Bonn/Islamabad, 6.10.2006. During the year following the severe earthquake in Pakistan, Deutsche Welthungerhilfe (German Agro Action) has been able to care for about 100.000 people living under difficult conditions. On 8th of October 2005 more than 80.000 people died in the Himalayan region and more than 3 million people became homeless. The area is approximately the size of Belgium.
"We concentrate on regions that are difficult to access and where only few relief organisations work" , says Marco Oberm=FCller, Welthungerhilfe Head of Project in Islamabad. The project areas are located in the north-west frontier province in the north west of Pakistan at the frontier to Afghanistan and in a part of Kashmir administrated by Pakistan.
"We also work in villages that our employees can only reach by foot in an exhausting day's walking even a mule isn't able to go there. Further challenges for everyday work are the numerous destroyed roads as well as the extreme climate fluctuations in the Kashmir region.
Following first emergency measures, distribution of aid items and building of hardy dwellings, Welthungerhilfe is now concentrating on improving agriculture and water supply so far in 8 projects with a total value of 5 million Euro. In addition, as of November traumatised children and youths will be cared for in a new psychological therapy centre.
To guarantee a new perspective to the survivors, seeds (a.o. corn, wheat and lentils) and tools were distributed, fields and water pipes rebuilt and new wells dug. With a view to the forthcoming winter, the poorest amongst the victims will be supplied with material to winterise their dwellings. Furthermore, buffalo and sheep will be provided to the households.
Marco Oberm=FCller, Welthungerhilfe Head of Project in Islamabad, isavailable for interviews on request. Photo material can be also be obtained through the press office.
Deutsche Welthungerhilfe is one of the largest and oldest non-governmental organisations in Germany working in the field of development co-operation and humanitarian aid. Its inputs range from rapid disaster relief and rehabilitation to long-term development projects. Since its foundation in 1962 Welthungerhilfe has supported around 5,000 projects in seventy countries, contributing 1.42 billion euros in funding.