Canadian aid is reaching survivors of earthquake in Pakistan

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OTTAWA, October 9 2019 –When an earthquake and aftershocks struck the Mirpur district in Azad Kashmir Pakistan on September 24 and 25, Islamic Relief began to respond immediately to the needs of the affected populations.

The impact of the quake damaged houses, roads and sanitation systems across a broad area. Families have been forced to sleep outdoors, and many have been collecting contaminated canal water. Health facilities are inadequate to treat affected populations, and the situation is causing psychological distress.

Islamic Relief Canada, member of the Humanitarian Coalition, with support from the government of Canada, is addressing the most pressing needs related to shelter, water and sanitation, and protection. They are installing communal water supply systems and distributing household filtration kits and hygiene kits.  They are also providing winterized shelter kits and warm woolen blankets.

Islamic Relief will also establish safe spaces for women and children in the earthquake-affected area to provide educational and recreational activities as well as counselling and psychosocial support.
According to CEO Zaid Al-Rawni, Islamic Relief is well-positioned to respond to this crisis. “Islamic Relief has been working in Pakistan since 1992,” he says. “Not only are we well-known and trusted in the region, but we are one of only a few agencies who are working there. This gives us both an opportunity and a responsibility.”

“We are grateful for the generosity of Canadians and the Canadian government who make this response possible.”

Global Affairs Canada and the Humanitarian Coalition are supporting this disaster response in Pakistan through the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund (CHAF).