Situation Update on Balochistan Flood – July 27, 2010
Update July 27, 2010 Strengthening Participatory Organizations (SPO) is playing leading role in coordination among the all humanitarian actors including PDMA in Quetta. As it was decided in first meeting, CRS, PEACE Balochistan and IDSP will share the collected data of damages while SPO will share with all humanitarian actors. Today, meeting held with PDMA Balochistan which attend by national and International Organizations. The representatives of PDMA shared that 22 villages affected in district Nasirabad and 7 villages in district Bolan after the visit of NDMA chairman. Affected people are in miserable condition and lost all their belongings. Railway tracks could not be repaired due to flood water which still hampering relief work. SPO team shared about the initiatives to organized first coordination meeting on July 23, 2010 at SPO office Quetta and the decisions made in it to conduct rapid assessment in affected areas. It was also decided today meeting that CRS will conduct the rapid assessment in district Kohlu and Barkhan through its partners namely, SEHAR, WESS, IDO and CDS. IDSP, through its partners will conduct the rapid assessment in district Sibi, while PEACE Balochistan in District Nasirabad and Bolan. The PDMA’s DG, Director and Deputy Director agreed on initiatives taken by SPO and other I/NGOs. The representatives of PDMA assured full cooperation and support on all levels. PDMA also requested to SPO to take lead to compile the collected data which is conducted by different organizations. PDMA and UNOCHA appreciated the efforts of SPO and decided that SPO will share the compiled data in tomorrow’s meeting at PDMA office. The collected data will be verified through district administration and other stakeholders as it will be considered a final damage assessment report. PDMA will share these assessment data with NDMA to devise further strategy on the basis of available information. The representative of UNICEF commented that UN agencies are ready to provide any type assistance, if PDMA will request to UN. WFP representative added that he is ready to give technical assistance for activeness of internet to support PDMA staff as problem highlighted by their staff. PDMA Director, Dr. Siddiq Raisani shared that 50,000 people are affected on the bases of authentic information’s which received from district governments. He also shared the initiatives taken for assistance but limited resources have limited their efforts for timely help. He indicated that shortage of funds is major hurdle and requested to all to assist PDMA. Director, Dr. Siddiq informed that following items are required to affected communities, • Food for 50,000 affected people for one month period, • 8000 tents, • 10,000 jerry cans, • 10,000 plastic bucket• 3,000 hygiene kits for female• Medicines for snack biting and direaheia According to Daily Jang newspaper, a death body of child recovered from District Jafarabad and still eleven people are reported missing. SPO humanitarian and UNOCHA teams are engaged for further coordination with humanitarian actors. SPO’s response: SPO will compile all data to share with PDMA and UNOCHA. PDMA will verify it through district administration then share it with NDMA for relief strategy. Immediate Needs The urgent needs of the affected people are following; 1. Drinking Water2. Food3. Kitchen Utensils4. Transitional Shelter/ tents5- Health & Hygiene kits For further details or any other relevant information, you may contact SPO staff at following locations, 1. Mukhtiar Chalgari-(Quetta)-034583001302. Fouzia Khajjaz-033379312963. Farooq Magsi-030137199574. Syed Shahan Abbas – (Islamabad)-0321-96961775. Noor Baloch-(Islamabad)-0321-2290286 Mukhtiar ChalgariRegional Head SPO-Quetta, H # 109-A, Jinnah TownPh: 081-2870750 – Quetta Malick Shahbaz Ahmad TahirSpecial Project SectionMobile: 0300-5556324Ph: (051)2104677, 2104679-80, 8316890, 2298892-3 Strengthening Participatory Organization – Islamabad
Situation Update on Baluchistan Flood – July 26, 2010
Strengthening Participatory Organizations (SPO) in continuation of its efforts for emergency response in the torrential rain and flash flood affected areas in eastern Balochistan. SPO partners and team members are involved in damage assessment, relief work in the affected areas with mobilizing relevant stakeholders to address the immediate needs of affected communities. SPO organized a coordination meeting of all humanitarian actors (national and international) in SPO Quetta office including Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). All I/NGOs shared the update of relief and response. As it was decided in the first coordination meeting which was held in SPO office Quetta with its partners (IDO, WESS, SEHAR and CDS) that a rapid assessment in Districts Kohlu and Barkhan will be conducted. Beside this IDSP will conduct rapid assessment in district Sibi and PEACE Balochistan will conduct assessment in Nasirabad. CRS shared updates that rapid assessment has been completed and its teams are on way to Quetta. The findings of assessment will be shared by end of the day. PEACE Balochistan will share its assessment findings by end of the day while IDSP will share tomorrow. The representatives of the PDMA shared that the affectees post- flood life is very miserable as government machinery does not have much capacity and resources to cope