India: Andhra Pradesh Relief to Development Projects
Source: Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS)
Date: 23 Jul 2010
In August 2009, Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) completed its three year Andhra Pradesh Relief to Development (APR2D) Project which stemmed from the devastating South Asian tsunami of December 2004 that claimed close to 200,000 lives and wiped out homes, livelihoods and infrastructure.
In the wake of the tsunami, Canadians rallied to assist those who had been affected. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and FOCUS Canada mobilized funds to support relief, and created a foundation for the rehabilitation of 15 particularly vulnerable communities in the tsunami-affected area. The APR2D project eventually reached over 4,000 families in 15 affected communities of the Krishna district, helping improve the ability to cope in times of disaster.
The aim of this project was to strengthen the capacities of communities at the local level to prepare, mitigate, prevent and respond to natural and man-made disasters. The project also aimed to reduce vulnerability from health and hygiene risks, establish partnerships with key stakeholders and disseminate knowledge and best practices while enhancing gender equality in the area.
At the core of the project's disaster management and mitigation strategy was the creation of community-based organizations that employed an inclusive, participatory approach to sustainable solutions. These organizations were critical in shaping and implementing initiatives that would best serve the needs of the affected communities.
Several AKDN agencies, including Focus Humanitarian Assistance, Aga Khan Planning and Building Services and Aga Khan Foundation, collaborated on this project, each bringing expertise and experience to bear on the challenges of working in a remote and resource-challenged area.
The positive impact of activities implemented during the APR2D project became evident in the community's response to torrential rains that caused flooding in October 2009. The newly trained community emergency response teams and community-based organizations were activated. Local communities were able to use the new skills and knowledge they had acquired through the trainings and interventions organized by the APR2D project.
A decrease in the community's vulnerability was also observed, owing to the infrastructure developed by the project such as, cyclone shelters, early warning systems, village-based stockpiles and the 5.75 km evacuation road. The two-way, early-warning radio system, for example, was used to create awareness of the disaster in the surrounding villages. Stockpiled items amassed during the APR2D project, including life jackets, life buoys, tents and community cooking containers, were used to aid displaced families.
Mr. Vishwanath Palli Venkateshwarao, an elder of the Zinkapalem village, expressed his appreciation to the DART members for the AKDN agencies' assistance. He thanked them for their help in "constructing a pond which replenished the storm water", and remarked that knowledge and the availability of "very high-frequency (VHF) radios ensured that we had news of the impending flood well in advance. The stockpiles were used to provide food and clothing and the AKDN road has ensured that livelihood activities were not disrupted".
In addition, FOCUS' Disaster Assessment and Response Team (DART) was deployed to conduct an assessment drill of the affected area. The drill provided an opportunity for the DART to gain hands-on experience in conducting assessments as well as provide FOCUS with an evaluation of the impact of the APR2D project. Following the assessment of the area, the DART developed an Emergency Response plan for the affected villages in the Krishna District, which has now been passed onto local organizations for implementation.
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db9 ... enDocument
FOCUS Humanitarian Activities
FOCUS assists thousands of flood victims in Pakistan
Islamabad, Pakistan, 12 August 2010 - Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) Pakistan, an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network, has launched a relief effort to assist the thousands of people displaced by the recent floods in the Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions of northern Pakistan.
FOCUS, with its teams of trained personnel and hundreds of volunteers, supplied food items comprising flour, rice, cooking oil, sugar and tea to the hundreds of families left destitute by the heavy monsoon rains, which have ravaged different parts of Pakistan. In addition to food supplies, non-food items such as tents, tarpaulins and blankets are being supplied to displaced families in Ghizar and Chitral. In its first phase, the assistance has reached over 900 destitute households through the emergency intervention.
"It has been extremely difficult to reach these vulnerable communities," said Khadija Shaban, Chairperson, FOCUS Pakistan. "Almost all infrastructure has been destroyed by the flood and relief activities are hindered," she added. A blockade of the Gilgit-Ghizar road and smaller village link roads hindered relief activities in the rugged region. However, additional tents, blankets, tarpaulin and bedding items have been transported to the region after the government restored the Gilgit-Ghizar link road earlier this month.
As part of the efforts to create resilient communities, FOCUS not only trains local communities in search and rescue operations but also establishes community stockpiles by storing limited quantities of non-food items to help local communities cope with sudden, small scale, disasters locally. Regional stockpiles have also facilitated distribution of relief items.
Flooding of the Indus River and its tributaries due to torrential rains has caused widespread destruction in Azad Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa (KP), and Punjab provinces of Pakistan. The United Nations has reported that to date, an estimated 14 million people have been affected by torrential rains and flooding and 6 to 7 million people are in dire need of food aid, clean water and shelter. Over 1,400 lives have been lost, more than 1,600 injured and 2 to 3 million people displaced due to the various rain-related hazards including landslides, floods, mudflows and structural collapse. More floods due to continued rains in upper parts of the country are likely to swell the number of those affected.
Over 20,000 people were displaced in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral due to complete or partial damage of residential buildings. Crop fields, orchards, trees, cattle sheds and other sources of livelihoods have also been heavily damaged or destroyed. FOCUS is in the process of transporting 200 tonnes of relief goods including food, to support 12,000 affected by the flood in these areas in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority.
FOCUS is also working in Chitral’s Booni village, where a large glacier became active due to the heavy rains, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people. Following an aerial reconnaissance of the glacier to analyse the situation, FOCUS’ intervention is reaching over 200 families in collaboration with the District administration. While most of the evacuated families are now living with host families, hundreds are staying in tents provided by the government, FOCUS and other organisations.
Also in the country’s Sindh Province, where the Meteorological Department of Pakistan has issued a "red alert" predicting an "imminent extreme flood threat" to the population, FOCUS, working closely with local community organisations, has mobilised its Search and Rescue Team and Community Emergency Response Teams to respond to the emergency situation. FOCUS continues to make public announcements to raise awareness on flood threats and precautionary measures to be implemented by affected communities.
For further information please contact:
Nusrat Nasab
Deputy Executive Officer
Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan
Telephone: +92-51 2294024; 2294051 

Fax: +92-51 2294036 

E-mail: nusrat.nasab@focushumanitarian.org
Salimah Shiraj
Member for Communications and Publications
His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Pakistan
Telephone: + 92-21 35861242
Cellular: +92 300 8218592
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1008/FOCUS- ... n-Pakistan
Islamabad, Pakistan, 12 August 2010 - Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) Pakistan, an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network, has launched a relief effort to assist the thousands of people displaced by the recent floods in the Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions of northern Pakistan.
FOCUS, with its teams of trained personnel and hundreds of volunteers, supplied food items comprising flour, rice, cooking oil, sugar and tea to the hundreds of families left destitute by the heavy monsoon rains, which have ravaged different parts of Pakistan. In addition to food supplies, non-food items such as tents, tarpaulins and blankets are being supplied to displaced families in Ghizar and Chitral. In its first phase, the assistance has reached over 900 destitute households through the emergency intervention.
"It has been extremely difficult to reach these vulnerable communities," said Khadija Shaban, Chairperson, FOCUS Pakistan. "Almost all infrastructure has been destroyed by the flood and relief activities are hindered," she added. A blockade of the Gilgit-Ghizar road and smaller village link roads hindered relief activities in the rugged region. However, additional tents, blankets, tarpaulin and bedding items have been transported to the region after the government restored the Gilgit-Ghizar link road earlier this month.
As part of the efforts to create resilient communities, FOCUS not only trains local communities in search and rescue operations but also establishes community stockpiles by storing limited quantities of non-food items to help local communities cope with sudden, small scale, disasters locally. Regional stockpiles have also facilitated distribution of relief items.
