persons of these families recieved relief on behalf of the 4 families.:
 
1. Toba Majeed,  7 years old
2. Mahnoor Majeed, 4 years old.
3. Mr. Abdul Majeed
4. Mr. Nazir Mahmood
5. Miss. Muneera
6. Mr. Kamal
7. Mr. Maruf F Khan. 

Just would like to mention that Toba, 7 years old and Mahnoor 4 years old were pulled alive from the debris of theri houses which had collapsed by the earthquake. Mr. Nazir Mahmood lost his wife and nephew in this earthquake.And 80 members of  Mr. Abdul Majeed, Maruf Kamal and Dr Sabir Afaqi  were killed in this severe earthquake.
 
We offered condolences to these suffring families and assured them of our every possible support. They are very grateful to each one of you for your kindness and generosity in the form of relief goods and this solidarity visit we made in Rawalpindi.

  
 
We plan to go to Muzaffarabad, Gohari and Chon as soon as the weather is cleared and snow fall stops. This trip will be around fourth week of February.
 
I take this opportunity to express sincere gratitude on behalf of the URI MCC Pakistan for making such solidarity trips possible. Thanks a lot for your prayers, concern  and financial support!  
 
May Peace Prevail on Earth!
May Peace Prevail in Pakistan and Kashmir!
 
Fr. James Channan OP
URI Coordinator