with the situation effectively. The affected population volume is huge in affected districts of Sibi, Nasirabad, Barkhan and Kohlu. He shared that 20 people deaths confirmed in Districts Barkhan 18 & Sibi 2. He added that PDMA sent Tents, flour, sugar, rice and pulses to affected districts, the detail are following; District Sibi: S# Items Quantity 1 Tents 545 2 Sugar 105 bags (each bag 50 kg) 3 Rice 55 bags (each bag 50 kg) 4 Tea 53 packets (each 400 grams) 5 Pulses 55 bags (each bag 50 kg) 6 Wheat/flour 55 bags (each bag 50 kg) District Nasirabad: S# Items Quantity 1 Tents 100 2 Wheat/flour 200 (each bag 50 kg) District Barkhan: S# Items Quantity 1 Tents 300 2 Sugar 100 bags (each bag 50 kg) 3 Rice 150 bags (each bag 50 kg) 4 Pulses 50 bags (each bag 50 kg) 5 Wheat/flour 350 bags (each bag 50 kg)) District Kohlu: S# Items Quantity 1 Tents 200 2 Sugar 100 bags (each bag 50 kg) 3 Rice 100 bags (each bag 50 kg) 4 Wheat/flour 350 bags (each bag 50 kg) It was suggested that coordination meeting at district level would be carried out for the smooth implementation of humanitarian activities and avoid duplication. It was also decided to hold coordination meeting on July 28, 2010 at SPO Quetta office for further update and strategies of I/NGO. It was also decided that all humanitarian actors will send the collected data to SPO and it will compile it circular further. SPO’s response:In the light of identified needs of the affected communities, SPO team is busy in distribution of food packs to 300 families of Bakhtiarabad and Talli in district Sibi. SPO with the collaboration of its partner organizations has established a camp in Quetta to appeal for donations and collection relief goods with objective to mobilize the local people and highlight the issue on different echelons. Immediate Needs The urgent needs of the affected people are following; 1. Drinking Water2. Food3. Kitchen Utensils4. Transitional Shelter/ tents5- Health & Hygiene kits For further details or any other relevant information, you may contact SPO staff at following locations, 1. Mukhtiar Chalgari-(Quetta)-034583001302. Fouzia Khajjaz-033379312963. Farooq Magsi-030137199574. Syed Shahan Abbas – (Islamabad)-0321-96961775. Noor Baloch-(Islamabad)-0321-2290286 Mukhtiar ChalgariRegional Head SPO-Quetta, H # 109-A, Jinnah TownPh: 081-2870750 – Quetta Malick Shahbaz Ahmad TahirSpecial Project SectionMobile: 0300-5556324Ph: (051)2104677, 2104679-80, 8316890, 2298892-3 Strengthening Participatory Organization – Islamabad
Situation Update on Baluchistan Flood – July 24, 2010
Update July 24, 2010 at 9:00 pm Strengthening Participatory Organizations (SPO) in continuation of efforts for emergency response in the torrential rain and flash flood affected areas in eastern Balochistan; SPO teams is involved in damage assessment in the area and mobilization of relevant stakeholders for mitigation of the miseries of affected communities. A delegation of civil society organization, led by SPO, hold meeting with Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PMDA) officials by briefing them about the situation in the affected areas, and stressed the need for declaration of the affected areas as “Aafat Zada”. Similarly, the delegation is planning to hold a meeting with General (R) Nadeem Ahmed, Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in the evening in order to initiate coordinated response. It is worth mentioning that due to damage to rail roads, the rail link with the affected areas have been disconnected which has severely hampered the relief operation in the affected areas, thus require massive coordinated efforts. Updated Damage Assessment: Strengthening Participatory Organizations (SPO), in coordination with other civil society organizations and its partner organizations have initiated massive work for damage assessment and coordinated relief efforts. A brief of updated preliminary is provided below: UC/Tehsil Villages Affected Population Detail of Damages Support from Govt. Support from NGOs # Damaged Houses Required Support Tali/Sibi Talli,Sultan Kot,Savri,Basti Shar Jan 25000 2500 Houses, Agricultural Land, Above from 4000/= Live Stock (Goats, Sheep’s and Cow) and Crops and Agricultural Field Damaged. 2 Children & 1 Women dead. Not any Support/Relief from Government SPO Partner organizations have initiated data collection activities on self help basis 2500 to 3000 2200 Tents/Shelters. According to District Sibi Need because Sibi is Extreme warm Area. 2200 Kitchen Kits. 2200 Hygiene Kits. Food Items for 2200 Families. Mosquito Nets. Safe Drinking Water on Emergency Basis. Mal/Sibi Chandia, Qasir Gola, Qasir Ghohramzai, Imam Bux Chachar, Juma Kach, Gharkan, Old Mal, Hara, Gohramzai, Gorgaje, Korzameen, Gishkori, Bugzari, Total Number of House Holds in Union Council: 1150 Total Population:15000 15,000 650 Houses, Agricultural Land, Above from 4500/= Live Stock (Goats, Sheep’s and Cow) Crops and Agricultural Field Damaged Not any Support/Relief from Government SPO Partner organizations have initiated data collection activities on self help basis 700 700 Tents /Shelters. Since the weather in Sibi is hot in these days thus affected people require shelters. 