Flooding of the Indus River and its tributaries due to torrential rains has caused widespread destruction in Azad Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa (KP), and Punjab provinces of Pakistan. The United Nations has reported that to date, an estimated 14 million people have been affected by torrential rains and flooding and 6 to 7 million people are in dire need of food aid, clean water and shelter. Over 1,400 lives have been lost, more than 1,600 injured and 2 to 3 million people displaced due to the various rain-related hazards including landslides, floods, mudflows and structural collapse. More floods due to continued rains in upper parts of the country are likely to swell the number of those affected.
Over 20,000 people were displaced in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral due to complete or partial damage of residential buildings. Crop fields, orchards, trees, cattle sheds and other sources of livelihoods have also been heavily damaged or destroyed. FOCUS is in the process of transporting 200 tonnes of relief goods including food, to support 12,000 affected by the flood in these areas in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority.
FOCUS is also working in Chitral’s Booni village, where a large glacier became active due to the heavy rains, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people. Following an aerial reconnaissance of the glacier to analyse the situation, FOCUS’ intervention is reaching over 200 families in collaboration with the District administration. While most of the evacuated families are now living with host families, hundreds are staying in tents provided by the government, FOCUS and other organisations.
Also in the country’s Sindh Province, where the Meteorological Department of Pakistan has issued a "red alert" predicting an "imminent extreme flood threat" to the population, FOCUS, working closely with local community organisations, has mobilised its Search and Rescue Team and Community Emergency Response Teams to respond to the emergency situation. FOCUS continues to make public announcements to raise awareness on flood threats and precautionary measures to be implemented by affected communities.
For further information please contact:
Nusrat Nasab
Deputy Executive Officer
Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan
Telephone: +92-51 2294024; 2294051 

Fax: +92-51 2294036 

E-mail: nusrat.nasab@focushumanitarian.org
Salimah Shiraj
Member for Communications and Publications
His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Pakistan
Telephone: + 92-21 35861242
Cellular: +92 300 8218592
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1008/FOCUS- ... n-Pakistan
Pakistan, September 2010 - Focus Humanitarian Assistance has been actively involved in response and relief efforts following continued rains and massive floods affecting various parts of Pakistan. In partnership with various AKDN agencies, access to health care, clean drinking water and sanitation facilities is being provided to displaced people who are in dire need of these efforts.
A family affected by the floods in Upper Chitral receives relief items transported on AKF helicopters. Aga Khan Foundation is providing helicopters to air lift relief items to those who have been cut off due to the road blockades. FOCUS has procured food packages for 15,300 beneficiaries. - Photo: FOCUS Pakistan
The torrential rains have caused damage to infrastructure and property including mosques, community halls, water mills, shops, and irrigation canals in addition to heavy damage to crops and cattle sheds. This picture shows the damage caused to shops in Garam Chashma, a village in Chitral, which were destroyed due to the severe flash floods. - Photo: FOCUS Pakistan
The transportation of food and relief items continues to pose a challenge, due to road inaccessibility and poor weather conditions. Transportation of relief items is also carried out via foot as linkages to villages are inaccessible from the damage caused to roads and major pathways. The blockade of the Karakoram highway has made access to the mountainous regions of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral difficult, which is home to approximately 2 million people. - Photo: FOCUS Pakistan
Roads and highways have been washed out due to flashfloods caused by the heavy rains that began in early August. Commuters face difficulties crossing an inundated part of the Karokuram Highway near Jaglote village. - Photo: FOCUS Pakistan
The Hunza River, 12 kilometers North of Gligit, overtopping as water from nearby Rahimbad spills in. - Photo: FOCUS Pakistan
http://www.akdn.org/photos_show.asp?Sid=165
FOCUS staff in Chitral load sacks of emergency food aid on to helicopters provided by the Aga Khan Foundation to be air lifted to areas cut off by road. - Photo: FOCUS Pakistan
A family affected by the floods in Upper Chitral receives relief items transported on AKF helicopters. Aga Khan Foundation is providing helicopters to air lift relief items to those who have been cut off due to the road blockades. FOCUS has procured food packages for 15,300 beneficiaries. - Photo: FOCUS Pakistan
The torrential rains have caused damage to infrastructure and property including mosques, community halls, water mills, shops, and irrigation canals in addition to heavy damage to crops and cattle sheds. This picture shows the damage caused to shops in Garam Chashma, a village in Chitral, which were destroyed due to the severe flash floods. - Photo: FOCUS Pakistan
The transportation of food and relief items continues to pose a challenge, due to road inaccessibility and poor weather conditions. Transportation of relief items is also carried out via foot as linkages to villages are inaccessible from the damage caused to roads and major pathways. The blockade of the Karakoram highway has made access to the mountainous regions of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral difficult, which is home to approximately 2 million people. - Photo: FOCUS Pakistan
Roads and highways have been washed out due to flashfloods caused by the heavy rains that began in early August. Commuters face difficulties crossing an inundated part of the Karokuram Highway near Jaglote village. - Photo: FOCUS Pakistan
The Hunza River, 12 kilometers North of Gligit, overtopping as water from nearby Rahimbad spills in. - Photo: FOCUS Pakistan
http://www.akdn.org/photos_show.asp?Sid=165
FOCUS staff in Chitral load sacks of emergency food aid on to helicopters provided by the Aga Khan Foundation to be air lifted to areas cut off by road. - Photo: FOCUS Pakistan
Advocacy session on 'Building Partnerships for Disaster Risk Reduction'
KARACHI (January 08, 2011) : An advocacy session on "Building Partnerships for Disaster Risk Reduction" was organised in Islamabad by Focus Humanitarian Assistance (Focus) Pakistan, an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
"By understanding the approaches adopted by the AKDN in Pakistan, I have learned about the strong impact of communities' involvement in the development process. My interactions with and observation of Focus' work has helped me understand how we can build resilient communities, in the wake of frequently occurring natural disasters," said Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed (Retd), Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Pakistan, while addressing the audience in Islamabad.
The NDMA Chairman further said that the Focus draws strength from the support base provided by specialised AKDN agencies, such as the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services, Aga Khan Health Services, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development. General Nadeem also paid rich tributes to the thousands of volunteers supporting the various AKDN agencies and extended all out support to the Focus and AKDN agencies for future collaborations in terms of disaster risk reduction and response initiatives.
While stating that remarkable progress had been made in the field of disaster response, General Nadeem noted that a 'lot of ground' needed to be covered in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and preparedness. He stressed on the need for broader and meaningful engagement between the state agencies, NGOs and civil society organisations for creating disaster resilient communities.
Nusrat Nasab, Acting Executive Officer - Focus Pakistan gave an overview of the programmes and interventions of the Focus. She appreciated the leading role played by NDMA for helping mainstream DRR activities in Pakistan. She said that with the support of NDMA and other national and international organisations, the Focus had been able to reach out to thousands of disaster affectees in the region.
Director General - Ministry of Environment, Jawed Ali Khan, also addressed the gathering and explained the climate change trends emphasising on the need for adaptation of DRR strategies to reduce human suffering. Representatives from Nespak, NRSP and field offices of the Focus in Chitral and Gilgit also made presentations about their DRR related activities. They also highlighted the need for greater participation of the government, NGOs and civil society organisations for reducing vulnerabilities of the communities through better management of natural resources and capacity development through awareness raising and resource sharing.-PR
Copyright Business Recorder, 2011
http://www.brecorder.com/news/general-n ... :news.html
KARACHI (January 08, 2011) : An advocacy session on "Building Partnerships for Disaster Risk Reduction" was organised in Islamabad by Focus Humanitarian Assistance (Focus) Pakistan, an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
"By understanding the approaches adopted by the AKDN in Pakistan, I have learned about the strong impact of communities' involvement in the development process. My interactions with and observation of Focus' work has helped me understand how we can build resilient communities, in the wake of frequently occurring natural disasters," said Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed (Retd), Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Pakistan, while addressing the audience in Islamabad.
