Oxfam ready to respond to South Asia earthquake

Oxfam today launched an emergency appeal for survivors of the South Asian earthquake which hit Afghanistan and Pakistan earlier this morning. 

Jane Cocking, Oxfam's Humanitarian Director: "We have teams working with local authorities and organisations assessing the scale of the damage and what is needed and we have teams ready to respond where needed. The extent of damage and casualties is still not very clear as information is only slowly coming in from rural areas, hindered by lack of communications. We expect a much clearer picture to emerge by tomorrow. 

"We expect people to be fearful of aftershocks and likely to be sleeping in the open. They will need protection from the elements, food, clean water and hygiene essentials such as soap. It will soon be winter and people will need shelters that will keep them warm from sub zero temperatures."