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Pakistan

100 days after Pakistani earthquake - aid agencies still racing to beat the winter

Thousands are still at risk from extreme conditions and inadequate shelter, according to International children's agency, Plan.

Plan's CEO Tom Miller, making a trip to the region to see how operations were progressing, visited tented villages, local communities, and its shelter distribution centres throughout the devastated area.

Speaking from the mountains high above the earthquake area, Mr Miller said:

"The priorities are still shelter and warm clothing, but the conditions are making it very difficult to get things through to those in greatest need. Access in the higher areas is hampered by deep snows, and rockfalls caused by driving rain regularly block supply roads in lower areas."

Mr Miller, making his second trip to the area after the quake, added:

"It's not all bad news. Although the weather is restricting relief operations, it has not halted them. Plan's shelter, health and hygiene kit distribution programmes are well organised, productive and will continue for as long as there is a need and the weather and roads permit.

Staff are determined to continue distributing materials despite the daily dangers they face. In addition, devastated towns and villages are now being cleaned up and children are attending temporary schools, and in some cases getting their first chance at formal learning."

Plan is particularly proud of its educational programmes, which not only fulfil the learning needs of the children, but also provides them with regular routines and activities designed to help them cope with the disaster.

This is one of the most precarious relief operations Plan has been involved in, with the terrain and conditions making it highly dangerous for the survivors and its relief teams.

Plan is an international child-centered humanitarian organisation working with children, their families and communities in 46 developing countries. Founded over 60 years ago, Plan has no religious, political or governmental affiliation.