The NDMA Chairman further said that the Focus draws strength from the support base provided by specialised AKDN agencies, such as the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services, Aga Khan Health Services, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development. General Nadeem also paid rich tributes to the thousands of volunteers supporting the various AKDN agencies and extended all out support to the Focus and AKDN agencies for future collaborations in terms of disaster risk reduction and response initiatives.
While stating that remarkable progress had been made in the field of disaster response, General Nadeem noted that a 'lot of ground' needed to be covered in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and preparedness. He stressed on the need for broader and meaningful engagement between the state agencies, NGOs and civil society organisations for creating disaster resilient communities.
Nusrat Nasab, Acting Executive Officer - Focus Pakistan gave an overview of the programmes and interventions of the Focus. She appreciated the leading role played by NDMA for helping mainstream DRR activities in Pakistan. She said that with the support of NDMA and other national and international organisations, the Focus had been able to reach out to thousands of disaster affectees in the region.
Director General - Ministry of Environment, Jawed Ali Khan, also addressed the gathering and explained the climate change trends emphasising on the need for adaptation of DRR strategies to reduce human suffering. Representatives from Nespak, NRSP and field offices of the Focus in Chitral and Gilgit also made presentations about their DRR related activities. They also highlighted the need for greater participation of the government, NGOs and civil society organisations for reducing vulnerabilities of the communities through better management of natural resources and capacity development through awareness raising and resource sharing.-PR
Copyright Business Recorder, 2011
http://www.brecorder.com/news/general-n ... :news.html
FOCUS Pakistan assists in evacuating victims affected by collapse of Karachi’s Lyari Building
The FOCUS Search and Rescue Team is equipped with and trained for light-to-medium search and rescue operations. Photo: FOCUSThe FOCUS Search and Rescue Team is equipped with and trained for light-to-medium search and rescue operations. Photo: FOCUS Karachi, Pakistan, 9 August 2011 - Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) Pakistan, an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network, has mobilised members of its Disaster Assessment and Response Team (DART), to assess the damage resulting from the collapse of the Lyari Building and identify rescue and relief needs. Based on the DART’s recommendations, FOCUS Pakistan immediately deployed a team of 15 volunteer rescuers, who are trained and equipped for urban search and rescue operations. In the initial hours of the incident, 15 injured individuals were rescued. To date, 34 bodies have been excavated from the rubble, while more than 16 people are still feared trapped under the debris.
The five-storey Lyari building, collapsed on the morning of 4th August 2011 in Moosa Lane locality of Baghdadi area, Lyari Town in Karachi, trapping more than 50 people under the rubble.
FOCUS Pakistan’s Search and Rescue Team (SART), trained by Rescue and Preparedness in Disasters, the UK representative of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group and IntOps AB, a Swedish consultancy company in crisis management and humanitarian operations, has been working jointly with the Urban Search and Rescue team of the National Disaster Management Authority, since the collapse of the building, using the latest search and rescue equipment to reach the victims.
Commending the efforts of FOCUS, Brigadier Anus Asad of the Army Engineer Corp said that “FOCUS Pakistan’s team has been extremely supportive in the rescue operations”. The SART was also supported by members of the Kharadar area Community Emergency Response Team, established by FOCUS Pakistan as part of its community based disaster risk management programme.
As part of its mandate to help communities build resilience to disasters, FOCUS has developed a professional search and rescue team consisting of 40 members during its 13 years of presence in Pakistan, and has trained over 34,000 local community members in Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Muzaffargarh, Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan to effectively respond to disasters such as the devastating Monsoon floods (2010), Attabad landslide (2010) and the South Asian earthquake (2005).
For further information please contact:
Nusrat Nasab
Executive Officer
Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan
Islamabad, Pakistan
Telephone: (+92-51) 111-253-254
Fax: (+92-51) 2072551
E-mail: nusrat.nasab@focushumanitarian.org
Salimah Shiraj
Communications Coordinator
Aga Khan Development Network
Karachi, Pakistan
Telephone: (+92 21) 35861242
Fax: (+92 21) 35861272
Email: salimah.shiraj@akcpk.org
Notes:
Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) - FOCUS is a crisis response and disaster risk management agency established in Europe, North America and South and Central Asia. It helps vulnerable communities build resilience to natural and man-made disasters and compliments the provision of humanitarian relief principally in the developing world. FOCUS is an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of institutions working to improve opportunities and living conditions, for people of all faiths and origins, in specific regions of the developing world. For further information please visit www.akdn.org/focus
Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) - The Aga Khan Development Network is a group of non-denominational development agencies, created by His Highness the Aga Khan, with complementary mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities. As a contemporary endeavour of the Ismaili Imamat to realise the social conscience of Islam through institutional action, the AKDN agencies work to improve living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender. Working in the fields of economic, cultural and social development, AKDN aims to provide choices and opportunities to communities so that they can realise and determine their own development. For further information please visit www.akdn.org
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1064
The FOCUS Search and Rescue Team is equipped with and trained for light-to-medium search and rescue operations. Photo: FOCUSThe FOCUS Search and Rescue Team is equipped with and trained for light-to-medium search and rescue operations. Photo: FOCUS Karachi, Pakistan, 9 August 2011 - Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) Pakistan, an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network, has mobilised members of its Disaster Assessment and Response Team (DART), to assess the damage resulting from the collapse of the Lyari Building and identify rescue and relief needs. Based on the DART’s recommendations, FOCUS Pakistan immediately deployed a team of 15 volunteer rescuers, who are trained and equipped for urban search and rescue operations. In the initial hours of the incident, 15 injured individuals were rescued. To date, 34 bodies have been excavated from the rubble, while more than 16 people are still feared trapped under the debris.
The five-storey Lyari building, collapsed on the morning of 4th August 2011 in Moosa Lane locality of Baghdadi area, Lyari Town in Karachi, trapping more than 50 people under the rubble.
FOCUS Pakistan’s Search and Rescue Team (SART), trained by Rescue and Preparedness in Disasters, the UK representative of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group and IntOps AB, a Swedish consultancy company in crisis management and humanitarian operations, has been working jointly with the Urban Search and Rescue team of the National Disaster Management Authority, since the collapse of the building, using the latest search and rescue equipment to reach the victims.
Commending the efforts of FOCUS, Brigadier Anus Asad of the Army Engineer Corp said that “FOCUS Pakistan’s team has been extremely supportive in the rescue operations”. The SART was also supported by members of the Kharadar area Community Emergency Response Team, established by FOCUS Pakistan as part of its community based disaster risk management programme.
As part of its mandate to help communities build resilience to disasters, FOCUS has developed a professional search and rescue team consisting of 40 members during its 13 years of presence in Pakistan, and has trained over 34,000 local community members in Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Muzaffargarh, Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan to effectively respond to disasters such as the devastating Monsoon floods (2010), Attabad landslide (2010) and the South Asian earthquake (2005).
