'More deaths await South Asia'

2005-10-30 12:00

Garhi Habibullah - Unicef's chief warned on Sunday that thousands more people could die in South Asia's quake-stricken region from disease, diarrhoea and injuries if more aid doesn't arrive.

During her first tour of the quake-ravaged Pakistani portion of Kashmir, Unicef executive director Ann Veneman said deaths from the massive October 8 quake, which killed an estimated 80 000 people, could rise even higher if survivors don't get medical treatment, tents and blankets.

"The fear is that we could lose thousands of people additionally to diarrhea, disease and injuries that are not treated," she told The Associated Press.

"It's absolutely urgent that as much aid gets in as possible. This is an area that will get much colder as the winter comes and the people are going to need shelter and blankets."

Veneman also said she was concerned about the plight of children, who comprised more than half of the quake's victims.

"We are very concerned about the health of the children and very concerned that we don't lose more children as a result of the aftermath of this tragedy," she said.

- SAPA