The Salvation Army Sets Out Long-term Recovery Plans for Pakistan's Earthquake Survivors

Final deliveries of building materials for winterised emergency shelters and other relief aid are being made before the winter weather closes in, making access to the earthquake-ravaged villages in the mountains near Balakot, Pakistan, impossible. While the race against the elements continues, The Salvation Army is already making plans for ongoing community recovery programmes once the weather breaks.

Since the earthquake struck in August, The Salvation Army has distributed well over 1,300 tents. More recently, materials – corrugated iron sheets, plywood, foam insulation, nails – for the construction of more than 300 winterised temporary shelters have been provided to affected families. With the assistance of the military, most of these supplies have been delivered to families living in some of the most remote villages.

In addition, The Salvation Army has distributed hundreds of blankets and kitchen sets, school books and educational supplies for children as well as 200 sewing machines and smaller amounts of other miscellaneous relief materials.

One of the tragic consequences of the disaster is that so many people who lost their lives were the main bread-winners for their families. Major Adnan, area relief coordinator from the Pakistan Military, notes that many families are now headed by women who do not have the necessary skills to earn enough money to keep their remaining family intact. While the rebuilding of houses and roads should be a fairly straightforward proposition, it will take a deliberate and longer-term process to enable families to regain their independence and a renewed sense of dignity. The Salvation Army is determined to do all it can to help survivors pick up the pieces and regain their family’s ability to be self-sufficient.

Working closely with the impacted communities, The Salvation Army’s plans include rebuilding local schools and providing community centres which will become the focal points for The Salvation Army in Pakistan to expand some of its successful income-generation schemes. By helping families to become able to meet their own needs, The Salvation Army is working to restore hope to people who have gone through terrible suffering.

People who would like to be a part of this healing process can help by donating online to the South Asia Earthquake Fund.