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November 28, 2006
Support operations in Pakistan completed
Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) dispatched its relief staff to Northern Pakistan immediately
after a massive earthquake hit the region on October 8th 2005. During its initial
stage, PWJ staff members distributed emergency relief supplies to help internally
displaced persons survive the winter, in the outskirts of Balakot (a remote province
in northwestern Pakistan). As the early phase of emergency relief approached to
its end in December, PWJ joined with other NGOs in Japan Platform (JPF) to set-up
and operate a camp for the earthquake victims in a suburb of Muzaffarabad, Azad
Kashimir Province. All families wishing to return to their villages were able
to go back home by the end of April. After the campsite was restored to its original
farmland, the land was returned back to owners.
The camp so-called Camp Japan was located in Tandali close to Muzaffarabad. It
was operated by JPF's member NGOs and supported at maximum 250 families (1,664
people), many of them from snowy mountainous areas. In mid of March 2006, they
gradually returned to their homeland.
As many roads leading to their villages were badly damaged by the earthquake,
many people had fear for their way back to home. However, all repatriation completed
by the end of April, though three families out of 250 families chose not to return,
and instead, they moved to another camp for earthquake survivors. Their relocation
process was taken full care by PWJ and other NGOs, including proper arrangements
of pickups and a safety trip. At this point, Tandali Camp finally ended its mission.
Next thing we had to do was restoring the land of campsite to its original state;
farmland. As we had set a number of tents, toilets, kitchen and watering places
in order to form a safe living environment for residents, this time we had to
remove all of them. Furthermore, we plowed hard land into farmland, cleaned garbage
and other remains. With the completion of clearance, we returned each piece of
land to owners.
This closing operation was the last one for PWJ's relief activities in Pakistan.
We deeply appreciate your considerable support and encouragement.
NOTE: PWJ's Pakistan relief program was implemented in cooperation with the Japan
Platform (JPF). |
Victims going back to their home village ©PeaceWindsJapan
Loading household stuff ©PeaceWindsJapan
On the way to the village ©PeaceWindsJapan
Former camp site ©PeaceWindsJapan |
October 20, 2005
Peace Winds Japan Starts Distribution of Emergency Relief Items to Survivors
in Balkot
Peace Winds Japan (PWJ)'s emergency relief team in Pakistan started distribution
of emergency relief items to survivors in the Northwestern remote region of Balkot
on October 15. As of October 20, the emergency team has provided 450 tents and
500 sets of kitchen items including dishes, cups, spoons and forks to victims
in the area. At that time, it appeared that few aid agencies had been able to
start full-scale distribution of emergency supplies to this area. The team plans
to continue the delivery of these items to cover approximately 1000 families.
In addition to tents and kitchen sets, the team has procured 2000 jerry cans
for containing water, which will be distributed to survivors as soon as possible.
The relief team also considers the procurement of tools to remove rubble imperative,
which are highly needed by survivors. |
People waiting for distribution of emergency relief items in Balkot
A tent distributed by PWJ
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October 12, 2005
Peace Winds Japan Responds to Earthquake in Pakistan
Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) is currently coordinating an emergency relief program
in response to the devastating earthquake that struck northern Pakistan on Saturday,
October 8. On the ground are five relief workers, three of whom were dispatched
from Tokyo, joined with two staff members from neighbouring Afghanistan. Focusing
on the northwestern remote region of Balkot, they are now preparing for immediate
distribution of emergency supplies.
Reports have estimated that 70% of the houses in northern Pakistan have been
destroyed by the earthquake, making both securement of shelter and protection
against cold pressing needs. In response, three of PWJ's relief workers have now
moved to Mansehra, in order to assess further needs and to prepare for swift distribution.
On the other hand, a staff member is currently moving to Lahore to procure supplies
such as tents, stoves, and blankets, and another is in Islamabad in order to have
coordination meetings with other aid agencies.
Your contribution is greatly appreciated. PWJ
is accepting donations for assisting survivors of this catastrophic disaster.
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PWJ staff departing from Narita Airport
A collapsed building of Margala Towers in Islamabad
 Children in Balkot |
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