Salvation Army Emergency Relief Team in Pakistan Races Against the Weather

The full onset of winter in the earthquake-hit region of Pakistan has changed the immediate needs from the provision of tents and blankets to more substantial shelters. As before, the Pakistan army – which has the job of overseeing the distribution and assisting the mountain villagers in construction – is being extremely helpful in letting the Salvation Army emergency team know exactly what is required. Even so, with the weather conditions worsening, time is running out.



This week the Balakot team delivered materials for constructing winter shelters, including 2,250 sheets of corrugated iron, 300 kilos of nails, 17 tin cutters, 47 hammers, six saw blades and washers and nail caps for shelter. In addition to the shelter kits, requests were received for equipment to help families who had lost their livelihoods. Ten sewing machines together with start-up sewing kits and 140 metres of material were also distributed.

Working with village elders, the military have identified those in greatest need and have means in place to take goods to some of the most remote locations, but not for much longer.

There will not be enough materials available for all possible beneficiaries to receive what they need. However, the Pakistani army is able to distribute as much as The Salvation Army team is able to supply without limit, up to and including 19 December, when the weather is predicted to close in. Team member Peter Last reports: 'Further materials will be ordered as the money becomes available but the miltary advise ... the snow will make roads impassable.'

Peter reveals that, as well as practical resources, the team is also hoping to supply playground swings or roundabouts and books for the children to help with their emotional recovery.