The UN estimates that it needs $550 million to adequately provide aid to the people struck by the South Asian Earthquake. So far, they've only received 20% of that total in pledges from the United States and other wealthy nations.

The situation in the mountains of northern Pakistan is unlike that seen in most places after an earthquake because of the terrain in these remote areas: "Normally, three weeks after an earthquake, people are generally dead or they're O.K.," said Rachel Lavy, the World Health Organization official coordinating medical relief. "But three weeks after this earthquake, we're still having severe injuries come in, open fractures, horrific infections, gangrene, tetanus." www.nytimes.com

Details about the current needs in the area-including massive amounts of winterized housing-can be found on the UN's latest situation report on the earthquake. ochaonline.un.org

What can you do?
-If you haven't yet donated, consider doing so, generously.
-Pressure our leaders to provide more aid:
I just called Senator Rick Santorum's and Senator Arlen Specter's offices and asked for them to encourage the US to pledge more assistance. Surprisingly, someone actually picks up the phone at both offices, no wait! Please call today to let them know that there's more than one of us who's concerned!

Rick Santorum (202) 224-6324
Arlen Specter (202) 224-4254

You can also find their contact information below: www.senate.gov


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