IRIN
PAKISTAN: Enduring freezing temperatures in the quake zone
10 January 2006


[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United 
Nations]

ISLAMABAD, 10 January (IRIN) - Amid predictions of heavy snow in coming 
days, relief workers in Pakistan expressed serious concerns on Tuesday 
about the condition of over 3 million quake survivors in the earthquake 
zone, many of whom are enduring very cold weather in flimsy tents.

"The condition and welfare of earthquake survivors remains a matter of 
serious concern for the UN and all other humanitarian partners on the 
ground. But we are vigilant, ready and prepared to assist," Ben Malor, a 
spokesman for the UN quake relief operation said in the Pakistani 
capital, Islamabad.

During the first week of January the quake relief operation remained 
suspended for five days due to heavy showers and snow across the 
quake-affected areas of North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and 
Pakistani-administered Kashmir.

The snow and rain left more than a metre of snow in many places across 
the quake-hit region, grounding relief flights and causing landslides 
that cut off road access to many affected areas.

More than 80,000 people were killed on 8 October when the 7.6 magnitude 
quake ripped through the region, rendering over 3.5 million people 
homeless.

Now more than three months after the quake, the harsh Himalayan winter 
means night temperatures are well below zero. Next week is expected to 
bring more rain and snow to the quake zone. The plight of those in the 
quake zone remains an issue of national concern in Pakistan, 
particularly over the Muslim Eid holiday.

"Survivors of the earthquake are virtually close to freezing to death in 
their non-winterised tents, vulnerable to various illnesses," said the 
country's leading English daily, The Dawn, in its Tuesday edition.

On Monday, the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) made 
a much needed contribution of US $10 million to the United Nations World 
Food Programme's operation to provide food to those survivors at high 
altitude.

"The money will help the UN airlift operation to continue until the end 
of March, while some of it will also secure the operation of four MI-8 
helicopters until the beginning of May," WFP's Emergency Coordinator in 
Pakistan, Michael Jones, said.

The relief operation continues to be plagued by a poor response from 
international donors. The UN's humanitarian cargo and passenger 
helicopter operation in Pakistan is facing a severe funding shortfall 
and announced on Tuesday it would have to cease operations by March 
unless new funds were forthcoming.


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