Oxfam teams present in South Asia, ready to respond to powerful earthquake

A strong earthquake in northern Afghanistan shook buildings from Kabul to Delhi today, cutting power and communications in some areas and causing a steadily rising number of deaths, mainly in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Oxfam teams are present in all the affected south Asian countries. They are gathering all possible information as of this minute. Oxfam's crisis response will depend on the severity of the earthquake and people's need for aid and support.

Julie Delahanty, Executive Director of Oxfam Canada, said:

"Having lived for many years in Pakistan and frequently traveling to the region, I know how challenging relief efforts will be. I have been speaking this morning with friends and colleagues in Pakistan to begin to determine the extent of the damage. But it will be many days and weeks before we can know the extent, given the difficulty reaching most of the affected areas. Oxfam is on the ground working quickly to assess the needs and begin to respond. Our thoughts are with all of those affected."

For more information, and for interview requests for Julie Delahanty:

Melanie Gallant
Media Relations Officer
cell: 613-240-3047