Quake survivors needing protection for upcoming Winters
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—One year since the earthquake of 8th October 2005, hundreds of thousands of survivors are still living in temporary shelters that are inadequate to protect them from a fast approaching winter, 12 prominent international aid agencies have warned.
With snow already falling in the mountains, all responsible authorities need to take urgent steps to ensure that earthquake survivors are not exposed to another humanitarian crisis, the agencies said here on Thursday.
Last year’s earthquake left more than 73,000 people confirmed dead, a similar number injured and over three million homeless. Those involved in the recovery effort faced an enormous scale of destruction, logistical and environmental challenges, and huge demands on their human and technical resources.
Under such circumstances, the prevention of any secondary humanitarian disaster – such as a major outbreak of disease – has been a significant success. Thousands of people have left the relief camps to begin rebuilding their lives, their homes and their communities.
“A lot has been achieved in the past year thanks to the efforts of the Pakistani government, the Army, donors and aid agencies, plus the perseverance of the survivors and solidarity of the Pakistani people,” said Ifitkhar Ahmed Khalid, Deputy Country Representative of Oxfam GB, one of the humanitarian organisations.
The government recently admitted that only 17 percent of affected households had begun rebuilding their homes by mid-September. Hundreds of thousands still live in tents or light timber constructions and are not prepared for the coming winter months. Those in rural areas are especially vulnerable.
The government has very recently agreed to allow international agencies to distribute materials such as corrugated iron sheets to rural communities. Local authorities plan to upgrade facilities in camps and prepare them to accept more people displaced by winter conditions.
However, with snow already falling in some areas, the 12 aid agencies urge the government to take immediate action and to ensure effective winter preparedness in the following five areas:
The winter contingency plan for vulnerable populations and a strategy to provide adequate winterized shelter and relief for the thousands of people who have been unable to rebuild their homes must be implemented quickly and effectively.
There needs to be a clear strategy for the families still living in camps. Information about permanent resettlement plans, how long the camps will remain open, and plans to improve camp shelter must be communicated clearly. All camps need to meet minimal international humanitarian standards.
The reconstruction of permanent, winter-proof houses must be promoted strongly. Reconstruction costs and the quality and availability of material should be monitored for fluctuations and stabilized. More attention must be given to remote and neglected areas, such as the districts of Shangla and Kohistan.
Strong coordinated leadership at federal and provincial levels is required to implement plans effectively. “It is vital that the authorities in Islamabad, Abbottabad and Muzaffarabad work together closely to ensure the needs of the most vulnerable are met this winter,” stresses Dorothy Blane, Country Director of Concern Worldwide.