[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 134 (Thursday, October 20, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




MOURNING LOSS OF LIFE CAUSED BY EARTHQUAKE THAT OCCURRED ON OCTOBER 8, 
                      2005, IN PAKISTAN AND INDIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 18, 2005

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was not able to be here to 
vote on this important measure. Sadly, I was attending the funeral of 
one of my constituents, a young Marine named Sergio Escobar, who died 
October 7 while serving our Nation in Iraq. But I want to take this 
opportunity to join my colleagues in expressing my condolences to all 
of those who have been affected by the massive earthquake that struck 
Southeast Asia on October 8, 2005.
  The effects of this 7.6 magnitude earthquake have been devastating. 
At least 38,000 lives have been lost, with the death toll continuing to 
rise. Nearly 3 million people have been left homeless and are living in 
tents or on open ground in freezing temperatures. In some areas, entire 
villages have been buried in rubble. The Pakistani government estimates 
$5 billion in damages to its infrastructure.
  The areas worst hit by the earthquake, Pakistan-administered Kashmir 
and the NorthWest Frontier province, are in remote, mountainous 
regions. According to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of 
Humanitarian Affairs, the terrain presents a logistical challenge 
unprecedented for any humanitarian operation. There is an urgent need 
for additional helicopters to deliver supplies and evacuate victims. 
Meanwhile, thousands of people are awaiting rescue, food, and medical 
attention.
  The United States has rushed food and medical supplies to the region, 
and has committed $50 million in initial aid for the relief and 
reconstruction effort. Nations around the globe have sent rescue 
workers, search and rescue dogs, tents, and equipment. Private aid 
organizations are also dispatching volunteers and assistance. Together, 
I know that we can make a difference and help people rebuild their 
lives.
  Tragedies such as this earthquake and last year's horrific tsunami 
remind us that we must help one another--both before tragedies strike 
and also once rebuilding has begun. Nations were very generous in 
offering help for victims of Hurricane Katrina and I pledge to work 
with thy colleagues in Congress to ensure that our friends in India and 
Pakistan have what they need to recover from this tragic event.
  My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their 
families.

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