700 Kitchen Kits. 700 Hygiene Kits. Food Items for 700 Families. Safe Drinking Water on Emergency Basis. Tharee/Lehra Tharee Fath Ali,Tharee brahmani,Railo Gulab,Bagdar,Gola,Singani,Balo Total Population 16,000 Total Household 750 16,000 07 Peoples Injured 750 Houses, Agricultural Land, Above from 4600/= Live Stock (Goats, Sheep’s and Cow) Agricultural Field and Crops. Damaged Not any Support/Relief from Government SPO Partner organizations have initiated data collection activities on self help basis. 750 750 Tents/Shelters 750 Kitchen Kits. 750 Hygiene Kits. Food Items for 750 Families. Mosquito Nets. Safe Water on Emergency Basis. Treehar/Lehra Total UC effected from Flood Water of River Lehari. Total Number of House Holds in Union Council: 1085 Total Population:15000 15,000 600 Houses, Agricultural Land, Above from 4000/= Live Stock (Goats, Sheep’s and Cow) Crops and Agricultural Field Damaged. 3 Dead Bodies found in Flood Water that belongs to Village Wazira Machi. Not any Support/Relief from Government SPO Partner organizations have initiated data collection activities on self help basis 860 860Tents/Shelters. According to District Sibi Need because Sibi is Extreme warm Area. 860 Kitchen Kits. 860 Hygiene Kits. Food Items for 860 Families. Mosquito Nets. Safe Drinking Water on Emergency Basis. Bakhatirabad /Lehra Total UC & Bakhatirabad City effected from Flood Water of River Lehari. Total Number of House Holds in Union Council: 2500 Total Population:16000 16000/= 1600 Houses, Agricultural Land, Above from 5000/= Live Stock (Goats, Sheep’s and Cow) Agricultural Field and Crops Damaged. 600 peoples on National Highway for Safety from Flood Water and near About 2000 Peoples in Flood Water.15 Dead Body Seen by Flood Effected Peoples in Flood Water. Not any Support/Relief from Government SPO Partner organizations have initiated data collection activities on self help basis 1600 1600 Tents/Shelters. According to District Sibi Need because Sibi is Extreme warm Area. 1600 Kitchen Kits. 1600 Hygiene Kits. Food Items for 1600 Families. Mosquito Nets. Safe Drinking Water on Emergency Basis. SPO Relief Activities: In the light of identified needs of the affected communities, SPO has been working out plans for distribution of relief goods to the affected communities. In the first phase, SPO has initiated distribution of following essential relief goods in severely affected villages. District Sibi Tehsil: Sibi and Lehri Items Village # of families Unit cost Total Remarks Jerrycan (1) Sultan kot 50 100 5,000 Water Tanker 6 5000 30,000 Total 3 days (2 tanker each day) Dry food (5-Biscuts, 10-Milk-quarter) 50 325 16,250 ORS (5 packets) 50 50 2,500 Jerrycan (1) Talli 50 100 5,000 Water Tanker 6 5000 30,000 Total 3 days (2 tanker each day) Dry food (5-Biscuts, 10-Milk-quarter) 50 325 16,250 ORS (5 packets) 50 50 2,500 Jerrycan (1) Threher 50 100 5,000 Water Tanker 6 5000 30,000 Total 3 days (2 tanker each day) Dry food (5-Biscuts, 10-Milk-quarter) 50 325 16,250 ORS (5 packets) 50 50 2,500 Jerrycan (1) Bukhtiar abad 50 100 5,000 Water Tanker 6 5000 30,000 Total 3 days (2 tanker each day) Dry food (5-Biscuts, 10-Milk-quarter) 50 325 16,250 ORS (5 packets) 50 50 2,500 Total 215,000 For further details or any other relevant information, you may contact SPO staff at following locations, 1. Mukhtiar Chalgari-(Quetta)-034583001302. Fouzia Khajjaz-033379312963. Farooq Magsi-030137199574. Syed Shahan Abbas – (Islamabad)-0321-96961775. Noor Baloch-(Islamabad)-0321-2290286 Mukhtiar ChalgariRegional Head SPO-Quetta, H # 109-A, Jinnah TownPh: 081-2870750 – Quetta Malick Shahbaz Ahmad TahirSpecial Project SectionMobile: 0300-5556324Ph: (051)2104677, 2104679-80, 8316890, 2298892-3 Strengthening Participatory Organization – Islamabad
Situation Update on Balochistan Flood – July 23, 2010
Update July 23, 2010 at 6.30 pm The arrival of monsoon flavor in Balochistan has brought heavy rain causing flash flooding in spontaneous parts of Balochistan between night 21st and 22nd July. Barkan, Sibi and Kohlu Districts are the most affected areas. According to reliable sources the incident claimed 50 lives and severe damages to the infrastructures and livelihoods of more than 10,000 people. As per details, the protective walls of Hann Dam at Bibartak, were breached due to rising of water level, ultimately resulting in inundation of numerous nearby villages. The major part of flash flood started from the breach in Hann damn, contributed by heavy rain fall and run-off water from hills. The flood moved from Hann to Nikri, Loma Zehri, Narkot, Singhali, Vatakari and Jabhar after this point the flood water lost its intensity and got spread over the plain areas. It is feared that if the torrential rains, continue with the same intensity, it might lead to further flooding in Kohlu, Barkhan, Sibi and Bolan districts. SPO Emergency ResponseAfter the reports started coming in last evening about the growing threats of floods and possible threat to lives and livelihood of people, SPO Quetta office kept eye on the situation and early morning teams were mobilized for Kohlu, Sibi and Barkhan. Furthermore, SPO partner organizations have been asked to remain vigilant and start helping people within their communities and collecting information and data of the affected people. Two Civil Society networks have also been taking part in the response and relief activities along with local authorities and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMA), were available. So far, SPO has collected the following data with the support of their partner organizations and local actors. Human losses: more than 50 peoples are missing and feared