Survivors of the South Asian earthquake that devastated parts of Pakistan, Kashmir and India more than a year ago are now facing another challenge from the ravages of nature.

Many of the survivors still live on the mountains at the base of the Himalayan range, in temperatures that are teetering on the verge of minus 10 degrees Celsius. The earthquake of October 8, 2005, has left tens of thousands of people without any warm clothing, still living in tents or shelters made of cardboard and stones.

"Between two and four feet of snow has already fallen, and the temperature drops below zero every night," said Saif Ahmad, CEO of Muslim Aid. "People living at high altitude are particularly at high risk, and we have received reports of illnesses such as acute respiratory infections being prevalent. Keeping them warm and dry is crucial."

To save lives, Muslim Aid has started delivering winterized tents, in addition to its house-building programme in both Kashmir and Pakistan's northwest frontier province. Most of these areas are not accessible due to bad weather conditions and poor means of transportation.

"In north Kashmir, it is very common to have cases of pneumonia among the children," observed Vahedy Khobaib, country director of Muslim Aid Pakistan. "According to local medical doctors, every third person is suffering from illnesses caused by the unbearable cold."

Muslim Aid is supplying tents and other important supplies to areas where the construction of houses is still pending. With electricity failures commonplace, the only means of heating involves the use of wood and coal.

Muslim Aid is also distributing clothing kits for children, stoves, construction materials, fuel, dry food, and medicine. Since the devastating earthquake which claimed over 73,000 lives, Muslim Aid has contributed more than £1.2 million towards rebuilding the lives of those affected.

(ENDS)

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