For further information please contact:
Nusrat Nasab
Executive Officer
Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan
Islamabad, Pakistan
Telephone: (+92-51) 111-253-254
Fax: (+92-51) 2072551
E-mail: nusrat.nasab@focushumanitarian.org
Salimah Shiraj
Communications Coordinator
Aga Khan Development Network
Karachi, Pakistan
Telephone: (+92 21) 35861242
Fax: (+92 21) 35861272
Email: salimah.shiraj@akcpk.org
Notes:
Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) - FOCUS is a crisis response and disaster risk management agency established in Europe, North America and South and Central Asia. It helps vulnerable communities build resilience to natural and man-made disasters and compliments the provision of humanitarian relief principally in the developing world. FOCUS is an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of institutions working to improve opportunities and living conditions, for people of all faiths and origins, in specific regions of the developing world. For further information please visit www.akdn.org/focus
Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) - The Aga Khan Development Network is a group of non-denominational development agencies, created by His Highness the Aga Khan, with complementary mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities. As a contemporary endeavour of the Ismaili Imamat to realise the social conscience of Islam through institutional action, the AKDN agencies work to improve living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender. Working in the fields of economic, cultural and social development, AKDN aims to provide choices and opportunities to communities so that they can realise and determine their own development. For further information please visit www.akdn.org
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1064
Through the camera lens: Life after the floods (Part 1)
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1246/Thro ... ods-Part-1
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1246/Thro ... ods-Part-1
Disaster control: Legislation on school safety demanded
Published: October 27, 2011
The Express Tribune
Disaster control: Legislation on school safety demanded
Published: October 27, 2011
GILGIT:
The majority of schools in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) are vulnerable to natural disasters due to negligence in site selection, design deficiencies and usage of substandard materials.
This was said by experts during a session on school safety strategy held by G-B Directorate of Education and Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan – an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network on Tuesday.
School Safety Programme Coordinator Zulfiqar Ali said that the safety strategy gave a comprehensive analysis on current safety status of schools in all seven districts of the region and recommends short-term and long-term solutions to ensure greater safety of schools located in the hazard-prone mountainous region. He added that the lawmakers should pass legislation on the issue and give legal status to the strategy after necessary review and consultations.
Disaster Risk Reduction Manager Salman Shah said that the school safety strategy proposes updating and enriching the school curriculum, adding that regular trainings for school community will have far-reaching implications in safety of schools in G-B.
The participants said May 16 should be marked as the Annual School Safety Day.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 27th, 2011.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/283012/disa ... -demanded/
Published: October 27, 2011
The Express Tribune
Disaster control: Legislation on school safety demanded
Published: October 27, 2011
GILGIT:
The majority of schools in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) are vulnerable to natural disasters due to negligence in site selection, design deficiencies and usage of substandard materials.
This was said by experts during a session on school safety strategy held by G-B Directorate of Education and Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan – an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network on Tuesday.
School Safety Programme Coordinator Zulfiqar Ali said that the safety strategy gave a comprehensive analysis on current safety status of schools in all seven districts of the region and recommends short-term and long-term solutions to ensure greater safety of schools located in the hazard-prone mountainous region. He added that the lawmakers should pass legislation on the issue and give legal status to the strategy after necessary review and consultations.
Disaster Risk Reduction Manager Salman Shah said that the school safety strategy proposes updating and enriching the school curriculum, adding that regular trainings for school community will have far-reaching implications in safety of schools in G-B.
The participants said May 16 should be marked as the Annual School Safety Day.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 27th, 2011.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/283012/disa ... -demanded/
Too much detail: ‘In disaster reporting we don’t need to show bodies’
Published: October 29, 2011
KARACHI: In an attempt to educate journalists about reporting dangerous situations, a workshop was organised by Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan, an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network.
More than 25 media professionals were instructed on how to write news stories effectively and how to behave during disasters. The workshop was titled, “Media Workshop on Disaster Reporting” and was conducted by Abbas Hussain, the director of Teachers Development Centre and an expert on developmental communication. The session focused on advanced writing skills, techniques for harnessing thoughts to write effectively for both print and electronic media, and the code of conduct for journalists.
Hussain discussed the basics of disaster coverage and emphasised the importance of detail when developing a story. “Taking the views of all stakeholders is vital when reporting disasters,” he said. According to him, hazard identification, damage and risk assessment, strong communication, hazard avoidance measures and creating awareness were the key elements.
“I believe that thoughts are incoherent,” said Hussain, when talking about writing. “There is no such thing as thinking before writing. There is only the intention to write.” He said that thoughts did not bring words to paper but they formed simultaneously while writing.
He told the participants of a technique called “cubing” to help them construct a story. It involves building a topic from six aspects, which are description, analysis, comparison, application, association and argument – either for or against the topic.
“Every reporter has a responsibility to fulfil for both, their agency and also the public,” said the Hussain. “When photographing, the consent of subjects, especially women, is essential.”
He criticised the Pakistani media for displaying unnecessary details, especially the visuals. “When there was an earthquake in Japan not a single body was shown,” he asserted. “But when disaster strikes Pakistan, bodies are shown openly.” He believed that the gory content contributed in generating negative emotions among viewers and readers.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 29th, 2011.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/284382/too- ... ow-bodies/
Published: October 29, 2011
KARACHI: In an attempt to educate journalists about reporting dangerous situations, a workshop was organised by Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan, an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network.
More than 25 media professionals were instructed on how to write news stories effectively and how to behave during disasters. The workshop was titled, “Media Workshop on Disaster Reporting” and was conducted by Abbas Hussain, the director of Teachers Development Centre and an expert on developmental communication. The session focused on advanced writing skills, techniques for harnessing thoughts to write effectively for both print and electronic media, and the code of conduct for journalists.
Hussain discussed the basics of disaster coverage and emphasised the importance of detail when developing a story. “Taking the views of all stakeholders is vital when reporting disasters,” he said. According to him, hazard identification, damage and risk assessment, strong communication, hazard avoidance measures and creating awareness were the key elements.
“I believe that thoughts are incoherent,” said Hussain, when talking about writing. “There is no such thing as thinking before writing. There is only the intention to write.” He said that thoughts did not bring words to paper but they formed simultaneously while writing.
He told the participants of a technique called “cubing” to help them construct a story. It involves building a topic from six aspects, which are description, analysis, comparison, application, association and argument – either for or against the topic.
“Every reporter has a responsibility to fulfil for both, their agency and also the public,” said the Hussain. “When photographing, the consent of subjects, especially women, is essential.”
He criticised the Pakistani media for displaying unnecessary details, especially the visuals. “When there was an earthquake in Japan not a single body was shown,” he asserted. “But when disaster strikes Pakistan, bodies are shown openly.” He believed that the gory content contributed in generating negative emotions among viewers and readers.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 29th, 2011.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/284382/too- ... ow-bodies/
AfghanistanNorth-Eastern Region Badakhshan Province Avalanche Incident Report No. 1
Report—UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Download PDF (50.01 KB)This report is produced by OCHA Afghanistan in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It covers the period 6 March 2012.
I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES
•An avalanche reportedly killed 33 people in Shaki district of Badakhshan province. Four people were injured, while many more are reported to be missing.
•Access to the remote district is extremely difficult. Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS), an affiliate of the Agha Khan Development Network (AKDN), sent a team from neighboring Tajikistan and is trying to reach the area with emergency shelter assistance.
•Immediate relief needs include search and rescue, emergency medical assistance, food, and emergency shelter
II. Situation Overview
Thirty three people reportedly died as a result of an avalanche that occurred on 3 March 2012 in Dispy village, Shaki district, Badakhshan province, on the Tajikistan border. Local rescue teams from neighboring villages have rescued seven people in Dispy village, which has a population of 206 people. Many more people are feared missing as initial reports indicate that 20 houses were completely destroyed.
Shaki district is very remote with widely scattered settlements. In winter, the district is inaccessible by road and can only be reached via Tajikistan. Information about the avalanche disaster reached the provincial capital Faizabad city only on 6 March.
