FOCUS works to reach affectees in remote areas

Is collaborating with NGOs like AKDN to airlift locals injured in earthquake.

GILGIT: For people who were affected by the recent earthquake in the north of the country, cold weather and accessibility are the foremost challenges, said experts on Sunday.

“People are suffering and are very anxious about the likelihood of extreme weather conditions,” FOCUS Pakistan Executive Officer Nusrat Nasab was quoted as saying in a statement issued on Sunday. “Collective effort is required to provide emergency assistance and to make sure supplies reach communities in inaccessible areas.”  Nasab added they are working closely with the authorities, United Nations, international NGOs and institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to provide emergency assistance
and supplies.

Of necessity

Not only are goods being supplied but emergency operation centres have also been set up in Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad by AKDN to support the local teams trained by FOCUS. “The AKDN helicopter is being used for evacuation and relief efforts, including airlifting the injured, dispatching medical teams and medicine in Chitral.”

Moreover, according to the handout, teams were surveying affected areas in the north to compile detailed assessment reports to identify immediate needs of the stranded and affected population.

Presently, the immediate priorities and needs of the affected people that have been identified include provision of cold-proof tents, blankets, medicines and food packages. All of these are part of FOCUS’ response plan.

The endeavours made by FOCUS were lauded on Saturday by G-B Disaster Management Authority Director General Asim Raza at a press briefing.  “The NGO has supplied relief goods in disaster prone valleys, including Ghizer.” According to the G-B DMA, at least 14 people were killed and 92 others were injured in quake-related incidents across the area.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2015.