Church Sends Relief in Wake of Earthquake, Hurricane The Church continues to provide relief assistance and to assess member needs in areas harmed by natural disasters. A 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit the region bordering Pakistan, northern India, and Afghanistan on October 8, causing tens of thousands of fatalities. The category 1 hurricane, Hurricane Stan, which struck Mexico and Central America on October 6, caused significant destruction and sustained flooding. The Church is directing its attention to accounting for all members and filling their needs and the needs of others. Pakistan, India, Afghanistan Earthquake Destructive The 7.6 magnitude earthquake is estimated to have taken 20,000 to 30,000 lives, leaving 42,000 people injured and 4 million homeless. Substantial aftershocks and rain persist in the disaster areas. All missionaries in the affected areas were reported safe, and there are no reported member injuries or fatalities. Several member homes in Faisalabad, Pakistan, sustained minor damage. The meetinghouse in Taxila, Pakistan, near Islamabad, also received minor damage. Asia Area Church representatives recently met with Pakistani officials in Hong Kong. The Church has also contacted Islamic Relief Worldwide, a Muslim humanitarian organization with which the Church has previously worked. Islamic Relief agreed to provide transportation for Church-donated goods, such as blankets, clothing, first aid, and medical supplies. In Muzaffarabad, Pakistan, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, 17,000 deaths and the destruction of 50 percent of the buildings have been reported. Approximately 1,000 deaths occurred in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. Many of the deaths were caused when schools collapsed. In India, an estimated 600 to 1,000 people died, mainly in Indian-administered Kashmir. More than 1,000 buildings are thought to have sustained damage. India has not requested international assistance. In Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, four deaths are reported. Other Afghani provinces near Pakistan report some injuries and structural damage. Church Assists Hurricane Stan, Flood Victims Hurricane Stan hit parts of Mexico and Central America on Thursday, but continuous flooding and the resulting 900 mudslides have hindered recovery efforts. All missionaries are reported safe, but one member died in Mexico and another is reported dead in Guatemala. A more complete report of member status is not yet available because 40 communities where members live are inaccessible due to flooding and mudslides. Almost 200 member families in Guatemala have been evacuated. Nearly 2,200 members and others have found shelter in 18 meetinghouses in Guatemala. Plans are being made to provide food immediately to the people in those buildings. Food supplies in Guatemala are scarce. In El Salvador, nine meetinghouses are serving as shelters for 125 members. Member needs in Mexico and Central America continue to be assessed. The Church has allocated funds for Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador to address emergency needs. Additionally, 6,000 boxes of food, water, and clothing have been sent to storm victims in southern Mexico. A cargo plane hauling food is scheduled to arrive in Guatemala on Wednesday. The Church will continue to assess and try to meet the needs of members and others affected by the hurricane. A meetinghouse in Tapachula, Mexico, sustained major storm damage. Three other meetinghouses in Mexico, three meetinghouses in Guatemala, and two meetinghouses in El Salvador sustained less substantial damage. More detailed reports are being compiled. The excessive flooding has damaged homes and property and wiped out bridges. Of the approximately 900 mudslides throughout the region, 400 are reported as severe. More than 118 communities are isolated and inaccessible due to storm-related conditions.