Mississauga, ON—Flights carrying this week's shipment of emergency supplies from World Vision warehouses are taking off this week from around the world. Much-needed items will be heading to Islamabad, Pakistan from Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Hanover, Germany.

"Emergency supplies pre-positioned for such emergencies are now being readied for shipment," says Dave Toycen, president of World Vision Canada. "This week's flights will be carrying more than 30,000 blankets and more than 1,500 winterized tents that can hold up to 5 people."

Aid trucks have already arrived in Mansehra from World Vision Pakistan's operations base in the capital Islamabad and from Lahore. This first shipment includes 1,000 blankets, 1,000 tents, 1,000 cases of 12 x 1litre water bottles and 2,000 burial cloths and are being distributed to quake survivors in the North West Frontier Province, which observers say appears to have been 'carpet bombed'.

"World Vision staff who have been out in the field said that as bodies keep coming in, most of them are children. It is heartrending." says World Vision Pakistan National Director Sigurd Hanson.

"The water and sanitation system has been completely destroyed. The river waters are dirty from mud and this is now undrinkable. Women, who culturally would usually be indoors, were sitting outside.  These women have no homes. I saw many girls walking and crying", said Ijaz Ahmad, Human Resources Manager, who assessed the needs for Mansehra town and district on Sunday.

"Our hearts go out to the many families who are struggling for survival and suffering with grief in the region," says Toycen.

World Vision's initial commitment is to raise $1 million towards immediate emergency relief. Canadians wishing to contribute to World Vision's earthquake response can call
1-800-268-5528 or click here to donate online.

As Canada's largest relief and development agency, World Vision's passion is to help children and their communities transform their lives by fighting poverty and injustice.  Since 1950, we have been providing hope for children in nearly 100 countries.  We are motivated by God's love for all people regardless of race, religion or gender.