Last week, 41 000 people were confirmed dead, 3,3 million homeless and 67 000 injured after what humanitarian organisations called the "worst natural disaster ever experienced in Pakistan".

The earthquake, which measured 7.6 on the Richter scale, was centred 95 kilometres north-east of the Pakistani capital Islamabad, and struck just as schools started.

Hundreds of schoolchildren were reportedly crushed by flattened schools and landslides.

Namibia Red Cross Society Secretary General Razia Kauaria said last week that the Namibian response was aiming to reach around N$10 million in aid.

"With this appeal we are not asking for generous donations," said Zainab Kizilbash, a Pakistani citizen who has worked in Namibia for the last two years "Only enough to show your concern, your support, and your recognition of South Asia's sorrow."

Recounting her memory of the day the quake happened, Kizilbash said she had switched on the television to see the results of the German elections, but was instead confronted with images of dead bodies, collapsed buildings and mass confusion.

"One of the images they repeatedly flashed was an enormous building two streets away from where my home is.

I immediately called to find out that my parents were fine.

I was one of the few lucky ones who didn't lose anything."

Kauaria said that like previous appeals, the South Asia appeal would be reviewed and audited by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, assuring people that their "money will really reach the people it was intended for".

In addition, Bank Windhoek has promised to waive all deposit fees for donations.

Bank Windhoek will also advertise the account details for anyone wishing to make a donation.

Account name: Namibia Red Cross Society Appeal Account Bank Windhoek, Account number: 1140765513 Branch code: 481972

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