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| December 16, 2005 | Friday | Ziqa’ad 13, 1426 |
EU to double humanitarian aid to quake-hit Kashmir BRUSSELS, Dec 16 (AFP) The European Commission said Friday that it would double its humanitarian aid to quake-hit Kashmir to nearly 50 million euros (60 million dollars). The commission, the European Union's executive arm, also said it would send another 50 million euros for long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction work in Kashmir. "The situation is grim for people living in the areas affected by the earthquake," said EU aid and development commissioner Louis Michel in a statement. The extra humanitarian aid of 25 million euros brings that portion of the package to 48.6 million euros and will help pay for emergency supplies such as blankets, tents, water and fuel as well as health care and sanitation.(Posted @ 20:52 PST)
World Bank approves $400 million emergency credit for recovery,reconstruction effort WASHINGTON, Dec 16 (APP)- The World Bank has approved a US$400 million Emergency Recovery Credit (ERC) to further support the earthquake recovery and reconstruction effort in Pakistan over a three-year period. "The project will support the Government of Pakistan's efforts to reduce the immediate suffering and restore livelihoods; reconstruct housing; and help finance needed imports," says a WB announcement. This follows the Bank's initial commitment of US$475 million in October as part of the institution's overall pledge of US$1 billion for earthquake recovery. The credit will support housing reconstruction (US$220 million), livelihood support (US$85 million), import financing (US$85 million), and capacity building (US$10 million), and also can make funds available for any financing gaps identified in other sectors such as social protection, health, education, agriculture, roads, water supply, and other infrastructure.(Posted @ 11:25 PST)
Rs 14374 million disbursed among quake affectees Islamabad, Dec 16 (PPI) Till Thursday a total of Rs 14,374 million had been disbursed among 44,594 next of kins of the persons killed, the 19,500 injured and the 379,496 owners of the houses which were destroyed or badly damaged in the Oct 8 earthquake. Over Rs 8,013 millions have been disbursed in Azad Kashmir and Rs 6,360 million in NWFP, says an ISPR Press release. Over 95% roads in the quake ravaged areas have beenmade traffic worthy and 75% of water supply schemes have been restored. Similarly, 70% electricity and 96% of telecommunication facilities have also been resotred. There were 105,592 telephone connections in Azad Kashmir, out of which 20,294 were disrupted and these all have been restored. alternative telephone facilities have also been added such as 110 Thuraya PCOs and 99 Free PCOs .(Posted @ 10:40 PST)
Army builds 64,000 shelters Islamabad, Dec 16 (PPI) Army have already built 64,000 shelters for the survivors of the devastating earthquake in NWFP and AJK and another ten thousand shelters will be completed in a couple of days, says an ISPR Press release. Army engineers have also opened 620kilometers of roads. During the last 24 hours more than 1,500 blankets and consignment of GI sheets were provided in quake affected areas of Jaraid, Ogi, Khaki and Garhi Habibullah through fifty helicopter flights while truck loads of edible items, blankets, quilts,sleeping bags, sweaters and plastic sheets were also distributed.(Posted @ 10:35 PST)
Daughter of Emir of Qatar calls on Federal Relief Commissioner ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP): Daughter of Emir of Qatar, Princes Sheikha Mayassa Bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani called on Major General Farooq Ahmad Khan, Federal Relief Commissioner on Thursday and was briefed about the relief operations in quake devastated areas of NWFP and Azad Kashmir. He said that about Rs. 14 billion have been distributed so far among the affected people. The princess offered to set up a plant to manufacture prefabricated houses in Pakistan. (Posted @ 09:45 PST)
Pakistan-based Japanese companies donate Rs200 mln for quake affectees KARACHI, Dec 16 (APP): Besides official contributions of the Japanese government, over 20 Pakistan-based Japanese companies have donated Rs200 million for the earthquake relief and rehabilitation. The amount includes donations in cash and emergency goods and equipment not only from the locally based companies but also from their parent companies and subsidiaries all over the world, says a statement . (Posted @ 09:45 PST)
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