GFA provides relief to earthquake–hit Kashmir

New Delhi – Gospel for Asia (GFA), a U.S.–based mission group is closely monitoring the earthquake–hit Kashmir region of northern India and has rushed relief aids to the survivors.

The October 8 earthquake that rocked South Asia, killing over 80,000 people in Pakistan alone and rendering millions homeless, has claimed over 500 lives in the heavily militarized and politically sensitive region of Kashmir.

According to GFA, a relief team, comprising of 15 missionaries and church members, has been working "non–stop” in freezing winter temperatures.

“The team recently entered a small village where 400 houses were destroyed and over 50 people died.” The mission group said. “Everything around is devastated and in ruins.”

“The condition of the people is terrible,” it added. “Many have been emotionally affected by the earthquake. They are crying and weeping for their loved ones, and many come to our tents for refuge. Our presence is a source of comfort.”

“Cold and rainy weather has made our relief work more challenging and difficult but we are continuing to distribute daily food packets and a doctor and two nurses are always on hand to provide medical aid,” it claimed.

Though the area is “unsafe,” the GFA relief team is diligently tending to the needs of the locals and distributing medical and humanitarian aids. However, outbreak of diseases has forced some team members to stop their work, the mission group said.

GFA has also reported that though none of its students at the GFA Bible College in Jammu state were injured by the earthquake, yet, they have been forced to evacuate the building as it is no longer safe. “Several students have also become sick, and all are feeling the additional stress of studying for upcoming exams,” it said.