European countries responded swiftly to Saturday’s massive earthquake that hit Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, offering aid and funds as well as condolences.
As casualty figures rose from the devastating quake the European Commission, the European Union’s executive arm, said up to â,¬3-million could be approved within a day if requested by agencies working on the ground.
“We are all hoping that the news does not get steadily worse as the day progresses, but we are fearful that the casualty figures may mount and that international support may be needed,” said EU aid commissioner Louis Michel.
A spokesperson said the commission’s humanitarian aid department is in touch with two organisations — Médécins sans Frontières Netherlands and the International Committee of the Red Cross — about the crisis.
“It depends on what these organisations tell us they need,” said the spokesperson, Amadeu Altafaj, stressing that the two organisations were chosen because they are already on the ground.
“They can save more lives and faster. This is the priority, of course,” he said.
In Berlin, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joschka Fischer said Germany has immediately released â,¬50Â 000 to be made available to Pakistani authorities through Berlin’s embassy in Islamabad.
The German Red Cross will be working with the Pakistani Red Crescent to bring relief to affected areas, and Berlin is in contact with the United Nations with regard to further humanitarian action, he said.
Turkey, a frequent victim of earthquakes that have killed many thousands of people, also offered aid to fellow Muslim country Pakistan, Anatolia news agency reported, quoting Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul.
“We are ready to provide every sort of help,” Gul said, adding that Ankara has a “duty” to do so.
Turkish civil defence and Red Crescent teams, experienced in working in earthquake zones, have been placed on the alert.
Gul also sent condolences to India, Anatolia said.
Turkey’s neighbour Greece, which also suffers almost daily tremors, said it is ready to send a team of specialists to the region.
Expressing sympathy and solidarity, the foreign ministry said “Greece intends to contribute to the efforts of search and rescue”.
Elsewhere, French President Jacques Chirac sent a message of support to his Pakistani counterpart, Pervez Musharraf, his office said.
“France is standing by Pakistan in this painful trial,” Chirac added, without specifying any offer of assistance.
Musharraf received a similar message from Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin said.
More than 1Â 000 are confirmed dead in the quake, and officials warned the final toll could be far higher.
The earthquake, measuring at least 7,6 on the Richter scale, was centred in Kashmir, the Himalayan territory disputed between Indian and Pakistan. — AFP