Source: Beliefnet

Wire Service: RNS

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/176/story_17662_1.html

On October 17, 2005 Religion News Service reported, "Religious relief agencies, already faced with numerous disasters in the last year, have begun assisting survivors of a massive earthquake in South Asia. After a 7.6-magnitude earthquake shook Pakistan, India and Afghanistan on Saturday (Oct. 8), Catholic Relief Services staffers already based in the region were able to reach victims within six hours, said Sean Callahan, vice president of overseas operations of the Baltimore-based organization... Church World Service is responding with food supplies and shelter kits for survivors in Pakistan and its medical teams have started providing tetanus shots. Southern Baptist workers have furnished tents and other supplies to homeless families. Both groups also have been involved in relief efforts on the Gulf Coast. The American Jewish World Service has begun assessing the damage in the ravaged earthquake area as it also responds to needs of Central Americans, who have been traumatized by Hurricane Stan, mudslides and a volcanic eruption since the start of October."