South Asia's deadly quake.

A powerful earthquake shook South Asia on October 8, killing more than 30,000 people. More than 40,000 were injured.

The 7.6-magnitude quake, which wiped out several villages, did the most damage in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-controlled Kashmir (see map). Northern Pakistan and parts of India and Afghanistan were also hit hard.

It was the worst disaster to strike the area in 100 years. With countless houses and apartment buildings destroyed, an estimated 2.5 million people were left homeless.

A relief officer at the scene said that the death toll was expected to rise significantly. "This could get very close to tsunami levels," he told CNN. "It's horrific."

Early relief efforts were stalled by hailstorms and landslides in northern Pakistan, where dirt roads snake through the Himalaya mountain ranges. Pakistan's army flew food, water, and medicine into remote villages, which could only be reached by helicopter.

A History of Unrest

India and Pakistan have been bitter enemies since India was partitioned (separated) into two countries in 1947, after centuries of British rule. India is largely Hindu, and Pakistan is mostly Muslim.

After the partition, Kashmir's Hindu ruler signed his power over to India, but this angered Muslims in Pakistan. Although the countries have since fought two wars over Kashmir, the land remains divided. Many Kashmiris have been caught in the crossfire.

After the earthquake, India and Pakistan put aside their differences. Pakistan reluctantly agreed to accept food, medicine, and other supplies from India for quake survivors.

In another encouraging sign, rebel groups in Indian-controlled Kashmir called for a temporary cease-fire. Islamic rebels there have been fighting for 16 years for independence from India or union with Pakistan.

"Calamities don't recognize borders," a rebel leader told The Christian Science Monitor after the quake. "These are man-made borders."

The U.S., which considers Pakistan an ally in battling terrorists, has pledged up to $50 million in aid. U.S. troops based in nearby Afghanistan have also flown in supplies to earthquake victims.