An emergency response team from FOCUS, based in Tajikistan, is en route to Shaki district with 20 tents, 50 family kits and 100 plastic sheets. However, reaching the affected area in Afghanistan is hampered by border crossing procedures. The district has some contingency stocks in place as part of winter-preparedness and drought response. In particular, WFP had pre-positioned 161 MT food for 945 families in Shaki district while the Department of Agriculture provided food assistance to 500 households in the district.
http://reliefweb.int/node/481148
Report—UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Download PDF (50.01 KB)This report is produced by OCHA Afghanistan in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It covers the period 6 March 2012.
I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES
•An avalanche reportedly killed 33 people in Shaki district of Badakhshan province. Four people were injured, while many more are reported to be missing.
•Access to the remote district is extremely difficult. Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS), an affiliate of the Agha Khan Development Network (AKDN), sent a team from neighboring Tajikistan and is trying to reach the area with emergency shelter assistance.
•Immediate relief needs include search and rescue, emergency medical assistance, food, and emergency shelter
II. Situation Overview
Thirty three people reportedly died as a result of an avalanche that occurred on 3 March 2012 in Dispy village, Shaki district, Badakhshan province, on the Tajikistan border. Local rescue teams from neighboring villages have rescued seven people in Dispy village, which has a population of 206 people. Many more people are feared missing as initial reports indicate that 20 houses were completely destroyed.
Shaki district is very remote with widely scattered settlements. In winter, the district is inaccessible by road and can only be reached via Tajikistan. Information about the avalanche disaster reached the provincial capital Faizabad city only on 6 March.
An emergency response team from FOCUS, based in Tajikistan, is en route to Shaki district with 20 tents, 50 family kits and 100 plastic sheets. However, reaching the affected area in Afghanistan is hampered by border crossing procedures. The district has some contingency stocks in place as part of winter-preparedness and drought response. In particular, WFP had pre-positioned 161 MT food for 945 families in Shaki district while the Department of Agriculture provided food assistance to 500 households in the district.
http://reliefweb.int/node/481148
FOCUS Pakistan holds seminar on 'climate change'
Focus Human-itarian Assistance (FOCUS) Pakistan, an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network, organised a seminar in Karachi on Thursday on 'Climate change and its impact'. In the seminar academics and practitioners shared their views and learning about the trend of temperature rise and its impact on the climate of Pakistan, specially the coastal areas.
The focal point of the seminar was a deliberation on the opportunities and challenges posed by climate change and the important role the government can play to minimise the impact of those calamities at national, regional and local levels, says a statement issued here.
Ideas were also discussed about the measures that need to be taken to ensure optimum safety and preparedness for lives and properties of the people living in both the coastal and urban areas. Expert speakers at the seminar were Munir Sheikh, Head of Climatology Section at the Global Change Impact Study Centre, and Dr Khalid Mahmood Malik, Director of National Agro met Center at Pakistan Meteorological Department.
The speakers highlighted different national, regional and international trends vis-à-vis the phenomena of climate change. They maintained that governments and societies across the globe were taking concrete steps to mitigate the potential destructiveness of temperature rise, which was likely to cause an increase in the sea level during the next several decades, glacier melting and change in monsoon trends.
The speakers emphasised on taking strategic steps and measures to protect the over 700 kilometres strong coastal settlements of Pakistan, which includes the city of Karachi and Gwadar, besides several other settlements. The seminar also discussed various strategies for coastal and urban areas in detail with major emphasis on integration of adaptation strategies into programmes aimed at Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Speaking earlier, Chairperson of FOCUS Pakistan, Khadija Jamal Shaban, briefed the participants about FOCUS and its DRR programme undertaken in Pakistan including Sindh and Punjab.
http://www.brecorder.com/market-data/ra ... 8/1266464/
Focus Human-itarian Assistance (FOCUS) Pakistan, an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network, organised a seminar in Karachi on Thursday on 'Climate change and its impact'. In the seminar academics and practitioners shared their views and learning about the trend of temperature rise and its impact on the climate of Pakistan, specially the coastal areas.
The focal point of the seminar was a deliberation on the opportunities and challenges posed by climate change and the important role the government can play to minimise the impact of those calamities at national, regional and local levels, says a statement issued here.
Ideas were also discussed about the measures that need to be taken to ensure optimum safety and preparedness for lives and properties of the people living in both the coastal and urban areas. Expert speakers at the seminar were Munir Sheikh, Head of Climatology Section at the Global Change Impact Study Centre, and Dr Khalid Mahmood Malik, Director of National Agro met Center at Pakistan Meteorological Department.
The speakers highlighted different national, regional and international trends vis-à-vis the phenomena of climate change. They maintained that governments and societies across the globe were taking concrete steps to mitigate the potential destructiveness of temperature rise, which was likely to cause an increase in the sea level during the next several decades, glacier melting and change in monsoon trends.
The speakers emphasised on taking strategic steps and measures to protect the over 700 kilometres strong coastal settlements of Pakistan, which includes the city of Karachi and Gwadar, besides several other settlements. The seminar also discussed various strategies for coastal and urban areas in detail with major emphasis on integration of adaptation strategies into programmes aimed at Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Speaking earlier, Chairperson of FOCUS Pakistan, Khadija Jamal Shaban, briefed the participants about FOCUS and its DRR programme undertaken in Pakistan including Sindh and Punjab.
http://www.brecorder.com/market-data/ra ... 8/1266464/
NDMA and FOCUS Pakistan sign MoU to enhance Disaster Risk initiatives in Pakistan
Islamabad (PR): National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan (FOCUS), an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Islamabad Hotel for enhancing Disaster Risk Reduction Programmes at the national level.
Mr. Rana Farooq Saeed, Federal Minister for Climate Change, was the Chief guest at the occasion.
http://pamirtimes.net/2013/01/31/ndma-a ... -pakistan/
Islamabad (PR): National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan (FOCUS), an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Islamabad Hotel for enhancing Disaster Risk Reduction Programmes at the national level.
Mr. Rana Farooq Saeed, Federal Minister for Climate Change, was the Chief guest at the occasion.
http://pamirtimes.net/2013/01/31/ndma-a ... -pakistan/
FOCUS India delivers search and rescue training as part of Delhi emergency exercise
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1415/
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1415/
imperialvalleynews.com/index.php/news/california-news/6475-cal-oes-signs-a-memorandum-of-understanding-with-the-aga-khan-development-network.html
Cal OES signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the Aga Khan Development Network
Created on Wednesday, 18 December 2013 20:51
Written by IVN
Sacramento, California - Today, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Aga Khan Development Network Disaster Risk Management Initiative and FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance USA.
This MOU builds on the Agreement of Cooperation entered by the State of California and His Highness the Aga Khan, the Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network in 2009, reaffirming their shared commitment to dedicate human and material resources to confront poverty and collaborate in disaster response and preparedness.
"The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding gives us an opportunity to end 2013 with a great cooperation and to enhance bilateral emergency response," said Mark Ghilarducci, Director of Cal OES. "This gives us an extraordinary opportunity to expand on the efforts of disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery and to assure our world can recover from all hazards - natural, man-made, war-caused or any disasters."
Both the State of California and the AKDN have extensive experience in seismic mitigation.Today's signing was an informal agreement between all the signatories to reduce the risk of, and respond to, threats to the public health, safety and welfare of communities at risk and strengthens the commitment to reduce the loss of life and suffering due to emergencies.
