WASHINGTON, Oct 17: The US Congress has demanded raise in financial aid for quake victims in Pakistan from $50 million to $1 billion. US Congressman Joseph Crowley in a letter said that aid of $50 million given by US for the rehabilitation of earthquake survivors was an initial step and urged the Congress to increase amount.

Pakistan is in dire need of big aid for the reconstruction of its affected areas, he has said.

Pakistan and India are US’s allies and it is the responsibility of (US) to fully help two countries in this critical time, Mr Crowley added.

The US lawmaker opined that provision of shelter to quake victims must be given priority so that they could be shifted to their tents before the starting of winter.

He said that precautionary measures must also be taken to prevent the spread of diseases in the affected areas.

—Online