Rain, Snow and Freezing Temperatures Hamper the Pakistan/Kashmir Relief Efforts
Winter weather interferes with delivery of relief supplies to high elevations, but progress is being made. Health concerns and nutrition are priorities.
Church World Service Reports From Pakistan/Kashmir: Relief and Rehabilitation Efforts Continue During Winter Survivors and relief agents and organizations are struggling against snow, rain and temperatures which fall to minus 15 – 20 degrees Celsius in the higher elevations. The U.N. estimates that up to 400,000 people are in higher areas which are increasingly difficult to reach with food and shelter supplies. Helicopters have been grounded for days at a time.
News media reports document the dangers of inhabiting tents in winter: some efforts to heat the tents have resulted in fires which destroyed the tents and injured or killed its occupants; there are significant reports of respiratory illnesses due to exposure to cold; and some tents have collapsed under the weight of the snow that had fallen. In the spring, when the harsh weather conditions relent, the focus will shift toward rebuilding. Global Ministries is encouraging supporters to contribute toward the relief and rehabilitation efforts: $72 for Family Food Packages (contains wheat flour, rice, beans, cooking oil, sugar, tea, salt, matches and soap) $172 for Emergency Shelter Kits (contains family sized tent, ground sheet, plastic sheet, iron poles and blankets) $601 for House Reconstruction Kits (contains cement, iron beams, windows, doors and tin sheeting) The CWS/ACT Appeal for relief to Pakistan/Kashmir is $22 million. Make a donation through Week of Compassion |