South Asian Earthquake 2005 – Relief & Recovery And Rehabilitation

On October 8, 2005, Pakistan experienced the worst natural disaster in over a decade. An earthquake measuring 7.6 on the richter scale shook the northern areas of the country causing widespread destruction and human loss.

What followed was the largest humanitarian relief effort of its kind. CWS-P/A, which has had an established presence in Mansehra for the last 27 years, responded immediately to the crisis together with Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) with support from Action by Churches Together  (ACT).

At the conclusion of the relief phase more then 30,000 families were assisted with food, shelter, health, water & sanitation, clothing and other basic items. CWS-P/A & NCA also helped in establishing and running some of the Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps in collaboration with the Pakistan Army. Moreover, psychosocial support and hygiene sessions were provided for the affectees.

Two years after the earthquake, the affected people have largely returned to their villages in remote mountain areas. Challenges for their long term rehabilitation still exist due to problems like delays in reconstruction, issues of landlessness, limited livelihood opportunities and severe weather conditions.  CWS-P/A is dedicated to helping earthquake affectees rebuild their lives by restoring livelihoods, re-establishing health services, repairing water supply schemes and providing psychosocial support. An environment protection programme is also being implemented to avoid degradation as a measure for risk reduction.

Currently, we are also engaged in a winter response programme at the village level which includes distribution of shelter and food rations for a month.