ISLAMABAD, March 23: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) says it is helping in making fresh water a reality again in the earthquake-devastated areas. The devastating quake smashed water pipes and irrigation systems, leaving many communities with no drinkable water, and destroyed sanitation facilities.

According to a press release, the PRCS working with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is running water and sanitation units in several affected areas.

“The water and sanitation emergency response unit in Balakot, set up by the Swedish and Austrian Red Cross societies, is now providing potable water for 15,000 people a day.” With Rs20.9 million provided by the humanitarian aid department of the European Commission, the unit is pumping out 210,000 litres of purified water a day.

A team of PRCS staff and volunteers help run the unit with Swedish Red Cross personnel who have been working in Balakot for the last six months.