dead, out of which 15 dead bodies have been recovered yet. Besides, human losses, major infrastructure damages, affecting livelihood of thousands of people have been reported. A brief of preliminary damage assessment is provided below: S.No UCs Tehsil Village Affected Population Details of Damages 1 Tali Sibi Tali, Sultan Kot, 12,000 540 Houses, Agriculture Land, more than 4000 Livestock 2 Mal Sibi Chandia, Qasir, Gola, Qasir Ghohramzai, Imam Bux Chachar, Juma, Garkhan, Old Mal, Hara, Gohramzai, Gorgaje, Korzameen, Gishkori 10,000 450 Houses, Agriculture Land, more than 4500 Livestock 3 Tharee Lehri Tharee Fath ALi, Tharee Brahmani, Railo, Gulab, Bagdar, Gola 7,500 7 People injured, 500 Houses, Agriculture Land, around 4,600 Livestock 4 Sadar Nargorh Barkhan UC Sadar Nargoh 15,000 18 Casualties,7 People missing 5 Bakhtiar Abad Lehri UC Bakhtiar Abad 12,452 3 Casualties, large number of household Coordination with other Civil Society Actors and Government AgenciesA meeting of various civil society organizations was held at SPO Quetta office in which 10 national/international and local organizations participated to gauge the severity of the situation. During the meeting following decisions were made: Key Decisions:• An information cell and data base will be developed at SPO office with the support of all partners • SPO Quetta Office will be focal organization for the coordination of assessment and relief work• For sharing information with relevant stakeholders, an e-mail group would be formed.• CRS will be the focal organization in Kohlu and Barkhan, to work in affected communities from their Loralai setup.• IDSP Sibi Office would be considered as focal office. • PEACE Balochistan‘s Dera Murad Jamali and Bolan office will operate as focal organizations in concerned districts• CARITAS will provide human resource for the assessment in Sibi and Barkhan• MRDS will also join assessment team at Barkhan• SPO partners and other CSN organizations will coordinate with CRS in Barkhan and Kohlu• In Sibi, Bolan and Naseerabad SPO will be the focal organization with the support of IDSP,CARITAS,PEACE-Balochistan and civil society networks of Naseerabad and Sibi• Concern international shared that they will support in relief activities after assessment in affected areas, they also shared that they have enough food and non food items available which will be provided to implementing partners after assessment completion.• It was decided that Fouzia Khajjak from SPO will be provincial focal person for the coordination and she will be responsible to develop daily based progress report and share with all partners working in affected areas.• SPO will conduct a meeting with PDMA to share all efforts made by different national, international NGOs to make coordinated effort to save the duplication of resources• Civil society network Quetta will contact with government officials especially PDMA representatives to strengthen the coordination among NGOs and Line department working in flood affected areas Government Response Realizing the severity of situation, the commissioner of Naseerabad and Sibi divisions have declared emergency in respected districts under their jurisdiction and they instructed all health and administrative staff specially to be presented in the respected districts. • Local administration have declared emergency in the affected areas. • The NDMA has released 400 tents, 800 blankets and 800 plastic mats which are being collected by PDMA authorities from Quetta Warehouse. Moreover on request from NDMA, PRCS shall take care of food and health care needs of the affected population for the next 3 months.• Local formation of Army in collaboration with Frontier Corps (FC) has also initiated its rescue and relief operation. Three helicopters have been earmarked and put on standby, due to weather conditions, for conduct of these operations. Some 60 individual military troops and four medical teams have proceeded from Loralai to the affected area in order help in the relief activities. Immediate Needs The number of directly affected people is estimated at 5000 comprising of 418 households. The immediate relief required based on the needs of the people is as below: 1. Drinking Water2. Food3. Kitchen Utensils4. Transitional Shelter For further details or any other relevant information, you may contact SPO staff at following locations, 1. Mukhtiar Chalgari-(Quetta)-034583001302. Fouzia Khajjaz-033379312963. Farooq Magsi-030137199574. Syed Shahan Abbas – (Islamabad)-0321-96961775. Noor Baloch-(Islamabad)-0321-2290286 Mukhtiar ChalgariRegional Head SPO-Quetta, H # 109-A, Jinnah TownPh: 081-2870750 – Quetta Malick Shahbaz Ahmad TahirSpecial Project SectionMobile: 0300-5556324Ph: (051)2104677, 2104679-80, 8316890,
Dr. Mubarak Ali’s Books Launching Ceremony – July 8, 2010
