South Asia earthquake

Eighteen months after the earthquake in Pakistan and the process of reconstruction is still hampered with difficulties. ActionAid earthquake programme areas are now being turned into development areas linking relief, rehabilitation and development.

As predicted winter was longer and more severe this year with extreme weather conditions making lives even worse for already vulnerable communities.

Communities in the affected areas are still struggling to get back on their feet and many still deprived of adequate shelter, health facilities, water and sanitation, schools and livelihoods. Moreover, they have had to endure new hazards such as aftershocks, flooding, landslides, snowfall and monsoons.

Government reconstruction plans have yet to translate into significant improvements in conditions and there has been little headway made on disaster preparedness and protection issues.

In the new phase of emergency response, ActionAid will strengthen their ability to meet the basic needs of the communities, assist them in the rehabilitation of their livelihoods and the exploration of new ones, and improve their capacity to collectively address common problems and support their efforts to claim their entitlements form the government.

ActionAid’s Work:

• 21 health centres are now fully operational and providing essential health services to those that cannot otherwise access such facilities. They are run by the communities and they treat about 10,000 people each month, the large majority of them women.
• 8 ambulances have been provided by ActionAid in the affected areas as part of efforts towards Disaster Preparedness.
• Livelihood recovery is one of the key focuses of ActionAid's work and many families have secured a source of income through vocational training and support. Women are at the forefront of ActionAid activities and are part of all the activities management committees.
• Women are playing a primary role in rallies and demonstrations to pressurize the government on various issues. One of the most important achievements of the response programme has been the groundbreaking work on highlighting government policy around compensation and house rebuilding.

photo : ©Warrick Page/ Panos Pictures/ ActionAid