In Pakistan, 'It's a horror story that doesn't end.'

The following telephone interview with Church World Service (CWS) Pakistan/Afghanistan director Marvin Parvez was written by CWS staff member Chris Herlinger on Oct. 11 in New York. The Church of the Brethren has given $50,000 to CWS for work in Pakistan following the earthquake, through a grant from the General Board's Emergency Disaster Fund.

"'This is going to be the one remembered as the earthquake that killed the children,' said Church World Service (CWS) Pakistan/Afghanistan director Marvin Parvez.

"Parvez is on the scene helping coordinate the CWS response to the calamitous earthquake that has killed more than 20,000 persons. Parvez said one report from Pakistan on Oct. 11 estimated the toll could climb to 80,000 fatalities.

"While there are occasional bits of good news about rescued survivors--as he spoke to CWS New York staff, Parvez received 'beautiful news' of four children being rescued from a school--reports from the scene have otherwise been extremely bleak.

"'There are recovered bodies of children being set outside of schools, ready for burial. As a parent, this is very difficult to see,' Parvez said.

"He added, 'It's a horror story that doesn't end. You find yet another village that has been flattened by this earthquake.' Efforts to rescue survivors or retrieve bodies are being hampered by the inaccessibility of remote rural villages. 'These villages are in mountainous regions where there no roads,' he said.

"Parvez urged support for CWS efforts to provide shelter to earthquake survivors, saying there is 'tremendous need right now. People have lost their homes and need shelter. People are very scared and they can't afford to lose any more loved ones.'

"In addition to support, Parvez, a United Methodist, asked for prayer from US Christians and supporters of CWS efforts in Pakistan. 'We need prayers for parents who lost their children,' he said, 'and for children who lost their parents.'"

Source: 10/14/2005 Newsline Special Report
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