24 October 2005

Action Against Hunger plans large-scale distributions of food and essential non-food items as winter threatens relief efforts

The international aid organisation Action Against Hunger (also known as Action contre la Faim or ACF) has increased its aid to those affected by the earthquake in Pakistan. The organisation has already distributed 2.5 metric tons of food, and it will begin major distributions of shelter items (tents, blankets) in conjunction with UNICEF. It will also distribute additional food, food vouchers, and hygiene kits (soap, etc.) to more than 33,000 people in the hard-hit and difficult-to-access areas surrounding Battagram and Bala Kot.

However, the needs of the beneficiaries are becoming even more urgent as winter approaches and logistics become more difficult. Aftershocks rocked the country during the night of October 18, impeding aid delivery because of additional landslides and structural damage. In addition, as thousands of Pakistanis are still without shelter, the threat of disease is growing. Already, reports of gangrene and intestinal infections are multiplying at field hospitals.

“We have a window of about one month to provide as much shelter and support as possible to these people,” warns Cathy Skoula, Director of ACF-USA. “After that, there’s no telling how high the death toll will rise.”

Action Against Hunger, which has been operational in Pakistan until 2004, re-entered the country two weeks ago immediately following the 7.6 earthquake that has left much of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir in ruins. After a rapid needs assessment by Action Against Hunger experts, the organisation is focusing on providing aid to some of the most difficult-to-reach and hardest-hit regions of the country. Action Against Hunger is also working with the UN and other non-governmental organisations on the ground to coordinate the assessment and treatment of nutrition, water, sanitation, and shelter needs, as well as the logistics of aid administration.

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