Earthquakes shake the North-West Frontier

Current Situation: The worst hit areas are the Kaghan Valley, Knosh and Mansehra district. Some 400 houses are completely destroyed and many hundreds are partially damaged. Basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, gas and telephone lines are badly damaged.

Snow, landslides and the worsening cold weather are hampering relief efforts. Thousands of people are without shelter and remain exposed to the severe elements. Children and the elderly are most vulnerable in this situation. There is urgent need of tents, blankets, warm clothes and food for affected communities.

According to the government officials the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) were busy clearing the road at Jaraid and other parts of the valley. The health departments have sent a mobile team to Jaraid to provide first aid to the earthquake victims

ACT member Church World Service Pakistan/Afghanistan (CWS P/A) is planning a rapid response in the area of Mansehra - where they have had a fully operational office for the last 22 years. They plan to assist 100 of the most vulnerable families in the area with shelter kits and food packages. The shelter kit will comprise 1 tent, one plastic sheet, one ground sheet and 2 blankets per family. The food kits will contain supplies of wheat, pulses, cooking oil, tea, sugar and salt for one month. Criteria for selection will be those whose houses are totally destroyed, widows and female headed households and families with disabled members. Total costs for the intervention is estimated at around US$ 24,500. An RRF appeal is forthcoming.

Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jessie Kgoroeadira, ACT Finance Officer (jkg@act-intl.org). Thank you.