"It's a pleasure to renew this relationship with California and we are honored for this partnership because of your expertise in emergency management and disaster mitigation," said Dr. Mahmoud Eboo, President of the Aga Khan Council for the USA. "With your generosity and knowledge, you are helping other parts of the world."
The AKDN partnership with California in 2009 helped introduced the work of quake preparedness drills to different parts in the world, like Pakistan.
"We, at the Governor's Office, are excited at the signing of this MOU in an area that is much needed in the world we live in today - preparedness, emergency management, earthquake safety and intelligent rural and urban planning," said Nancy McFadden, Executive Secretary to California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.
In an effort to enhance the role that non-governmental organizations plays in California's ability to respond to and recover from emergencies, Cal OES has worked to incorporate these organizations along with the private sector into the state's disaster response system. As part of these efforts, Cal OES has actively pursued key partnerships with, American Red Cross, Wells Fargo; Bank of America; Time Warner Cable; Walmart Stores, Inc.; Gap, Inc.; California Grocers Association; Target Corporation; Home Depot; California Utilities Emergency Association; and several others.
Cal OES signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the Aga Khan Development Network
Created on Wednesday, 18 December 2013 20:51
Written by IVN
Sacramento, California - Today, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Aga Khan Development Network Disaster Risk Management Initiative and FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance USA.
This MOU builds on the Agreement of Cooperation entered by the State of California and His Highness the Aga Khan, the Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network in 2009, reaffirming their shared commitment to dedicate human and material resources to confront poverty and collaborate in disaster response and preparedness.
"The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding gives us an opportunity to end 2013 with a great cooperation and to enhance bilateral emergency response," said Mark Ghilarducci, Director of Cal OES. "This gives us an extraordinary opportunity to expand on the efforts of disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery and to assure our world can recover from all hazards - natural, man-made, war-caused or any disasters."
Both the State of California and the AKDN have extensive experience in seismic mitigation.Today's signing was an informal agreement between all the signatories to reduce the risk of, and respond to, threats to the public health, safety and welfare of communities at risk and strengthens the commitment to reduce the loss of life and suffering due to emergencies.
"It's a pleasure to renew this relationship with California and we are honored for this partnership because of your expertise in emergency management and disaster mitigation," said Dr. Mahmoud Eboo, President of the Aga Khan Council for the USA. "With your generosity and knowledge, you are helping other parts of the world."
The AKDN partnership with California in 2009 helped introduced the work of quake preparedness drills to different parts in the world, like Pakistan.
"We, at the Governor's Office, are excited at the signing of this MOU in an area that is much needed in the world we live in today - preparedness, emergency management, earthquake safety and intelligent rural and urban planning," said Nancy McFadden, Executive Secretary to California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.
In an effort to enhance the role that non-governmental organizations plays in California's ability to respond to and recover from emergencies, Cal OES has worked to incorporate these organizations along with the private sector into the state's disaster response system. As part of these efforts, Cal OES has actively pursued key partnerships with, American Red Cross, Wells Fargo; Bank of America; Time Warner Cable; Walmart Stores, Inc.; Gap, Inc.; California Grocers Association; Target Corporation; Home Depot; California Utilities Emergency Association; and several others.
FOCUS Pakistan responds to flooding in Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan
Islamabad 04 August 2015 – Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) has been providing relief to villages in the Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, which have been affected by devastating floods resulting from monsoon rains and glacial outbursts.
Flash flooding and debris flow have washed away over 100 villages while disrupting access to roads and bridges and causing damage to property, crops, livestock, communication infrastructure and drinking water supply systems. Over 700 trained volunteers from FOCUS Pakistan’s Search and Rescue, Disaster Assessment Response and Community Emergency Response Teams were immediately mobilised to respond to the emergency. The teams have distributed food items and non-food items including tents, blankets, tarpaulin sheets, family hygiene kits and water purification tabs to 600 families in Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The situation is becoming more critical as a number of valleys and villages in Chitral remain inaccessible and continue to be isolated from each other. Major roads remain cut off including Chitral-Booni Mastuj road, Garamchashma-Chitral road, Chitral-Ayun Bumborate road, Booni-Mulkhow and Kosht road and Chitral-Madaklasht road.
“The immediate need is to clear roads and restore access to villages as supplies in the affected areas will run out and winter will soon set in,” warns Nusrat Nasab, Executive Officer of FOCUS Pakistan. In the meantime, FOCUS Pakistan plans to provide one month’s food supplies to 70% of the most affected communities in Lower and Upper Chitral. Provisions have also been made to store items at the regional level since small local markets are expected to run out of supplies.
Flash floods and unfavorable weather continue to be a major threat to relief efforts making it difficult to airlift people and distribute supplies and medicine. FOCUS Pakistan’s Community Emergency Response Team is working with local communities and with the FOCUS regional office for early warning and timely response.
During its 15 years presence in the country, FOCUS Pakistan has trained over 36,000 local community volunteers as first responders and has set up over 90 stockpiles to effectively respond to disasters. FOCUS Pakistan is working closely with the Pakistan Army, Government authorities and local administration in coordinating immediate relief efforts. Once the near-term threat is controlled, extensive planning and resources will be required for rehabilitation. As part of the Aga Khan Development Network, FOCUS Pakistan is engaged with affiliated institutions including Aga Khan Health Services, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme and Aga Khan Planning and Building Services to alleviate concerns such as health and hygiene issues arising from the aftermath of crises and to plan for longer-term housing and economic rehabilitation.
NOTES:
Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) is a crisis response and disaster risk management agency established in Europe, North America and South and Central Asia. It helps vulnerable communities build resilience to natural and man-made disasters and compliments the provision of humanitarian relief principally in the developing world. FOCUS is an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of institutions working to improve opportunities and living conditions, for people of all faiths and origins, in specific regions of the developing world. For further information please visit www.akdn.org/focus
Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) – The Aga Khan Development Network is a group of non-denominational development agencies, created by His Highness the Aga Khan, with complementary mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities. As a contemporary endeavour of the Ismaili Imamat to realise the social conscience of Islam through institutional action, the AKDN agencies work to improve living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender. Working in the fields of economic, cultural and social development, AKDN aims to provide choices and opportunities to communities so that they can realise and determine their own development. For further information please visit www.akdn.org
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1350/FOCUS- ... tBaltistan
Islamabad 04 August 2015 – Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) has been providing relief to villages in the Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, which have been affected by devastating floods resulting from monsoon rains and glacial outbursts.
Flash flooding and debris flow have washed away over 100 villages while disrupting access to roads and bridges and causing damage to property, crops, livestock, communication infrastructure and drinking water supply systems. Over 700 trained volunteers from FOCUS Pakistan’s Search and Rescue, Disaster Assessment Response and Community Emergency Response Teams were immediately mobilised to respond to the emergency. The teams have distributed food items and non-food items including tents, blankets, tarpaulin sheets, family hygiene kits and water purification tabs to 600 families in Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The situation is becoming more critical as a number of valleys and villages in Chitral remain inaccessible and continue to be isolated from each other. Major roads remain cut off including Chitral-Booni Mastuj road, Garamchashma-Chitral road, Chitral-Ayun Bumborate road, Booni-Mulkhow and Kosht road and Chitral-Madaklasht road.
“The immediate need is to clear roads and restore access to villages as supplies in the affected areas will run out and winter will soon set in,” warns Nusrat Nasab, Executive Officer of FOCUS Pakistan. In the meantime, FOCUS Pakistan plans to provide one month’s food supplies to 70% of the most affected communities in Lower and Upper Chitral. Provisions have also been made to store items at the regional level since small local markets are expected to run out of supplies.
