Working in Pakistan since 2005, Handicap International has decided to take immediate action to assist people affected by the devastating floods that have struck the northwest of the country.
Over the last three days, the Khyber region of Pakhtunkhwa has been hit by the most disastrous floods seen in Pakistan since 1929. More than 3 million people have been affected by the disaster, which has so far claimed more than 1,500 lives. In many areas, all means of communication are currently cut. The three districts of Charsadda, Nowshera and Swat are the most severely affected and many areas are completely inaccessible to humanitarian aid.
Present in the country since the earthquake in 2005, Handicap International runs several projects and has previously launched two large-scale emergency missions in Pakistan, most recently in 2009 after 3 million people fled from fighting in the Swat valley. We have a significant presence in the regions affected by the flooding.
Our Emergency Response Department is working with our team in Pakistan to set up an emergency response and the coordination of aid with other organisations. The amount and type of relief provided will be based on the outcome of an assessment currently underway. Handicap International has released £83,000 of funds to enable a quick emergency response. Priority will be given to ensuring victims have access to water and basic needs (blankets, shelters, etc...), as well as the provision of healthcare.
Handicap International currently has a team of around 150 people on the ground in Pakistan, six of whom are expatriate staff. Our team supports vulnerable people affected by the internal conflict, by providing healthcare, mobility aids, and psychosocial services, as well as kits to meet their basic needs. In addition, we are renovating and/or building new healthcare facilities that are accessible to people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. We also educate populations at risk from the danger of unexploded devices. Handicap International is now making every effort to assist victims of the flood and meet their immediate needs.
Contacts at Handicap International UK
Tom Shelton, Phone: +44 (0)20 7922 7949; tom.shelton@hi-uk.org
Beatrice Cami, Mobile: +44 (0)7525 101026; beatrice.cami@hi-uk.org
Notes to editors
Handicap International is an independent international aid organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. Working alongside people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, our action and testimony are focused on responding to their essential needs, improving their living conditions and promoting respect for their dignity and fundamental rights. Since its beginnings in 1982, Handicap International has gone on to work in over 60 countries worldwide and our work has benefited several million people in that time.
Our organisation has built up extensive expertise in emergency situations, including in El Salvador and India (2001), Iran (2004), Pakistan (2005), Indonesia (2005 and 2009), China (2008 and 2010), and Haiti (2010) to mention just our most recent operations.
