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Pakistani Earthquake - October 2005
(based on reports from the Indian National President - Mr VC Gonsalves)
The Earthquake which struck the Northern Parts of Pakistan on the 8th of October, 2005 was the worst in its history and perhaps the worst earthquake ever to strike the Region with almost three million people affected and approximately 100,000 deaths. The last major earthquake struck about 300 years ago.
Even before the Indian SVP National Board could meet, funds had already been received directly into their Accounts from England & Wales and Australia. This enabled 2000 blankets to be lifted by helicopter and dropped to victims in areas inaccessible by road.
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Showing one of the 20,000 blankets sent to the earthquake victims.
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The Board of the National Council met, and with winter fast approaching in the mountains, decided that the easiest and the neediest requirement of poor people would be Blankets. In order to make an impact on the severe needs, it was decided that a minimum of 10,000 Blankets should be distributed among the affected people. There was an immediate shortage of Blankets and Tents and the Pakistani businessmen, some of them without a conscience, increased their prices on Food ,transportation etc. The Board calculated roughly that a good and warm blanket could be available for US.$20/-- and accordingly we set about raising the sum of US.$200,000/-- for the 10,000 Blankets.
When a reassessment of the whole plan took place, it was found that the prices had actually dropped and instead of distributing 10,000 Blankets the SVP in India were able to distribute 20,000 using the overseas provided funds.
Ultimately, seven Trucks loaded with blankets were to assemble in Rawalpindi from where an Army escort was provided as the consignment had to be driven through high and dangerous mountains and rugged areas to Muzaffarabad (Capital of Azad Kashmir (Pakistan)). This was the area chosen by Vincentians for help.
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Bales of blankets loaded on trucks for delivery to the victims of the Pakistan Earthquake, October 2005
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After the trucks were loaded and checked they left for Muzaffarabad at 8.00 p.m. on 7th December, 2005. A group of Vincentians including the National President and the National Vice President left the next day by special transport with Police protection and Army support and reached Muzaffarabad, a distance of approximately 200 k.m. in 4 ½ hours, meeting up with the blanket trucks which had also reached there safely.
The entire responsibility of helping and rehabilitation the victims of the massive Earthquake in Pakistan that occurred on 8th October, 2005 was given to the Armed Forces. The Private Sector did not have the adequate means of saving lives, moving heavy structure and repairing roads especially in the mountainous areas of the country. Accordingly, the SVP were compelled to work with the Army. Several areas of Pakistan were affected but our concern was foremost for the people living in the mountainous areas. Communications were with the senior official in the area, Brig. Saleem Muhammad Khan. This senior officer thanked the Christian community in general and Vincentians in particular for donating the additional 18,000 blankets for the Earthquake Victims in addition to the earlier consignment of 2000. This further consignment of 18,000 Blankets were distributed by Vincentians in the Al Mustafa and Minhaj Camps at Maira Tanolian and Jhelum and Neelum Valleys. The distribution which started around 10 a.m. continued through out the day till 7 p.m., with members returning to Rawalpindi around midnight.
In addition to the blankets, Brig. Saleem introduced several widows that had approached him to help their daughters in marriage. The marriage arrangements were already settled but in the wake of the earthquake these people lost everything. The Brig. asked for some contribution towards the marriages and was given a donation of US.$330/-- plus 50 blankets.
The Brig. also advised that the urgent need now is the purchase of Kerosene Stoves which would not only assist with cooking food but would also act as a heating device. The small sum of money that remains will therefore be used to acquire stoves |
