Islamabad, Pakistan, Nov 23, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Catholic leaders in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir are gathering their resources to build an orphanage after the devastating earthquake Oct. 8 left more than 73,000 people dead.
Bishop Anthony Lobo of Islamabad-Rawalpindi told Aid to the Church in Need that he has been inundated with requests to help the scores of youngsters who have lost parents or who are in need of extra support. He said plans for orphanage are still in the early states and a location has not yet been confirmed.
The bishop said a team of Church-led volunteers, with expert knowledge of the Kashmir region, had unique access to areas largely inaccessible to many relief workers and would be able to find youngsters most in need of help.
Aid to the Church in Need had responded within days of the disaster with emergency aid, including basic food, tents and blankets.