China hands over relief goods to Pakistan Army

PESHAWAR—A convoy of 163 trucks loaded with 13000 tents for earthquake affectees reached Pakistan from China via Karkoram Highway and were handed over to Pakistan Army early Thursday morning.
The tents have been donated by Peoples Republic of China, says an ISPR press release.
As many as 7000 tents were dispatched to the quake hit areas of Azad Kashmir whereas 6000 tents will be distributed in the affected areas of NWPF. A 13-member Chinese delegation handed over relief goods to military authorities at Besham. Army authorities thanked Chinese government for the generous donation.
Meanwhile, relief and rehabilitations activities have been further expedited in the disaster struck areas of NWFP and Pakistan Army is focusing on providing cover to maximum affectees from cold weather.
International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) and an NGO with the help of Pakistan Army have made special arrangements for provision of winter tentage to the survivors. Two different types of tents each for a family with sleeping bags, stove, blankets, plastic sheets and tool kits are being distributed at Jabra, Hangrai and Naran Valley.
Special sorties of MI-17 are being flown to transport Corrugated Galvanized (CGI) sheets for construction of shelters in the affected areas 5000 feet above sea level. Army Engineers have so far received 6300 sheets from GHQ Engineers Directorate and some non governmental organizations.
Army Engineers are providing training to locals and volunteers about construction of shelters made of CGI sheets. The Engineers have completed construction of 425 shelters in high altitude areas, including 250 in Batgram, 75 in Balakot, 89 in Shinkiari and 11 in Garhi Haibiullah while 367 more shelters are under construction in these areas.
Army supply and transport (S&T) battalion have made arrangements for transportation of cattle heads with migrating families. Fodder for animals is being arranged whereas to put an end to the exploitation of migrating families, S&T Battalion is making arrangements to set up livestock market in Naran Valley where migrating families could sale their cattle heads on competitive prices.
Meanwhile, Army Aviation continued air operations and carried out 79 sorties from Main Operatioal Base (MOB) Mansehra to various locations in affected areas of NWFP. The helicopters airlifted 20.5 tons of supplies including tents, blankets, quilts, dry ration and medicines. Twelve more sorties were flown from PAF Base Shaklala to drop relief goods in quake hit areas of the province.
The United Nations MI-8 helicopters also airlifted 6 tons of tarpaulin and 4 tons of food in Jared and Bari areas.
Pakistan Army also dispatched 29 trucks loaded with relief goods to Chattar Plain, distributed 1767 tents, 8460 blankets, 31 trapaulin and 81,867 kilograms food items at its distribution points in Garhi Habibullah, Balakot, Batgram, Battal, Shinkiari and Darband. Rescue parties delivered 28,491 kilogramme relief goods, 904 tents, 3110 blankets and quilts to the affectees living in far flung areas.—APP

China donates mobile hospital to Pakistan

BEIJING—China International Research and Rescue (CISAR) donated its mobile hospital to serve the people of Balakot.
The hospital was brought to the Balkot by the CISAR to treat the local people, who had sustained severe injuries during the earthquake disaster.
The donation was made after operating the mobile hospital by a 41-member Chinese medical team for about 18 days. An official of the CISAR told APP on their return home Thursday that the mobile hospital treated more than 2,000 patients and dispatched medical teams to villages in mountainous areas.
President Pervez Musharraf specially visited the hospital during his inspection tour of Balakot. The official said the team has gained positive appraisal from the people and international rescue organizations with its high-quality medical service and sincere attitude.—APP