Pakistan: providing access to drinking water

Handicap International's teams in Pakistan mobilised without delay in response to the devastating floods - the worst since 1929 - currently affecting the region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the north west of the country. The disaster has claimed 4.5 million victims, killing more than 1,500 people, and destroying more than 150,000 homes. 550,000 people have been evacuated from Sind and Punjab provinces.

The association's teams were already present in the north west of the country before the disaster, helping persons displaced by the fighting between the Taliban and the Pakistani army in 2009. One of the expatriate staff based in Pakistan for several months interrupted their holiday in Europe to return and take part in our operations. The association decided on Monday to release $135,000 in general funds to ensure action is taken immediately. Water distribution will begin this Friday. The distribution of emergency kits (blankets, shelters, etc.) has begun and is set to intensify over the next few days in the districts of Swat and Kohat.

Handicap International is focusing primarily on providing access to water, a key factor in preventing the development of epidemics, particularly cholera, which is spread by flooding and the absence of drinking water. Our initial goal is to distribute drinking water to 100,000 people, requiring 200 rounds by water lorries a month. Water treatment tablets will also be distributed along with jerrycans for collecting and storing water.
The population will be given straightforward hygiene tips, again to avoid the spread of epidemics. In addition, the association will provide the most vulnerable people with shelters (sheets), blankets, cooking kits* and hygiene kits**. Some 3000 families will benefit, representing a total of around 21,000 people. Handicap International will also help clear up the waste and debris swept along by the floods, and remove stagnant water from towns, enabling the population to return and limiting the spread of disease.

Handicap International has been present in Pakistan since 2005, following the deadly earthquake that killed 73,000 people and seriously injured 69,000 others.

*saucepans, stoves, cooking utensils, etc.
** Hygiene kits contain basic items such as bathroom linen and bath towels, soap, toothpaste, tooth brushes, nappies, sanitary towels, rubbish bags, etc.)