Under the auspices of Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO) an inaugural ceremony of two books ‘Tarikh kay nayay zawiyay’ and ‘Tarikh ki agahi’ of Dr. Mubarak Ali was held at Alhamra Adabi Baithak in Lahore on July 8, 2010. Renowned scholar and political leader Aslam Gordaspuri, journalist and political analyst Salman Abid, writer and scholar Dr. Ghafir Shahzad and Chief Executive SPO and thinker Naseer Memon spoke on the occasion. Speakers said that the salient feature of Dr. Mubarak Ali’s writings is that he presented history in a common language so that common people can have understanding of history. Dr. Mubarak Ali presents his view about history through historical facts not by biased lenses. In these two books he took stock of social, political and religious issues and tried to bring home to reader the reason why we are lagging behind in the world of knowledge and progress. In the aforementioned books he covers topics ranging from the process of hero making, students and politics, political Islam, resistance movements and their influence on society, state terrorism, power and use of history, question of successor in Pakistan, increasing extremism to why people turn into traitor. The breadth and depth of topics and knowledge respectively, compels the reader to rethink about these issues. For the students of history and politics study of these two books by Dr. Mubarak Ali is indispensable.
Climate Change
“How it happens and how it affects us” On July 8, 2010, SPO Lahore arranged a dialogue for change of Lahore region. Mr. Salman Abid, Regional head SPO Lahore, warmly welcomed the honorable speaker (Naseer Memon) and the participants. Mr. Naseer Memon a famous intellectual and chief executive of SPO, provided thought provoking ideas about the topic. In this dialogue the members of civil society, political parties, students of gender studies, political science and sociology department from Punjab university and Lahore college university participated . He briefed the audience regarding basic issues of climate change and informed that Climate is an average of weather over a “long” time. Earth’s climate varies naturally, because of a variety of geological processes. “Climate change” refers to an additional, and relatively rapid, change induced by human actions. The Green House Effect The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature that the earth experiences because certain gases in the atmosphere trap energy from the sun. Without these gases, heat would escape back into space and Earth’s average temperature would be about 60ºF colder. Because of how they warm our world, these gases are referred to as greenhouse gases.The greenhouse effect is important. Without the greenhouse effect, the earth would not be warm enough for humans to live. But if the greenhouse effect becomes stronger, it could make the earth warmer than usual. Even a little extra warming may cause problems for humans, plants, and animals. Most greenhouses look like a small glass house. Greenhouses are used to grow plants, especially in the winter. Greenhouses work by trapping heat from the sun. The glass panels of the greenhouse let in light but keep heat from escaping. This causes the greenhouse to heat up, much like the inside of a car parked in sunlight, and keeps the plants warm enough to live in the winter. The Earth’s atmosphere is all around us. It is the air that we breathe. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere behave much like the glass panes in a greenhouse. Sunlight enters the Earth’s atmosphere, passing through the blanket of greenhouse gases. As it reaches the Earth’s surface, land, water, and biosphere absorb the sunlight’s energy. Once absorbed, this energy is sent back into the atmosphere. Some of the energy passes back into space, but much of it remains trapped in the atmosphere by the greenhouse gases, causing our world to heat up. Green House Gases These gases allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere freely. When sunlight strikes the earth’s surface, some of it is reflected back towards space as infrared radiation (heat). Greenhouse gases absorb this infrared radiation and trap the heat in the atmosphere. Over time, the amount of energy sent from the sun to the earth’s surface should be about the same as the amount of energy radiated back into space, leaving the temperature of the earth’s surface roughly constant. Many gases exhibit these “greenhouse” properties. Some of them occur in nature, while others are exclusively human-made (like gases used for aerosols). Because of human activities CFCs are increasing in the air and that’s why climate trends are changing. Human activities have changed the composition of the atmosphere since the pre- industrial eraHe said that long term fluctuation in weather patterns could have extreme impacts on agriculture production slashing crop yield and forcing farmers to adopt new agriculture practices in response to altered conditions The water cycle is the major factor to change the climate. He further inform the audience regarding projections of IPCC for South Asia like Indus river inflows will decrease by 27% by the year 2050, land degradation will cause land to shrink from present 0.8 ha per capita to 0.3 by 2010, areas in mid and high latitudes will experience increase in crop yield whereas in lower latitudes will experience a general decrease and under elevated CO2 conditions .He also told about Vulnerabilities like • Drought due to less precipitation • Pressure on ground water aquifers • Salinity and water logging due to extreme summers • Cyclones in coastal areas • Sea level rise in coastal area • This results in loss of lives and livelihood Global warming is a very serious issue. The future would be very terrible if we do not take any action to reduce it right away. We need to control global warming to reduce the future risk.1) Start from your home by using least utilities of heat, water, and electricity.2) Apply 3 R of Reduction, Recycle, and