FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance – News Update July 2007 – Pakistan

PAKISTAN

Helping affected families of Cyclone Yemyn in Keti Bunder

Cyclone Yemyn hit Pakistan’s coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan bringing incessant rain, winds and flooding and resulted in considerable loss of lives. Over half a million people were also affected. FOCUS Pakistan and Aga Khan Planning and Building Services (AKPBS) jointly conducted an immediate needs assessment, providing help in the form of food and non food relief items as well as temporary shelter to approximately 2,400 people. The District Nazim (mayor) of Thatta lauded the efforts of FOCUS and AKPBS and committed his support to relief programmes, including building additional homes and the rapid restoration of water supplies and electricity in the area. Both FOCUS and AKPBS will assist rehabilitation efforts by continuing to provide emergency food packages, building materials and specialised assistance respectively.

All three thousand people were saved due the timely actions of FOCUS-trained community volunteers Community volunteers help in Sonoghore Village

Sonoghore village in Pakistan’s North Western district of Chitral, was hit by a glacier break resulting in mud-flow which destroyed houses, fields and livestock. All three thousand people were saved due the timely actions of FOCUS-trained community volunteers. Under FOCUS’ hazard preparation programmes, the local team – including FOCUS’ regional Search and Rescue team – along with community members had previously established an evacuation route to ensure communities reached a safe location. In collaboration with local government, FOCUS provided food, kitchen items, tents, and blankets to families and is currently undertaking a detailed area risk assessment to help reduce future risk.

For further information, please contact your nearest FOCUS office whose details can be found under Contact. FOCUS. Source.