Year 2005.
Rains/Snowfall Response Feb-April
2005
In the year 2005 the PRCS remained massively engaged mostly
in response activities as year was started with rains/snowfall
disaster, which occurred soon after the tsunami catastrophic
in 2004. A large area of Pakistan was battered by rain, snowfall,
and floods during February and March 2005. In Balochistan, the
rain and floods affected nearly half a million people, and over
4,000 families were left homeless. In NWFP, more than 24,000
houses were destroyed and over 65,000 badly damaged. PRCS with
generous support from its branch network and other donor agencies
had provided relief to over Rs.70 million people.
October Earthquake
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan,
on October 8, 2005, at 8:50 a.m. local time. The epicenter of
the earthquake was located near Muzaffarabad, the capital of
Pakistani-administered Kashmir, and approximately 60 miles north-northeast
of Islamabad.
More than 1500 aftershocks were continued in the affected areas
for long time. The most affected areas are the North West Frontier
Province (NWFP), Northern Punjab, and Pakistani-administered
Kashmir.
The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), being the largest
humanitarian organization of the country responded immediately
through its branches network and volunteers, to the needs of
the earthquake-affected population in NWFP and AJK from its
own resources. A campaign for collection of donations from within
the country and foreign donors was also launched. The PRCS in
its ongoing relief operation have dispatched so far 2,832 trucks
load of relief goods to the affected areas of NWFP & AJK.
The PRCS along-with its movement partners have provided relief
goods worth over Rs. 2.066 Billion to over 1.5 million people
of quake affected areas, while foreign donors also contributed
generously. Since the relief distribution phase has been over
now PRCS is a active partner with ERRA for reconstruction of
Public Sector building in NWFP and AJK.
Year 2004
Seven years long drought ravaged
two large but distinct areas of Pakistan; the
province of Balochistan and the district of Tahrparkar in the
province of Sindh. More than 2 million people were affected
by the drought. The average loss of animals among nomad population
was estimated to be between 60-70 % of the herd. Farmers in
the areas relied mostly on the rainfall for irrigating their
lands and the dry spell further made compounded their misery.
A total of 23 districts of Balochistan (out of 26) and 5 districts
of Sindh (out of 21) were affected.
The drought stricken areas of Balochistan
and Sindh provinces were inundated with water, due
to heavy torrential rains, that started in early monsoon season
(July 2003). The vulnerable communities of these areas were
already living in terrible living conditions due the persistent
dry spells. These rains affected more than 800,000 people, with
280 dead.
Currently, Mobile Health Units and
Basic Health Units are working in PRCS Balochistan and NWFP
Provincial Branches for Afghan Refugees. PRCS is also monitoring
population movement (IDP’s, Refugees etc.) and take necessary
action on the issues.
PRCS has been making serious endeavors
to improve its DP/DR activities at all levels. Fourteen
CBDP workshops have been organised between 1997 and 2003 to
raise awareness and improve DM skills of both PRCS volunteers/staff
and Government staff. In further CBDP trainings include BPI
as a major area of work.
Mechanisms to counter the effects of these disasters
are relatively weak in Pakistan. Hence, PRCS focus
has always been on community awareness for effective preparedness.
Community participation therefore made PRCS intervention efforts
result oriented.
A consultant was hired to carry out
DM capacity assessment at various levels of PRCS. This
report was shared with internal stakeholders. In year 2003 PRCS
developed its DM policy which will assist is formulating its
long term DM Plan.
Regular contacts with external information
services including government, UN, NGOs and media have
been maintained. The PRCS web site is regularly updated with
relevant information.
PRCS disaster management cells exist at NHQ and provinces.
PRCS in a bid to institutionalize DM in its mainstream
activities according to Federation’s strategy 2010, has
conducted VCA in the most disaster prone areas of all the 4
provinces.
PRCS still has a limited capacity to
implement community level programmes, which underlines
the need for more focus on capacity building. Effective disaster
response in the targeted communities should be an integral component
of the PRCS disaster preparedness and mitigation activities.
Strengthening of PRCS District Branches should be the focus
of Disaster Management endeavors, so as to delegate responsibilities
at the grass root level. This will not only strengthen the District
Branch but also ensure sustainability in community based projects.
The presence of a strong and effective
National Disaster Management Department equipped with
required resources (human, material, financial) at the National
Society is essential to ensure successful planning, implementation,
and evaluation of all disaster management activities.
A case will be taken up in 2004 with
the government to include Disaster Management in the syllabi
of classes five to twelve. PRCS will also initiate a school
awareness program in 2005 where communities and volunteers would
be mobilized to educate school children in disaster preparedness
and response through various activities.
Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Response
awareness material is distributed and displayed for communities.
Case studies are published on Disaster Management & quarterly
News Letters, material, post case studies and lessons learned
during disaster response operations focusing primarily on events/activities
of national importance.
Data storage regarding maps and other information
is under process. In 2004 GIS updation will continue.
PRCS will organize and participate
in regional workshops, seminars and trainings to increase
human resource development. Also, with regards to SARD plan
of action support for such activities would continue.
Explore and review the option of developing
joint information and training materials with ICRC on key issues
such as DM, BPI etc.
Overall Goal
Vulnerability of communities to disasters is reduced.
Objective
PRCS has organisational and operational capacity to mobilise
local communities to reduce the impact of disasters by utilising
and further strengthening the existing coping mechanisms.
Expected Results
- Implementation of the DM Policy.
The Pakistan Red Crescent Society carries out necessary activities
at all levels under the approved Disaster Management policy.
- Plan of Action for Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Response
PRCS has a comprehensive Disaster Management Plan of Action
(Disaster Preparedness & Response) based on Disaster Management
Policy.
- Pakistan Red Crescent Society Disaster Response capacity is
improved.
PRCS has developed adequate human resources and organisational
structures to enable sustainable disaster management activities
at all levels. The National Society is better informed on world-
wide trends in disaster management and reacts rapidly as a result
of real- time warnings of specific developing disaster situations.
- Community capacity Building.
Capacities of the most vulnerable communities to counter the
effects of disasters are enhanced.
- Co-ordination and Advocacy
Co-ordination in Disaster Preparedness & Response activities
with Government, ICRC and other agencies is improved. PRCS role
is recognised by the Government and key internal and external
players in disaster management. Stakeholders and people have
better understanding about PRCS role in Disaster Management.
- Information Management Capacities
Information management capacities of the PRCS are enhanced.
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