Survivor unrest forces UN to stop quake aid

Published on Saturday 7 January 2006 12:23

THE United Nations today suspended aid missions to two areas in Pakistan's Kashmir region after dozens of earthquake survivors stormed two UN helicopters demanding an airlift out of the devastated area.

And the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of more snowfall over the next 72 hours, days after heavy storms dumped more than 6.5 feet of snow in some areas of Kashmir and north-western Pakistan, causing the suspension of helicopter flights and aid deliveries to survivors of the October 8 quake.

Yesterday, more than 50 survivors commandeered two UN helicopters, forcing the pilots to take them to Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and Abbottabad - a hub for relief activities. One air safety officer was assaulted in the incident.

Helicopters are vital for the mammoth relief effort, particularly after heavy snows this week blocked roads in the region.