ISLAMABAD, Oct 27: The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on Thursday called for long-term and un- earmarked cash contributions aimed at giving a flexible and effective response to the recent devastating earthquake in Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference here, Juan Manuel Suarez del Toro, IFRC chief, warned that thousands of earthquake survivors might die unless the most vulnerable received sufficient help through the winter.

He launched a revised Federation appeal, calling for euro 98 million ($117 million) to support the ongoing relief operation of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society in the worst hit quake areas, particularly in the remote, mountainous areas of North West Frontier Province.

The chairman, Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Lt-Gen (Retd) Jehandad Khan, IFRC Head of Asia Pacific Simon Missiri and IFRC regional delegate Bob Mckerrow were also present on the occasion.

Toro said so far 42 million Swiss francs had been received and 35 million Swiss francs had been pledged, which showed the generosity of the global community. He, however, stressed that further funds were still urgently required for long-term and sustainable relief programme. The IFRC Chief said it is clear that this was a major humanitarian disaster that required the international community to scale up its already significant and timely response.

Toro was concerned that the world had not yet grasped the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe, which had so far claimed the lives of at least 54,400 and rendered up to three million people homeless. As winter approaches in Pakistan, and temperatures in the disaster region could plummet to minus 20 degrees Celsius, the humanitarian community was running against time to avoid further deaths resulting from exposure to the elements or lack of medical attention.

To a question, he clarified that the Federation appeal had nothing to do with the UN appeal and said “We are not part of the UN family”. The Federation appeal aims to meet the immediate shelter and relief needs of some 570,000 people. So far more than 200 truckloads of Red Cross and Red Crescent relief items had reached affected areas and approximately 9,000 tents, as well as, nearly 40,000 blankets had been distributed. Further, some 40 aid flights carrying 1,600 tons of relief goods, medical supplies and emergency response equipment, such as basic health care units and water and sanitation facilities, have been deployed.

Hundreds of Pakistan Red Crescent staff and volunteers, active since the onset of the disaster on October 8, have worked tirelessly to provide first aid, medical evacuation as well as relief distributions. Their ten mobile medical teams alone have treated more than 16,000 people so far.

He, however, said not everyone who needs aid has yet been reached as there are enormous logistical challenges. “Our efforts are hampered by poor weather, landslides blocking roads, as well as the terrain which is mountainous and difficult to access as well as continued aftershocks. We continue to direct aid where it is needed most using helicopters, trucks and mules as well as by foot,” Toro said.

Responding to a question, he said food was not a priority at the moment, as supplies seemed adequate. He said winterised tents were the highest priority otherwise many vulnerable people might die this winter. Other critical items included blankets, mattresses, stoves and hygiene articles.

He said according to the United Nations, at least 450,000 winterized tents were urgently needed adding that the Red Cross aimed to distribute 70,000 winterized tents. Asked if the tents would be taken to the people or the people would be asked to come to get the tents, Jehandad Khan said: “The principle is to reach out to the people.”

Less than 100,000 tents have so far been distributed while 200,000 are in the pipeline which means there is a short-fall of some 150,000 tents. General Jehandad Khan said the PRCS will exclusively undertake a massive rehabilitation and reconstruction project in the most inaccessible and under-served area of Chakothi.