KARACHI: Worst not yet over, major NGOs remind aid bodies
KARACHI, Nov 8: The International Union for Conservation of Nature, The Worldwide Fund for Nature and the CARE International have warned of further losses from environmental hazards in quake-hit areas of Pakistan.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the organizations pointed out that the earthquake had left an estimated 58,000 people dead, another 77,000 wounded and at least 3.5 million people homeless, besides causing devastation in nearly 30,000 square kilometres area.
They feared many more deaths to occur in the affected areas if due attention was not paid by aid agencies to environmental hazards resulting from the quake.
The imminent winter demands sending of shelter and supplies to isolated quake victims in high altitude areas on a high priority basis, but in the rush of beating the winter deadline, the emerging threat from environmental hazards in quake-stricken areas should not be ignored.
The organizations have suggested most critical risks and pre-emptive measures which follow: Aftershocks would continue for some time. These are not predictable and could occur at any moment — there is a strong possibility that buildings with structural damage may collapse. Even seasonal rains or snowfall could cause collapse of already damaged buildings. Landslides are also likely to be triggered by aftershocks whereas heavy rains and melting snow could set off mudslides.
Shelters and roads on foothills and steep slopes are especially at risk. Raising of temporary camps should be avoided on steep slopes and in stream and riverbeds where they may become vulnerable to flash floods. Floods are a potential hazard as rivers blocked by landslides could break free. Roads may be blocked by fresh landslides and snow.
The joint statement also cautioned that disease might spread from poor sanitation conditions, especially in urban areas and the newly-raised emergency settlements. Providing safe drinking water and ensuring proper sanitary conditions should be one of the top priorities.
Debris from the collapsed and damaged buildings and garbage now posed health hazard to local population.—APP
