PRCS/PDMA & ICRC launched Mega Relief Operation in District Kohistan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan Red Crescent Society Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Provincial Disaster Management Authority KP (PDMA) have launched a mega relief operation in Kohistan in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross before the onset of winter. In the first phase, they distributed relief items worth more than Rs35 million to 250 flood-affected families in the Lower Kohistan district. While planning to distribute more with the support of other movement partners soon. The distributed relief package included 250 tents, 500 hygiene kit bags, 250 kids’ bags containing colored books, colors, etc. 500 plastic containers, and 750 blankets.500 high thermal blankets to be used during extreme winter, 1250 toothbrushes, 1250 high-quality toothpaste, 499 pillows, and 2500 soaps, while other items include warm clothes, socks, combs, slippers, diapers for children, and other important items that will be needed by the victims in winter.

In a statement issued by Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Habib Malik Orakzai, “PDMA had requested the Pakistan Red Crescent Society KP to support the District administration of Kohistan where the flood affectees still need tents while other relief materials were also required before the arrival of winter. In response, the International Committee of the Red Cross handed over more than 35 million worth of relief materials to us to ensure timely help to the people in need. He further said that the ICRC has been providing support to PRCS for many decades to serve the suffering humanity in Pakistan. While even during the recent disaster, it is welcome for them to come forward to help the people.”

On the other hand, Deputy Commissioner Lower Kohistan Shakeel Ahmed told the media that there are four valleys in Lower Kohistan where the estimate of damage is more than our imagination. In these areas, 1800 houses have been destroyed, and we have delivered tents and other items to 1100 families, but there are still more than 500 families who need shelter and other non-food items before the arrival of winter. He added that all the drinking water schemes in these affected areas have been a washout. Therefore, we request that relief organizations, including PRCS, play their role in reviving these water schemes. Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner Lower Kohistan Muhammad Saqib, who looks after the relief work in the district, said that it took us 18 days to assess the damage in the flood-affected areas. In the floods that have been seen on the way to Lower Kohistan, there has been more damage than we thought, where many villages are completely destroyed; thousands of acres of agricultural land have been wiped out, while the roads of many areas have also been destroyed. Where people need immediate help.