Reuse.3) Try to drive a smaller engine car.4) Try taking buses or taking all walks able short distance trips.5) Try to use least plastic bags or reusable bags if possible.6) Try to use less detergents, soaps, or cleaning chemicals.7) Try to sell your accumulated newspapers and cardboard boxes and bottles to local recycling agent to keep the environment clean.8) keep your garbage container clean every day. 9) Boycott and prevent any energy dealers selling unclean fuels or environmental unfriendly chemicals. He believed that we should be concerned about climate change. While there is undisputed evidence that there have been climate changes in the past, which had natural causes and, evidently, corrected themselves, there is just as much evidence that today’s situation is caused by man. Climate change has begun to reach a point at which it is having a negative impact, not only on meteorology and ecosystems, but on a human scale. Industrialized countries and cultures are causing a negative effect elsewhere in the world and both politicians and their people should make an effort to change socioeconomic practices in order to lower their impacts on our environment. In the end Naseer Memon said that he thought that the effects of climate change could be lessened and that it is our responsibility to our planet to make sure that climate change is not allowed to continue at its present rate. At the end of the presentation a movie “Day After Tomorrow” which deals with the topic climate change was shown to participants. In the
Networking Meeting With Women Parliamentarians
The role of women parliamentarians is considered critical not only in terms of raising issues and concerns of women at policy level, but also it is critical in ensuring that women gain equitable access to resources, knowledge and institutions. Their meaningful role can make an impact in changing the nature of politics from the present patriarchal and masculine complexion to a more democratic and feminine outlook by mainstreaming gender perspectives into civil and political discourse, performing a key role in law-making and approval of budgets, participating in discussions on specific issues and directly influencing policies and programmes in favor of women. Keeping in view of women parliamentarian’s vital role, Strengthening Participatory Organisation (SPO) Peshawar arranged a day long networking meeting with women parliamentarians on June 25, 2010. The meeting was attended by 30 participants including 12 women parliamentarians from ANP, PPP (P), PPP(S), PML (N), JI and JUI. Objectives of meeting were:• To highlight the main challenges faced by the women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa• To assess the current role of women parliamentarians role in solving these issues• Key discussions to reflect a way forward drawing on their knowledge & experience• To create and strengthen linkages among women parliamentarians for women development irrespective of party affiliations in Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa The meeting started with recitation of Holly Quran followed by a round of introduction. Zuhra, MER specialist gave an overview of SPO work in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with its Vision & Mission and major activities. Arshad Haroon, Regional Head shared the meetings objectives and highlighted the importance of women parliamentarian’s role in lobbying/advocacy on key issues affecting the lives of women of Khyber Pukhtookhwa. He gave the ownership of this meeting to parliamentarians by saying that SPO provided an opportunity to them for getting together and formulating an action plan to address women issues in Pukhtoon Khwa legislative assembly. Mrs. Sitara Ayaz, Minister for women development and social welfare, welcomed the initiative taken by SPO Peshawar. She further shared that we all were working on women issues irrespective of party affiliation. She said last year no significant legislation has been made to change women status, because ANP government was busy in IDPs issue. She mentioned that we had to make a women caucus like in national assembly. She informed that an inter-ministerial group of all women ministers existed but we also needed such a platform for women MPAs at provincial level. She informed that a provincial commission on status of women has also been formed recently, but still more guidance and capacity building of this commission is needed and CSOs can play their role. Ms. Nasreen Khattak, ex-MPA (PPP-S), said that affirmative action for the reservation of seats for women at the grassroots and at the macro level contributed to transforming the political culture for women in Pakistan, though women legislators appear to be handicapped in their endeavors in several ways. One obvious reason for this is the indirect nomination system for election to secure reserved seats. It deprives them of the opportunity to deal directly with the electorate and hampers their entry into mainstream politics. Women’s representation should not be limited to ‘quotas through nominations’. The sooner women develop their own constituencies through an established mechanism the more progress they will make. There is an urgent need for political parties to introduce internal party quotas for women either voluntarily or the state should make it mandatory through an amendment in the law. The opening session was followed by an open discussion