Quake weather worry for Marines

There is no fixed date for the marines to return home

Royal Marines from the South West who are helping victims of the October earthquake in Pakistan are keeping a wary eye on the weather.

Ten Royal Marine engineers from 42 Commando, based at Bickleigh Barracks near Plymouth, have been based in Kashmir for the past four weeks.

They are helping to build winter shelters for clinics and schools in isolated villages.

The marines hope severe conditions which have been forecast will hold off.

Day clinic

Harsh weather was predicted about two weeks ago, but despite freezing overnight temperatures, it has not yet materialised.

Pakistani authorities requested the help of the marines who are currently building two new shelters next to a hospital which was badly damaged in the disaster.

When completed, the shelters will be used as a pharmacy and a day clinic. A Royal Navy spokesman said there was no fixed return date for the marines, who will stay for as long as they are needed.