The death toll from the earthquake that hit South Asia on Saturday is expected to exceed 20,000, with Pakistan already reporting between 20,000 to 30,000 dead.
India has reported at least 600 killed, while a collapsed building in Islamabad killed 24. Hundreds of school children in a Islamabad school were also reported trapped, according to the AP.
The earthquake, whose magnitude reached 7.6 on the Richter scale, could be felt from Afghanistan to Bangladesh. The earthquake is reportedly the worst ever to hit Pakistan, destroying entire villages and communities. The death toll in its wake is expected to rise significantly.
According to the United Nations, more than 2.5 million people are in need of shelter following the quake. President Gen. Pervez Musharraf has appealed for international aid. “We have enough manpower, but we need financial support ... to cope with the tragedy,” he said.
The United States has since supplied eight military helicopters, and pledged financial support for the victims. The helicopters will be taken from coalition military operations in Afghanistan.
India also offered financial support to Pakistan, despite the fact that the two countries have fought three wars and remain at odds, while Israel also offered its support, despite having no relations with Pakistan. In addition, the UN, Britain, Russia, China, Turkey, Japan and Germany offered their assistance.