Flash floods and unfavorable weather continue to be a major threat to relief efforts making it difficult to airlift people and distribute supplies and medicine. FOCUS Pakistan’s Community Emergency Response Team is working with local communities and with the FOCUS regional office for early warning and timely response.
During its 15 years presence in the country, FOCUS Pakistan has trained over 36,000 local community volunteers as first responders and has set up over 90 stockpiles to effectively respond to disasters. FOCUS Pakistan is working closely with the Pakistan Army, Government authorities and local administration in coordinating immediate relief efforts. Once the near-term threat is controlled, extensive planning and resources will be required for rehabilitation. As part of the Aga Khan Development Network, FOCUS Pakistan is engaged with affiliated institutions including Aga Khan Health Services, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme and Aga Khan Planning and Building Services to alleviate concerns such as health and hygiene issues arising from the aftermath of crises and to plan for longer-term housing and economic rehabilitation.
NOTES:
Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) is a crisis response and disaster risk management agency established in Europe, North America and South and Central Asia. It helps vulnerable communities build resilience to natural and man-made disasters and compliments the provision of humanitarian relief principally in the developing world. FOCUS is an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of institutions working to improve opportunities and living conditions, for people of all faiths and origins, in specific regions of the developing world. For further information please visit www.akdn.org/focus
Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) – The Aga Khan Development Network is a group of non-denominational development agencies, created by His Highness the Aga Khan, with complementary mandates ranging from health and education to architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities. As a contemporary endeavour of the Ismaili Imamat to realise the social conscience of Islam through institutional action, the AKDN agencies work to improve living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender. Working in the fields of economic, cultural and social development, AKDN aims to provide choices and opportunities to communities so that they can realise and determine their own development. For further information please visit www.akdn.org
http://www.akdn.org/Content/1350/FOCUS- ... tBaltistan
574 families provided relief goods, says Focus
Posted on August 2, 2015 by zak
Report Sultan Mehmood
CHITRAL, Aug 2: Volunteers from FOCUS Search and Rescue Team (SART), Disaster Assessment Response Team (DART) and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) continue relief operations in the flood-affected areas of Chitral.
According to latest figures, the floods have totally damaged 1037 houses – 575 totally and partially 462 partially – in various parts of the valley till August 1, 2015. Focus Humanitarian Assistance Chitral is making hectic efforts to reach out to the affected population in various parts of Chitral. The organization has so far provided 228 tents, food packets to 574 families for two weeks, 186 blankets and kitchen utensils to 43 families.
The FOCUS humanitarian has stockpiles in villages in different parts of the district which proved to be a blessing for the affected people as the tents were immediately available when the flood struck and displaced them.
The RPM FOCUS, Amir Muhammad, told this correspondence that 110 tents were present in their stockpiles in different valleys and 228 were transported to different parts of the flood stricken areas. Food items, medicines, utensils and other commodities of daily-use were also delivered to the flood affected people by air lifting and using other possible means, he added. The relief operations are still continuing and FOCUS volunteers are present in all the affected valleys and helping people.
The AKF helicopter is in the disposal of FOCUS and carried out 22 sorties till August 2 carrying relief goods to the inaccessible valleys of the district sine July 27. The helicopter is stand by in Chitral and inclement weather is sometimes hampering relief operations.
http://www.chitraltoday.net/574-familie ... ays-focus/
Posted on August 2, 2015 by zak
Report Sultan Mehmood
CHITRAL, Aug 2: Volunteers from FOCUS Search and Rescue Team (SART), Disaster Assessment Response Team (DART) and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) continue relief operations in the flood-affected areas of Chitral.
According to latest figures, the floods have totally damaged 1037 houses – 575 totally and partially 462 partially – in various parts of the valley till August 1, 2015. Focus Humanitarian Assistance Chitral is making hectic efforts to reach out to the affected population in various parts of Chitral. The organization has so far provided 228 tents, food packets to 574 families for two weeks, 186 blankets and kitchen utensils to 43 families.
The FOCUS humanitarian has stockpiles in villages in different parts of the district which proved to be a blessing for the affected people as the tents were immediately available when the flood struck and displaced them.
The RPM FOCUS, Amir Muhammad, told this correspondence that 110 tents were present in their stockpiles in different valleys and 228 were transported to different parts of the flood stricken areas. Food items, medicines, utensils and other commodities of daily-use were also delivered to the flood affected people by air lifting and using other possible means, he added. The relief operations are still continuing and FOCUS volunteers are present in all the affected valleys and helping people.
The AKF helicopter is in the disposal of FOCUS and carried out 22 sorties till August 2 carrying relief goods to the inaccessible valleys of the district sine July 27. The helicopter is stand by in Chitral and inclement weather is sometimes hampering relief operations.
http://www.chitraltoday.net/574-familie ... ays-focus/
FOCUS Pakistan responds to the devastating earthquake providing relief to thousands in the affected area
Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) Pakistan immediately deployed its response team to the Northern Areas in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Pakistan.
The powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Jurm District of Badakhshan Province in Afghanistan on the 26th of October, which affected large parts of Northern Pakistan and Tajikistan. Many populations in the region of the Hindu Kush mountain range have suffered the consequences of this calamity. In addition to the lives lost in the disaster, hundreds of people have been injured and thousands of houses have been destroyed or damaged.
Nusrat Nasab, Executive Officer, FOCUS Pakistan, after assessing the affected areas first-hand describes the situation as dire. “People are suffering and are very anxious in anticipation of the extreme weather conditions. Cold weather and accessibility are the foremost challenges. A collective effort is required and we are working closely with the authorities, United Nations, international non-governmental organisations and institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to provide emergency assistance and supplies to reach communities in inaccessible areas.”
Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) have been activated in Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad to support the local FOCUS-trained Community Emergency Response Teams in providing assistance to the affected people. The AKDN helicopter is being utilised for evacuation and relief efforts, including airlifting the severely injured, dispatching medical teams and medicine in Chitral.
FOCUS teams are surveying the affected areas in Northern Pakistan and compiling detailed assessment reports to identify immediate humanitarian needs. In addition, FOCUS is working in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority, Provincial Disaster Management Authority and District Disaster Management Authority to provide regular alerts to communities.
Presently, the immediate priorities and needs of the affected populations identified include the provision of winterised tents, blankets, medicines and food packages, which are part of FOCUS’ response plan.
http://www.dardistantimes.com/world/new ... -thousands
Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) Pakistan immediately deployed its response team to the Northern Areas in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Pakistan.
The powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Jurm District of Badakhshan Province in Afghanistan on the 26th of October, which affected large parts of Northern Pakistan and Tajikistan. Many populations in the region of the Hindu Kush mountain range have suffered the consequences of this calamity. In addition to the lives lost in the disaster, hundreds of people have been injured and thousands of houses have been destroyed or damaged.
Nusrat Nasab, Executive Officer, FOCUS Pakistan, after assessing the affected areas first-hand describes the situation as dire. “People are suffering and are very anxious in anticipation of the extreme weather conditions. Cold weather and accessibility are the foremost challenges. A collective effort is required and we are working closely with the authorities, United Nations, international non-governmental organisations and institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to provide emergency assistance and supplies to reach communities in inaccessible areas.”
Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) have been activated in Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad to support the local FOCUS-trained Community Emergency Response Teams in providing assistance to the affected people. The AKDN helicopter is being utilised for evacuation and relief efforts, including airlifting the severely injured, dispatching medical teams and medicine in Chitral.
FOCUS teams are surveying the affected areas in Northern Pakistan and compiling detailed assessment reports to identify immediate humanitarian needs. In addition, FOCUS is working in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority, Provincial Disaster Management Authority and District Disaster Management Authority to provide regular alerts to communities.
