SPO’s Response to the Affectees of Zalzal Lake in District Hattian, Azad Jammu and Kashmir
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The recent spell of torrential rains caused a flood like situation all over AJK especially in Jhelum valley. On February 8, 2010, Zalzal Lake in Hattian district, naturally created in earthquake of 2005, burst under the pressure of heavy rains. According to the initial assessment of State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) at least 70 houses were washed away in the high water currents of Zalzal Lake.
Since 2005 earthquake, Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) has been engaged in emergency, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction work in Azad Jammu and Kashmir through its various programmes. In response to Zalzal Lake burst, SPO brought succor to the people who have been rendered insecure by the natural disaster. SPO emergency team in close coordination with SDMA, district government Hattian and partner organizations conducted rapid assessment of the damages caused. According to this assessment 70 families lost their houses and valuable items in the flash flood. The affectees have been shifted to safe places. They were in dire need of food items and shelter. The SDMA requested SPO to provide food items on humanitarian grounds. On the request of SDMA and the district Government Hattian, SPO initiated the distribution process at the selected point, i.e. the Deputy Commissioner Office in Hattian. SPO and its partner organization made proper arrangements to ensure that the affectees reach to the distribution point easily. SPO with the cooperation of DC Hattian supported 70 families through a relief package sufficient for their one month need. The distributed food items include flour, rice, cooking oil, pulses and other items of daily use. |
