Pakistan earthquake relief: Winterization drive enters second phase

Briefing notes

Pakistan earthquake relief: Winterization drive enters second phase

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

17 January 2006

UNHCR has started the second phase of its winterization drive by distributing heaters and kerosene to help people stay warm in relief camps amid rain and snow in the quake-devastated north of Pakistan.

Over the weekend, 207 families in two camps - Old and New Bhogarmang - in the Siran Valley near Mansehra, received heating stoves and kerosene from UNHCR, the lead agency for camp management in the UN earthquake relief effort. UNHCR plans to complete this phase of winterization in eight camps in the Siran Valley this week, supplementing earlier distributions of tents, blankets, plastic sheets and mattresses.

To minimize the risk of tent fires, leaflets on fire safety and prevention were distributed along with the heaters. Community fire safety teams have also been set up to sensitise camp dwellers on appropriate use of heaters and what to do should a fire break out.

Similar stove distributions and fire safety training are taking place in 144 camps in the quake zone, including in Abbotabad, Mansehra, Balakot, Batagram, Bagh and Muzaffarabad. UNHCR has set aside 40,000 stoves for heating, and will continue to provide kerosene for heating throughout the winter.