Human Development Foundation

Pakistan Earthquake: Relief to Rebuilding—the HDF Way

On Saturday, October 8th Pakistanis—along with the rest of the world—saw a disaster of unprecedented proportions strike South Asia, and, in particular, the Northern parts of Pakistan. Even though the images were horrific and heartbreaking, people from all corners of the world sprang into action to offer support.

The Human Development Foundation also joined the effort. Because of our long history working in the remotest areas of Pakistan, HDF is uniquely positioned to play an important role in helping those afflicted by this tragedy. With our infrastructure that spans the globe—from networks mobilizing communities to provide resources in the United States, to a determined and dedicated staff in Pakistan—HDF is ready and able to help, with both emergency relief efforts and long-term rebuilding of lives and communities.

Specifically, HDF is active:

In Pakistan:

With seven locations connected throughout the country, staffed by over 100 employees including physicians, teachers, civil engineers and social mobilizers, HDF is poised to play a vital role in both facets of this disaster.

First, by providing emergency services such as food, water, shelter, clothing, medical care, etc., HDF is leading the way during the early relief phase. Our existing relationships and people on the ground are helping to save lives every day.

Secondly, our years of experience in providing community building programs to many rural communities just like the ones hit particularly hard by the earthquake will be able to be used as a workable model on how to successfully rebuild communities until they are able to function independently.

From almost the moment the earth stopped shaking, HDF was in action. The staff was mobilized across the country, and teams that were specifically created with the individual needs of certain areas in mind were formed and dispatched to provide rescue and relief.

Briefly, thus far:

1. October 10: A three-person team visited the Muzzafarabad area for needs assessment and provision of relief goods.
2. October 12: Another three-member team—including a physician—visited the Bagh area for distribution of medicine, first aid kits, food items and to do an emergency needs assessment. They were able to treat many injured people and distribute relief goods.
3. October 13: Eight collection points have been set up in different parts of the country to facilitate the donation of relief goods, drinking water, clothing, and emergency funds.
4. October 15: Relief Camp set up in village “Putan Khurd,” Muzzaffarabad. The camp will provide food for 15 days to all households of the village, soil digging equipment and medical aid.
5. October 15: Two trucks and two ambulances have secured solely for relief activities.
6. October 15: One Health Team visited the Bagh area for medical checkups and minor surgeries.
7. October 15: Additional collection points have been set up in Karachi Kachi Abadi, Mardan and Shamsabad.
8. October 16: Relief goods and donation continue to be collected from all regions as well as Islamabad.
9. Ongoing: We have found that people are eager to get back and begin rebuilding their homes without waiting for outside help. All they need are tools. HDF has been distributing tool kits for this purpose.
10. Ongoing: Other NGOs have been contacted; we are working on forming partnerships.

In USA:

HDF volunteers have been working around the clock to mobilize the community, reaching out to its existing base of donors and supporters, as well as to the community at large. To date, more than $200,000 has been raised this way.

But there is still much, much more work to be done.

You can help, too!

Together, we can make a difference! Please get involved today!

Date Created: 10/17/2005

Date/Time Last Modified: 10/17/2005 12:41:11 PM

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