on women issues and women parliamentarians’ role in solving these issues: Education:MPAs from MMA & PML (N) shared openly that when they present a bill and resolution in assembly, it is kept on a side and they are instructed to keep silence. Women MPAs are given no power in legislation and development fund allocation for local constituencies. They were of view that education system should be gender sensitive and 10% quota should be fixed for women in jobs in education sector. They also felt the need of affirmative action for educated middle class women especially in employment. They linked women MPAs empowerment with party support. Nargis Semeen from PML (N) opined that the manifesto of political party should be gender sensitive. Health:Women MPAs favored women staff appointments in hospitals in sections such as ECCG, X-rays and clerk section in order to make it more accessible by women patients. Tabasum from ANP shared that planning and research is needed for bringing some issues on the assembly floor. She requested SPO to support MPAs in this regard. Economics:Women face lack of social protection, restriction on mobility, sexual harassment at workplaces, low daily wages as compared to men, low quality education, gender biasness in top level allocation, inheritance deprivation, lack of opportunities and ineffective government policies implementation. MPAs were of view that women issues can also be solved by creating income generating opportunities at grass root level. They stressed that other project like Bacha Khan Khud Rozgar scheme should be introduced but again all the focus should be on women development rather than benefiting few party workers. Way forward:• Women parliamentarians recommended a need of a women parliamentarian forum for solidarity on women issues across party lines.• Exposure visit of the members of this forum is needed to other provinces for sharing experiences among women parliamentarians.• Capacity building of women parliamentarians for bills/resolution drafting and legislation process.• Research and planning support is needed by women parliamentarians to identify, advocate and move resolution/bill on assembly floor more affectively.• Confidence building workshops is also needed with party leadership and women parliamentarians in order to gather back up support and to bridge the gaps between party leaderships and women MPAs.• Affirmative actions should be taken regarding women issues on local, provincial & federal level.• Gender gaps should be tackled by making party manifesto and leadership gender sensitive.• Empowerment of women by having a strong and live women MPAs forum and using it for women development• Planning & analysis for bill presenting is needed followed by
Situation Update for Cyclone Phet – June10, 2010
Situation Update for Cyclone Phet – June 10, 2010 at 7:00pm Strengthening Participatory OrganizationThe Balochistan government declared district Gwadar a calamity-hit area since thousands houses partially or entirely damaged. Many areas of District Gwadar are still swamped with hose which reflects the strength of cyclone. The latest updates and news channels visuals have highlighted the harsh effects of cyclone on District Gwadar. Its most of Tehsils and villages are flooded with chances of epidemic and communicable diseases SPO’s Humanitarian Team SPO teams are collecting data from field and frequently sharing with National Center team. The access road to District Gwadar is still in terrible conditions. Paradoxically, people are not receiving required assistances which is scaling up their frustration and making them annoyed. SPO supported in formation of a disaster forum namely “Gwadar Disaster Response Forum (GDRF)” It has provided opportunity to humanitarian actors to discuss in detail for response and early recovery process. SPO established KDRF in Ketch in 2007 to response needs of affectees. SPO with other humanitarian actors conducted coordination meeting last night to chalk out holistic approach with minimizing the chances of duplication of activities from different agencies in same area. Data of affected Union Council and village wise is incorporated in Balochistan portion. Post cyclone situation in Balochistan:The stagnant water is triggering the chances of epidemic diseases beside it dismantle roads further adding problems in relief services. Food prices are scaled up and people with limited amount especially daily wagers are in difficult situations. It will set off food security crisis which can lead to conflict situation. It is imperative to note that affected people have feelings as intentionally ignored by government for required support. Gaps are existed on many fronts especially in health, food and absence of dewatering facilities. Approximately, 488 cases of diarrhea, malaria and skin diseases are reported in the two camps of Save the Children, NCHD and PPHI in Gwadar city . The water is still standing in most of UCs which is aired on different news Channels. The details of District Gwadar affecters UC and village wise are following, Union council Peshukan; Total population 18286 Total household 3026 Total village 18 Total primary school 21 Total health facility 3 Total PHE scheme 2 S. No Village Population Household Affected HHs 1 Roh Bar Peer Bakhsh Bazar 181 30 12 2 Barisi Ward Block.2 2120 351 11 3 Chabari Ward 1302 215 173 4 Khuda Abdul Samad Ward 1578 261 120 5 Konarki Ward 1450 240 80 6 Meer Qadir dad Ward 2236 370 84 7 Abdul Rahim Bazar 1178 195 95 8 Suleman Bazar 398 66 9 9 Malik Mohd Bazar 332 55 6 10 Shabi 69 9 2 11 Atta mohd Bazar 146 25 12 12 Prahentook 344 57 3 13 Qasba Ward 1781 295 73 14 Barisi Ward Block.1 1504 249 81 15 Saiji 1143 190 12 16 Dashti Ward 1027 170 39 17 Shay Mosa Bazar Paliri 1117 185 29 18 Kud Bazar 380 63 22 15985 2645 840 1703
