Agencies get together to help earthquake victims
Authorities across Bradford met yesterday to discuss measures to help those affected by the earthquake in South Asia.
Representatives from Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police and the primary care trusts looked at a range of responses to provide practical help to the area affected.
A partnership has been set up to enable the district to play its part in the relief effort, with support from the Government, co-ordinated by the Department for International Development. The authorities will also be using their existing links with the Kashmir area to get a full picture of what help is needed and appropriate.
This could include sending skilled workers, such as teachers, engineers, primary care health workers, child and family support workers, workers with the vulnerable elderly and environmental health officers to the earthquake zone, as has previously happened in other emergencies.
In a joint statement, they said: "We recognise that Bradford has many links to this area, and we have employees that have the skills to help, some of whom speak the language.
"We will be working with the Government, the Indian High Commissioner and the Consul of Pakistan to get a clear understanding of what is needed and how we can help.
"It is inconceivable that we wouldn't seek to support the aid efforts in this area, both immediately and in the long-term."
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