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. 

Despite the challenges presented by foul winter weather, Church World Service reports that progress is being made:  95% of the roads are clear, 75% of the water supplies have been restored and 70% of the electricity supply is restored.  The Pakistani Military has provided 150,000 tents and civilian organizations and nongovernmental organizations have provided another 70,000 for use at elevations below 5000 feet.  Medical Camps and Clinics have immunized nearly a million people against various diseases and the Ministry of Health has assigned special teams to look at the general hygiene, sanitation and quality of water being used in the camps.  Cash payments from the Government of Pakistan to those who lost homes or family members are helping many to start rebuilding their lives.  The World Food Program plans to do blanket supplementary feeding for 150,000 children who are considered to be at high risk.  Food has been pre-positioned for about 40 percent of the residents living at high altitudes.

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.
One Great Hour of Sharing and Week of Compassion are contributing to this appeal.  Please give generously!

Make a donation through Week of Compassion
Make a donation through One Great Hour of Sharing