“Eid
Mubarak!” people say to each other on a traditional day
of festivity in Pakistan. However there are no happy faces during
family reunions this time, if there is a reunion at all.
The streets are not painted with colorful flowers for Eid this
year. Instead of joyful music on the streets, there is noise
coming from bulldozers and big machines clearing debris. There
is no festive spirit in Pakistan at all.
Almost every household is in deep grief as they are still mourning
and strongly feeling the pain of losing loved ones.
Balakot, meaning high lands in Urdu, is one of the worst-affected
areas in North West Frontier Province. 80% of the town’s
population of about 30,000 is estimated to have died. During
his trip to Balakot, Mr. Niskala together with Mr.Jahandad Khan,
Chairman of Pakistan Red Crescent called on both individuals
and governments to pay more attention to the urgent needs of
victims which have not been met due to lack of funding.
Mr. Jahandad Khan said “approximately 200,000 people have
not been reached as they are mostly in inaccessible areas. Those
who live outside when the temperature falls into minus degrees
at night desperately need immediate shelter, food and basic
health care. “
A harsh winter is expected with strong winds and officials fear
the extreme cold climate itself could claim more lives unless
winterized tents, more blankets and heaters are provided to
the communities in need.
“We hope governments, private sectors and individuals
will show their generosity and help us to meet the primary needs
of the communities so that people will have tents to live in
and blankets to keep warm.” said Mr Niskala.
Mr. Jahandad Khan echoed the same sentiment
“Fast approaching winter might claim more lives. Right
now shelter, medical care and clean water are our key priorities.”
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During
his trip to Balakot, Mr. Niskala together with Mr.Jahandad
Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Red Crescent called on both
individuals and governments to pay more attention to the
urgent needs of victims which have not been met due to
lack of funding. (p13445)
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