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Returning to the Scene of Devastation
In March 2007, Islamic Relief's Anwar Khan traveled to earthquake-affected areas of Pakistan to assess ongoing rehabilitation efforts. Khan shares parts of his journal from the trip, providing insight into the life of an aid worker, and the current conditions of people affected by one of the deadliest earthquakes in recent times. Read Khan's journal entries.

South Asia Earthquake: One Year Later

Following the devastating earthquake in South Asia earthquake, which struck on October 8, 2005, Islamic Relief began the largest relief operation in its history. With the help of donors, supporters, partner organizations, and the affected community on the ground, Islamic Relief has provided humanitarian assistance to over 300,000 people in the districts of Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Poonch, and Neelum Valley in Pakistan.

One year later, Islamic Relief remains committed towards assisting the victims of this tragic earthquake rebuild their lives.  Click here to read more about Islamic Relief’s earthquake relief and reconstruction projects in South Asia within this last year.

Working Together: Islamic Relief’s Commitment to the People of Pakistan

Islamic Relief is committed to the people of Pakistan for the long haul. For many years, our strength has been working closely with local communities, allowing them to articulate their needs and play an active role in achieving them. Now, after the worst disaster they have ever known, the need to work together is greater than ever.

It will take a long time to rebuild so many shattered lives. Almost all the hard work of the past decade was destroyed in an instant. What remained were memories and hopes. Memories of how Islamic Relief and the local community had previously worked together to solve their problems; hopes that this would be achieved once again.

The hundreds of community organizations that Islamic Relief set up in Pakistan-administered Kashmir proved to be crucial in the relief effort and will continue to play a key role in the months and years to come. It will be a long, hard struggle before any semblance of normalcy is brought back to the region, but small signs of hope are already starting to appear.

Islamic Relief has moved on from its initial emergency phase and is now working on rehabilitation projects that will benefit the communities in the long run. Already Islamic Relief has planned to rebuild at least one hundred schools, train hundreds of people in key skills they can use to earn a living and construct houses for thousands of vulnerable families.

The next two years will be a crucial period in the reconstruction of the region. It will be a time when community organizations will have to convene again, getting local residents involved with the affairs and interests of their community. It will be a challenging period, when people will need secure livelihoods so they are no longer dependent on aid. It will be an opportunity to give the people of Kashmir another chance in life.

An overview of Islamic Relief’s activities: 

Road Clearance

Islamic Relief spent nearly $600,000 to clear roads that were blocked by the earthquake in both Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the North-West Frontier Province. Islamic Relief supplied a third of all machinery used in the massive clearance operation, allowing aid to reach 1.7 million people.  

Shelter

Thousands of emergency tents were set up for earthquake victims in the immediate aftermath. In addition, the Conrad N. Hilton foundation sponsored a semi-permanent shelter project for victims with a $500,000 grant.  

Livelihood

Distribution of maize and vegetable seeds to help farmers earn a sustainable living, benefiting 165,000 people. 

Food Provision

Provision of emergency food assistance to more than 145,000 people in partnership with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP). 

Clothing

Distribution of warm clothing and blankets to over 15,000 people. 

Water and Sanitation

Projects include: distribution of clean water, installation of water tanks, creation of 30 water points, distribution of water purification sachets, construction of toilets, installation of waste facilities, distribution of hygiene kits, and hygiene awareness sessions.  

Education

Provision of school tents, furniture, school bags, and other equipment to help establish schools in the affected areas of Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Neelum Valley, benefiting 1,000 students.  

Healthcare

Islamic Relief’s Neelum Valley Health Center staff treated and referred 1,450 patients in the first 3 months after the quake and also held nine medical camps in the area. Additionally, various distributions of medicine, vaccines and other medical supplies have taken place to equip medical units.

Islamic Relief awarded 'Medal of Dedication' by Pakistani Government

On September 21, 2006, Islamic Relief was presented with the Sitar-i-Isaar ('Star of Dedication') award by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf for its "tremendous work" in the affected areas. "The team has worked tirelessly to help the survivors of the earthquake," he said.

The award represents President Musharraf's acknowledgement of the tireless, hard work of Islamic Relief in Pakistan. President Musharraf has assured Islamic Relief that the government of Pakistan will always be a supportive partner of its efforts. Islamic Relief is grateful for this honor and has been continuing its efforts to assist victims of last October's earthquake.

Islamic Relief Pakistan has been working in Azad Jammu and Kashmir since 1997. Islamic Relief’s strong presence in the region enabled it to be the first international organization to respond to the needs of the earthquake victims.