On the morning of the 8th October 2005 the most devastating
earthquake to hit northern Pakistan and Kashmir for years caused
extensive damage to life property and the infrastructure. Measuring 7.6
on the Richter scale entire villages and communities were wiped out.
Over 74 000 people died and more than 3 million people were left
homeless with winter approaching. Hundreds of thousands of families
were left living in poor shelters unable to withstand the bitter cold
temperatures. Families were and still are living in tents with no
heating facilities few clothing or bedding to keep them warm.
It&rsquos a constant battle for survival everyday. Many observers
and aid consultants have stated that the Pakistan/Kashmir earthquake is
much worse than the Tsunami disaster to deal with because of the tough
terrain making logistics a nightmare for the government and the aid
agencies.
Human Appeal International&rsquos initial response to the Earthquake
Human Appeal International (HAI) reacted immediately in responding
to the needs of the survivors of the earthquake by providing food water
medical assistance temporary shelter and winterised quilts. HAI field
staff were on the ground within 2-3 days of the earthquake as many
routes were blocked due to huge landslides.
HAI set up ten tent villages in the affected areas of Muzaffarabad
Bagh and Rawalakot. A total of 962 families benefited across 10
villages receiving food parcels blankets and tents. HAI has built 1 000
permanent shelters in six selected villages high up in the mountains
where few other international charities have reached.
Human Appeal School in Muzaffarabad
Tragically many of the victims have been children due to majority of
them being in school when the earthquake struck at 08:53 am. Aid
agencies estimate that around 20 000 children have been killed. A whole
generation has been wiped out and the future of the Kashmiri people
seems uncertain.
Human Appeal International established the largest school in
Muzaffarabad. The total number of pupils is 397 and this figure is sure
to rise as more parents become aware of the HAI School. The HAI School
runs several classes catering for children from the ages of 3 to 12
years. The HAI teachers are very committed and are working tirelessly
on extra-curricular activities to help the children overcome the trauma
of the earthquake itself and loss of family members friends and
neighbours.
3 Years On: The Pakistan Earthquake
Our team from UK is currently visiting
Pakistan and in partial is assessing the situation 3 years on from the
devastating earthquake!
Urgently Needed:
- Permanent Shelters.
- Forms of Income Generation to earn a livelihood.
- Cattle (Cows Goats Sheep etc).
- Clothing & Blankets for the upcoming harsh December winter.
- Basic Supplies Medical Camps.
- Orphans to be sponsored.
- Clean Water provisions such as hand pumps.