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From World Vision (updated Oct 10): 

At 9:00 a.m. local-time Saturday a 7.6-magnitude earthquake rocked northern Pakistan causing large-scale destruction to homes, buildings, and infrastructure. Reports estimate the death toll is more than 20,000 people, a number that’s expected to rise.

Meteorologists say the earthquake, whose epicentre was 80 kilometres northeast of the capital Islamabad, is the strongest to hit the country in over a century. Neighbouring India and Afghanistan have also reported widespread damage resulting from the quake.

World Vision is There
Staff members in Pakistan met with the United Nations and other non-governmental organizations on Saturday to coordinate the response. World Vision will lead a team to assess damage and humanitarian needs in the Pakistani districts of Abbottabad, Battegram, and Mansehra. Officials report at least 70 per cent of homes in Mansehra have been destroyed. World Vision staff members will also assist with the response in the districts of Shangla and Kohistan.

The Challenge Ahead
Relief teams working in Pakistan and neighbouring countries face many obstacles and dangers as they work to reach survivors. Aftershocks, measuring 5.9 to 6 on the Richter Scale, have added to the destruction. Landslides triggered by tremors have closed major roads. Communications systems have been knocked down. Local officials report that entire villages have been wiped out.

Immediate Needs
To prevent more deaths in the aftermath of the earthquake, it is critical to reach survivors with emergency items as quickly as possible. Items to be distributed include:

    * Food
    * Water
    * Tents
    * Blankets
    * Medicine

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Please pray that all missing people will be found from under the rubble. Pray for those who lost their loved ones and homes to be comforted. Pray for those who need medical care to quickly get the care they need.

Please stop for a moment from asking "why?". Please stop saying how near the end times is. Please, for the love of God,

Pray.