Pakistan Quake News

Quake Triggers Massive Displacement

50,000 quake victims have migrated from the quake areas to Islamabad, and it's estimated another 100,000 people will migrate within the next month. Some are in camps, others are renting homes, driving up the rental prices.

Construction Materials Responsible for Quake Deaths

Kashmiris blame their switch from traditional, light-weight wood and straw buildings, to concrete for the massive destruction. "The traditional Kashmiri structures, made of wooden poles, straw and light beams in teh roofs, did the least damage. The largest number of people died when they were trapped under heavy concrete," said Shabbir, 79. "We know the terrain of this area and what our elders said. They had experienced earthquakes before. But the young do not listen."

US Aid Flights Not Dependent on UN Donations

The UN's statement of a shortfall which will impact aid to the stricken areas will not affect US flights and humanitarian activities, which are independent of UN efforts, says the US Central Command. Since the three weeks since the quake, 24 US helicopters have flown more than 930 sorties into the quake-stricken regions, delivering over 4 million lbs. of supplies and evacuating more than 3,000 people. The US plans to increase the number of helicopters carrying out these missions.