Handicap International has begun distributing humanitarian aid in the flood-affected areas of Pakistan. Present in the country since 2005, we were able to immediately mobilise our team in aid of the most vulnerable people.
Handicap International's teams in Pakistan have taken immediate action in response to the devastating floods - the worst since 1929 - that have struck the region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the north west of the country. The disaster has so far affected 4.5 million people, claiming more than 1,500 lives and destroying more than 150,000 homes. 550,000 people have been evacuated from Sind and Punjab provinces.
Our teams were already present in the north west of the country before the disaster, helping people displaced by the fighting between the Taliban and the Pakistani army in 2009. Handicap International decided on Monday to release £83,000 of funding to ensure action is taken immediately. Drinking water distribution will begin today (Friday 6th August). The distribution of emergency kits (blankets, shelters, etc.) has already begun and will be scaled up over the next few days in the districts of Swat and Kohat.
Avoiding cholera epidemics
Handicap International is focusing primarily on providing access to clean drinking water, a key factor in preventing the development of epidemics, particularly cholera, which can easily spread in a flood situation where water sources are contaminated. Our initial goal is to distribute clean drinking water to 100,000 people, requiring 200 rounds a month by water tankers. Water treatment tablets will also be distributed along with jerrycans for collecting and storing clean water.
Handicap International teams will give simple hygiene advice to the population that can help prevent the spread of epidemics. In addition, we will provide the most vulnerable people with temporary shelters (sheets), blankets, cooking kits* and hygiene kits**. Some 3,000 families will benefit, representing around 21,000 people in total. Our teams will also help clear up the waste and debris swept along by the floods, and remove stagnant water from towns, enabling the population to return and limiting the spread of disease.
Handicap International has been present in Pakistan since 2005, since the deadly earthquake that killed 73,000 people and seriously injured 69,000 others. 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.
*Cooking kits contain saucepans, stoves, cooking utensils, etc.
** Hygiene kits contain basic items such as towels, soap, toothpaste, tooth brushes, nappies, sanitary towels, rubbish bags, etc.)
