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Quake: Pakistan expresses grief, offers to help

Haris Dervesh in Karachi

Pakistan on Saturday offered assistance to India for victims of the earthquake that has killed thousands of people in Gujarat.

"The government of Pakistan has decided to offer relief for the victims of the earthquake that struck India on Friday," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

"Pakistan's High Commissioner in New Delhi is contacting the Indian government to co-ordinate further arrangements in this connection," it said.

Pakistan ruler General Pervez Musharraf has expressed grief and sorrow over the tragic loss of life and property in the earthquake, which hit India on Friday.

"I have been saddened at the tragic loss of life and property in the earthquake which hit large parts of India," Musharraf said in his message to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Friday. "The government and the people of Pakistan share the grief of the bereaved families."

"Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration," General Musharraf said.

Meanwhile, the toll in the quake that struck Pakistan exceeds 22 while 120 people have been injured with the worst affected part being Badin.

Reports of powerful jolts, destruction of houses, roads and trees were received from all over the Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas divisions with families coming out in the open to save their lives. Power supply in certain areas was disrupted.

Some of the buildings in Badin, Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas, areas close to the Indian border, have been declared dangerous. Quake-affected people demanded that the builder and building control department officials be punished and bereaved families be given compensation.

The Complete Coverage

EXTERNAL LINKS
The RD Killer Quake of Jan 26, 2001: Technical details
All about earthquakes in India and their impact
India Meteorological Department's earthquake reports
Disaster relief set-up in India
Major earthquakes across the world in recent times
A post-quake volunteer's unusual tryst with the departed
Earthquake News: Web site offering comprehensive news, information and features
Earthquake site map
USGS: Earthquake Hazards Program

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