Red Cross seeks aid for Pakistan quake victims

GENEVA, Mar 29 (Reuters) The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today appealed for 77 million dollars to help earthquake victims rebuild their communities in Pakistan.

The Federation, which groups 183 national Red Cross and Red Crescent member societies, said the funds would improve healthcare, rebuild homes and schools, and prepare affected villages for future landslides, floods or earthquakes.

More than 73,000 people were killed and 3.5 million made homeless when a huge earthquake struck northern Pakistan in October. With winter ending, the Geneva-based Federation said needs there had shifted from immediate relief to reconstruction.

It said it would provide durable shelters for as many as 10,000 vulnerable families who may be unable to benefit from a Pakistan government scheme designed to allow individuals to rebuild their own homes through cash grants.

Reuters KD DB2207