Norwegian mountain experts are now in Pakistan
to train humanitarian workers in order to prevent illness or fatal accidents
in the mountains.
Hundreds of national and international
humanitarian staff are working in the largest winter emergency operation
ever - with extreme conditions threatening safety and health. In order
to prevent illness and accidents amongst the aid workers, the Norwegian
Refugee Council (NRC) is initiating training for winter condition preparedness.
The training will be provided by Norwegian Alpine Support Teams, consisting of six mountaineering experts, hand picked by NRC and The Norwegian Mountain Touring Association (DNT). They have commenced work in the Allai Valley, and will visit other affected areas.
"Humanitarian staff is operating at altitudes of above 5000 feet, with significant snow depths. Frequent after quakes increases the risk of avalanches. The cold climate is causing life threatening diseases. It's only a matter of time before aid workers are amongst the victims. That will have great impacts on the aid relief," NRC's Director of the International Department Jens Mjaugedal said.
Ann Kristin Brunborg, NRC Emergency Program Manager in Pakistan says this training is vital: "Many of the aid workers have little or no experience on how to handle winter conditions, but the survival of earthquake affectees requires the continued presence of humanitarian workers in the mountains during winter. Even as the snow falls today we have NRC Emergency Shelter Construction Teams working with villagers at high altitudes. 1640 wooden frames have been constructed in the Allai and Bala Kot regions, and these are now being clad with CGI sheeting. The work must go on, but the workers should be safe."
"The risk of avalanches, isolation of field teams after heavy snow and illness due to cold climate is very real," said Ms Brunborg. "A dead or injured relief worker cannot help anyone, so we must ensure the relief community has adequate winter skills."
"We are pleased to share our competency in mountaineering security awareness," DNT's Acting Secretary General Anne Mari Aamelfot Hjelle said. According to Mr Mjaugedal, the UN, national and international humanitarian organisations are welcoming the winter training.
Since the earth quake on October 8th, NRC has distributed winterized tents and stoves to 70 000 mountain inhabitants. We are now distributing charcoal, blankets, quilts, food and self-build shelter kits to remote areas and villages above 5000 feet.
Depending on financial support, NRC aims to provide training for 50 of their own staff and approximately 1000 staff in local and UN organizations throughout a period of three months. In addition, NRC will offer courses in rescue work and helicopter evacuations to the Pakistani army,
For more information on the NRC in
Pakistan, or to arrange interviews, please contact:
John Standish, Field Advocacy Officer, NRC Pakistan: +92 301 817
5081
Astrid Sehl, Media & Communications Officer, NRC Norway: +47
92 28 47 52