|
Pakistani earthquake victims need more aid to come in quickly
Written by
Arzu Ozsoy
, Special to Redcross.org/Courtesy of IFRC
Tuesday, November 08, 2005 — BALAKOT, Pakistan – “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. Eight percent 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.
“Approximately 200,000 people have not been reached as they are mostly in inaccessible areas," said Mr. Jahandad Khan. "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.”
This article, which was originally published on Nov. 7, 2005, appears courtesy of the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies.
A Note Regarding In-Kind Donations
Please remember that the American Red Cross is not able to accept small, individual donations or collections of items for emergency relief supplies. The decision to transport bulk donations from the U.S. is based solely on the needs identified by the relief operation and the availability of local resources. If you represent a company wishing to offer supplies in bulk, please contact your local Red Cross chapter.
You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year, crises like the Myanmar Cyclone and China Earthquake, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation by either contacting 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
Related Links:
Related Content:
|