Situation Update for Cyclone Phet – June 9, 2010
June 9, 2010 at 7.00 pm Situation Update for Cyclone PhetStrengthening Participatory Organization The Balochistan government has declared the cyclone- and rain-affected district of Gwadar a calamity-hit area. Hundreds of houses collapsed or were damaged by torrential rains in Gwadar and other areas along the Makran coast, rendering thousands of people homeless. Many areas of Gwadar town remained inundated on Tuesday — five days after torrential rains hit the area. The administration is striving to pump out water from low-lying areas. According to initial estimates, about 5,000 houses were washed away or damaged and about 200,000 people were affected The cyclone phet ended with triggering unparalleled effects on the communities’ living closer to coastal belt of Balochistan and Sindh. It has soaked their economies through wrenching the confidence of the affectees for the better life. The government has declared coastal areas safe for fisheries but sea associated activities are still inactive in most of coastal areas SPO’s Humanitarian Team SPO field teams are assisting in relief efforts to local administration on different localities. SPO teams are providing cooked food to affected families and also provided generators for dewatering from their houses. In this process local partner organizations are equally supporting on different scale. SPO is also coordinating with other line agencies to galvanize the problems of affectees on different forum to resolve issues timely. SPO field team is also collecting data in different parts of Sindh which has been inked below. The cyclone showered little damages on parts of Sindh to Balochistan. But still few areas of Sindh require assistance in early recovery phase. Post cyclone situation in Balochistan: The road link between the port town and other parts of the country is yet to be restored despite hectic efforts being made by the army engineering unit, National Highway Authority and Frontier Works Organization. Support from Federal and Provincial Government has arrived by C.130.. District Gwadar and associated Tehsils with it still in state of emergency since local administration has limited capacity cope with this scale of disasters. The emergency response work is in progress with the support of District administration and other different departments but still further assistance is requires to affectees. SPO team with other line agencies and civil actors conducted meeting with DCO Gwadar Mir Pasund Khan Buladi. SPO team also shared their strategy with other partner to assist in relief work. It is highlighted in coordination meetings that strong coordination is require among the all humanitarian actors for effective response. The emerging requirements are generators for dewatering, drinking water, medicines, food Items and Non Food Items Post cyclone situation in Sindh:SPO team remained in field and shared the following information, • At least 10-12 villages are affected as embankment of Right Bank Outfall Drain (RBOD) broke on Monday due to high pressure of rainwater. Major villages include Haji Abdullah Mirbahar Goth, Arab Palijo Goth, Menglendo Katiyar Goth, Ishaq Dandal Goth, Adam Mirbahar and Nawaz Palari Goth came under flood water. At least 4500 population has been suffered and disconnected from Gharo city. Embankment is not repaired yet. • A Committee headed by DCO Thatta Mr. Manzoor Shaikh has been formed which is comprised of DDO Revenue of each taluka who will responsible to conduct detailed survey of damages by submitting report in next fifteen days. • District Government Thatta had established 35 camps in district for the affectees but most of people returned to their homes. Non Governement Organizations and INGOs as SAFWCO, HANDS, Action against hunger, PDI, Fisherfolk Forum and AKRSP are collecting data of post disaster situation. At District Badin Home Minister Dr. Zulfikar Mirza has directed the revenue department to conduct detailed survey of the damages. • At District Thatta DCO will distribute Rs.1000/- for each affected family tomorrow. One mobile health center is established by Population welfare department but it is catering the needs of the people. There are cases reported of diarrhea, fever, skin infection, eye infections however no proper medical services are available to the villagers. For further details or any other relevant information, you may contact SPO staff at following locations,1. Imtiaz Jokiho (Thatta)- 0333-26291512. Asim Abro (Badin / Karachi)- 0300-30128123. Mutafa Baloch (Hyderabad)- 0301-83701704. Ellahi Buksh (Badin / Karachi)- 0345-8239384 5. Mehrab Baloch (Gwadar)- 0315-97037776. Mah Rang Baloch (Gwadar)- 0321-86173377. Tanvir Wadar (Turbat)- 0321-86162408. Pervaiz (LRP Jiwani)- 0321-86205119. Shahan Abbas (Islamabad)- 0321-969617710. Noor Baloch (Islamabad)- 0321-2290286 Malick Shahbaz Ahmad Tahir Special Project SectionMobile: 0300-5556324Ph: (051)2104677, 2104679-80, 8316890, 2298892-3 Strengthening Participatory Organization – Islamabad