Staff Reporter
A high level meeting headed by Chairman NDMA/ERRA, took place at ERRA headquarters on Friday. Meeting was Co-Chaired by Chairman NDMA/ERRA Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal, and the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator Mr Knut Ostby. Others attending meeting were, Head UN OCHA, Markus Werne, and Senior officials of WHO, IOM, UNWOMEN, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, NHN, FAO and officials of NDMA and ERRA.
Welcoming the participants Chairman NDMA/ERRA, gave a detailed run down on aftermath of recent earthquake that struck Pakistan affecting a population of nearly 500,000. Chairman shared the details of destroyed, houses, schools and bridges. He said over 740 houses have been destroyed, 8 buildings including, Nursing Training Center, Radio Station, building of Fisheries Department and 18 schools were affected and needed reconstruction. He also said that over 100 were seriously injured and others were given medical treatment on spot with 25 injured being treated in CMH Mangla. He also said that ERRA was merged in NDMA a collaborative effort on part of NDMA and International Development partners was necessary for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the affectees to avoid duplication of effort.
“Prime Minister had a telephonic talk with me, instructing me to announce disbursement of Rs. 500,00 for families who lost their loved one in the earthquake” said Afzal, while a subsidy of Rs. 200,000 for fully damaged and Rs. 100,000 for partially damaged houses is also expected in few days after complete damage assessment is done. He also shared that 100,000 for severely injured and 50,000 for those needing medical care for long-term injury is also being announced.
He also apprised the participants of that responding immediately to challenge NDMA in collaboration with SDMA and PDMA dispatched 8 teams for damage assessment, while tents, food items, water and along with one x-ray machine, medication, 3 ambulances and doctors were sent to the area. Roads have been restored for light traffic while reconstruction of bridges will be undertaken soon, said Afzal.
Laying special emphasis on affected women and children in the tents, the Chairman requested the development partners to focus on extending expertise for Psycho Social support, prefab toilets, provision of clean water and sanitation kits to avoid waterborne diseases for affected women and children in tent villages. He also said that since most families have their male population working abroad it was our responsibility to ensure women friendly spaces for affected.
UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator Mr Knut Ostby assured the Chairman for full support and a coordinated approach to help affectees of earthquake.
Chairman NDMA/ERRA thanked the participants for full confidence in NDMA and proactive support for humanitarian efforts being undertaken by UN agencies for the noble cause.
