QUETTA: 20 January 2011 -- In certain parts of the
world earthquakes are commonplace, but news of anything
above 7 on the Richter scale deserved special interest. At
1.23 am on 19 January, a 7.2 (final estimate) earthquake
struck southern Pakistan. The quake was felt as a strong
tremor in New Delhi 1,300 kms away. 'Southern Pakistan' in
this case meant some 100 kms south of Quetta.
Fr Zago has written from Quetta (he was
actually in Karachi when the quake struck) indicating no
damage to persons or property. The same will be true
for Lahore. It appears that the quake was at a depth of
nearly 80 kms, which fortunately reduces the potential
damage to surface structures - and people. Something to be
grateful for. We recall the devastating North West Frontier
quake in 2005 which killed 73,000 people.
Meanwhile, let's not forget the aftermath
of the floods that ravaged the length of Pakistan some
months ago. Fr Miguel from Lahore is still actively engaged
in flood relief, and just in these days was to be found in
Hyderabad (Pak) talking to key military people with whom he
has liaised int he past to continue the efforts launched at
the time of the floods, especially in a region to the south
of Lahore.
We just want them to know that they are
not forgotten! _________________
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