The massive earthquake that struck South Asia in October 2005 caused widespread destruction and displacement. With a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale, it was the worst natural disaster to hit the region in decades. As a result of the quake, more than 75,000 people were killed, 80,000 injured, and over 2.5 million people were left homeless. OIN immediately deployed an emergency relief team to Pakistan within hours. While still in the emergency phases of the disaster, OIN launched long-term recovery and restoration programs to help local people restore both their livelihoods and communities through shelter construction, provision of educational facilities and health programs.

Although many survivors have returned home and begun the slow process of rebuilding their communities, the needs are great. This hugh disaster has left hundreds and thousands homeless, many of whom are orphans. Communities have been shattered, whole towns and villages wiped out completely. The disaster not only brought human destruction but took the lives of livestock which were the livlihood of these communities. Schools and buidlings were destroyed because they were not earthquake resistant. The recovery process will take many years, the mental scars even longer.

Projects supported by Orphans in Need emphasize long-term relief work, rebuilding shattered communities, and building earthquake-resistant housing, schools and infrastructure. We want to help those who are still suffering from mental traumas by providing long-term councilling and medical assistance by building hospitals and care facilities.