THIS northern winter, millions of lives will be at stake.
The devastating earthquake that hit Pakistan and India killed over 50,000 people and left an estimated three million homeless. It is hard to describe the extent of the devastation and the depth of the despair of the survivors. The people have lost so much – loved ones, homes, livelihoods and for many, hope.
Towns have been reduced to rubble, a whole generation has been lost.
The Red Cross and other aid organisations are doing all we can to help the survivors. We have established field hospitals and clinics, we are distributing clothes, blankets, tents and food. But the needs are huge and many more need humanitarian aid.
In Australia, the community, the government and corporate partners have responded generously so far, with the Red Cross alone receiving more than $6 million in support. We thank you all on behalf of those we are aiming to assist.
The funds raised have already been put to good use, helping purchase and distribute winterised tents, blankets, kitchen sets and emergency medical supplies, as well as to deploy six Australian Red Cross aid workers to help in the provision of medical, logistical tracing and information activities.
But we urge Australians not to forget the survivors and to continue supporting Red Cross and other appeals, as additional funds are urgently needed. The fact that quake devastation is no longer on our television screens every night does not mean that the suffering of survivors has stopped.
The immediate goal is to reach those in need before winter sets in. Some survivors are still out in the open, exposed to chilling winds and freezing nights.
With winter only weeks away, our window of opportunity to assist the survivors and prevent further deaths is rapidly closing.
I urge every member of our community to continue to support organisations like the Red Cross so that we can continue to assist those affected by this massive disaster.
Their needs are urgent and we need your help – this is a race against time.
To donate to the Red Cross Asia quake appeal, log on to www.redcross.org.au or call 1800 811 800 or contact your local Regional Red Cross office.
Jennie Coventry,
Regional Chairman,
Australian Red Cross.
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