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Pakistan:
Red Cross Red Crescent redoubles efforts to bring winterized shelter
to earthquake survivors 8 December 2005 Two months on since a massive earthquake hit Pakistan, killing more than 73,000 people, injuring over 100,000 and leaving some three million homeless, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is redoubling its efforts to deliver winterized tents and other shelter materials to survivors as temperatures plummet to below freezing in the mountainous areas of the North West Frontier Provinces (NWFP). To date, the Pakistan Red Crescent, with support from the International Federation, has distributed some 25,000 tents, 28,000 tarpaulins, nearly 171,000 blankets and 20,000 quilts to some 200,000 people in the affected areas around Balakot, Batagram, Garhi Habibullah and Mansehra. Nearly 56,000 people have received medical care from Red Cross Red Crescent medical teams and field hospitals, and some 39,000 people have been ensured access to clean water in Batagram, Maira and Balakot. Another 17,000 durable, winterized tents, designed to survive the harsh winter, will be distributed in the coming three weeks. Although heavy rains and snowfall in the mountains are hampering the emergency operation, Red Cross Red Crescent relief teams continue to be airlifted to isolated villages in the remote districts of Kohistan and the Allai Valley. They distribute winterized tents, blankets, tarpaulins, family hygiene kits and basic medicines. Over the past three weeks the Federation has succeeded in reaching 14 villages, and helping 7,447 additional survivors in these remote areas. Other teams are distributing relief items by road, using jeeps and donkeys, and when necessary, are hiking into the mountains to reach the remotest communities. “We believe there are survivors in remote villages which have still not received any assistance. We must reach them before people start dying because of exposure to harsh weather conditions, especially children and the elderly,” underlines Flemming Nielsen, the Federation’s Head of Operations in Pakistan. “We are committed to continue our support to the Pakistan Red Crescent’s relief operation and our distribution of emergency goods to remote communities.” “We are also beginning to engage with our partners in the long-term recovery and reconstruction planning process. Based on our international experience we know that the relief and recovery activities need to take place simultaneously.” adds Nielsen. During the winter months, the Federation will develop programmes to provide survivors with shelter materials and tools for rebuilding, their own homes as well as with psychological support to help them overcome the trauma of the disaster. The Federation’s appeal for Pakistan earthquake victims, launched on 25 October, for 152 million Swiss francs (USD 117 million or EUR 98 million) is now 63% covered. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Arzu Ozsoy, Information Delegate, Islamabad Tel: + 92 301 524 9672 Siân Bowen, Manager, Media Unit, Geneva Tel: + 41 22 730 44 28 /+ 41 79 217 33 88 Marie-Françoise Borel, Information Officer, Geneva Tel: + 41 22 730 43 46 /+ 41 79 217 33 45 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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