Presently, the immediate priorities and needs of the affected populations identified include the provision of winterised tents, blankets, medicines and food packages, which are part of FOCUS’ response plan.
http://www.dardistantimes.com/world/new ... -thousands
FOCUS, AKDN and Jamati institutions respond to devastating earthquake in Central Asia
TheIsmaili.org
2 November 2015
2 November 2015 — The powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck the Jurm District of Badakhshan Province in Afghanistan on 26 October has affected large parts of Afghanistan, Northern Pakistan and Tajikistan. Many populations in the region of the Hindu Kush mountain range have suffered the consequences of this calamity, including Ismaili communities.
Preliminary reports indicated that across Afghanistan, Northern Pakistan and Tajikistan, hundreds of people were killed and thousands of homes were destroyed. Over 150 Jamati settlements are known to have been impacted, resulting in the deaths of 20 individuals and destruction or damage to 3,000 homes of Jamati families. Of the 19 Jamatkhanas that suffered damage, three are reported to be beyond repair.
“People are suffering and are very anxious in anticipation of the extreme weather conditions,” says Nusrat Nasab, Executive Officer at Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan. “Cold weather and accessibility are the foremost challenges.”
The Ismaili Councils for Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan, together with FOCUS and the Aga Khan Development Network have mobilised all their human and material resources to extend co-ordinated support to the affected populations throughout the region.
“A collective effort is required and we are working closely with the authorities, United Nations, international non-governmental organisations to provide emergency assistance and supplies to reach communities in inaccessible areas,” says Nasab.
Immediately following the earthquake, FOCUS response teams rushed to the affected areas to support local Community Emergency Response Teams in providing assistance to the affected people. AKDN helicopters are flying constant missions to assist with evacuation and relief efforts, including airlifting the severely injured, dispatching medical teams and medicine.
In Pakistan, Emergency Operation Centres in Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad have been activated. FOCUS teams are surveying the affected areas and compiling detailed assessment reports to identify immediate humanitarian needs. In addition, the agency is collaborating with the National Disaster Management Authority, Provincial Disaster Management Authority and District Disaster Management Authority to provide regular alerts to communities.
“In Afghanistan, assessment and relief operations have been hampered due to difficulties accessing several areas,” says Zaheer Hirani, interim Executive Officer at FOCUS Afghanistan. “Nonetheless, FOCUS is trying to reach those affected and is distributing non-food items including tents, blankets and warm clothing in preparation for harsh winter conditions.”
http://www.theismaili.org/news-events/f ... ntral-asia
TheIsmaili.org
2 November 2015
2 November 2015 — The powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck the Jurm District of Badakhshan Province in Afghanistan on 26 October has affected large parts of Afghanistan, Northern Pakistan and Tajikistan. Many populations in the region of the Hindu Kush mountain range have suffered the consequences of this calamity, including Ismaili communities.
Preliminary reports indicated that across Afghanistan, Northern Pakistan and Tajikistan, hundreds of people were killed and thousands of homes were destroyed. Over 150 Jamati settlements are known to have been impacted, resulting in the deaths of 20 individuals and destruction or damage to 3,000 homes of Jamati families. Of the 19 Jamatkhanas that suffered damage, three are reported to be beyond repair.
“People are suffering and are very anxious in anticipation of the extreme weather conditions,” says Nusrat Nasab, Executive Officer at Focus Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan. “Cold weather and accessibility are the foremost challenges.”
The Ismaili Councils for Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan, together with FOCUS and the Aga Khan Development Network have mobilised all their human and material resources to extend co-ordinated support to the affected populations throughout the region.
“A collective effort is required and we are working closely with the authorities, United Nations, international non-governmental organisations to provide emergency assistance and supplies to reach communities in inaccessible areas,” says Nasab.
Immediately following the earthquake, FOCUS response teams rushed to the affected areas to support local Community Emergency Response Teams in providing assistance to the affected people. AKDN helicopters are flying constant missions to assist with evacuation and relief efforts, including airlifting the severely injured, dispatching medical teams and medicine.
In Pakistan, Emergency Operation Centres in Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad have been activated. FOCUS teams are surveying the affected areas and compiling detailed assessment reports to identify immediate humanitarian needs. In addition, the agency is collaborating with the National Disaster Management Authority, Provincial Disaster Management Authority and District Disaster Management Authority to provide regular alerts to communities.
“In Afghanistan, assessment and relief operations have been hampered due to difficulties accessing several areas,” says Zaheer Hirani, interim Executive Officer at FOCUS Afghanistan. “Nonetheless, FOCUS is trying to reach those affected and is distributing non-food items including tents, blankets and warm clothing in preparation for harsh winter conditions.”
http://www.theismaili.org/news-events/f ... ntral-asia
FOCUS works to reach affectees in remote areas
GILGIT: For people who were affected by the recent earthquake in the north of the country, cold weather and accessibility are the foremost challenges, said experts on Sunday.
“People are suffering and are very anxious about the likelihood of extreme weather conditions,” FOCUS Pakistan Executive Officer Nusrat Nasab was quoted as saying in a statement issued on Sunday. “Collective effort is required to provide emergency assistance and to make sure supplies reach communities in inaccessible areas.” Nasab added they are working closely with the authorities, United Nations, international NGOs and institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to provide emergency assistance
and supplies.
Of necessity
Not only are goods being supplied but emergency operation centres have also been set up in Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad by AKDN to support the local teams trained by FOCUS. “The AKDN helicopter is being used for evacuation and relief efforts, including airlifting the injured, dispatching medical teams and medicine in Chitral.”
Moreover, according to the handout, teams were surveying affected areas in the north to compile detailed assessment reports to identify immediate needs of the stranded and affected population.
Presently, the immediate priorities and needs of the affected people that have been identified include provision of cold-proof tents, blankets, medicines and food packages. All of these are part of FOCUS’ response plan.
The endeavours made by FOCUS were lauded on Saturday by G-B Disaster Management Authority Director General Asim Raza at a press briefing. “The NGO has supplied relief goods in disaster prone valleys, including Ghizer.” According to the G-B DMA, at least 14 people were killed and 92 others were injured in quake-related incidents across the area.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2015.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/983398/focu ... ote-areas/
GILGIT: For people who were affected by the recent earthquake in the north of the country, cold weather and accessibility are the foremost challenges, said experts on Sunday.
“People are suffering and are very anxious about the likelihood of extreme weather conditions,” FOCUS Pakistan Executive Officer Nusrat Nasab was quoted as saying in a statement issued on Sunday. “Collective effort is required to provide emergency assistance and to make sure supplies reach communities in inaccessible areas.” Nasab added they are working closely with the authorities, United Nations, international NGOs and institutions of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to provide emergency assistance
and supplies.
Of necessity
Not only are goods being supplied but emergency operation centres have also been set up in Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad by AKDN to support the local teams trained by FOCUS. “The AKDN helicopter is being used for evacuation and relief efforts, including airlifting the injured, dispatching medical teams and medicine in Chitral.”
Moreover, according to the handout, teams were surveying affected areas in the north to compile detailed assessment reports to identify immediate needs of the stranded and affected population.
Presently, the immediate priorities and needs of the affected people that have been identified include provision of cold-proof tents, blankets, medicines and food packages. All of these are part of FOCUS’ response plan.
The endeavours made by FOCUS were lauded on Saturday by G-B Disaster Management Authority Director General Asim Raza at a press briefing. “The NGO has supplied relief goods in disaster prone valleys, including Ghizer.” According to the G-B DMA, at least 14 people were killed and 92 others were injured in quake-related incidents across the area.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2015.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/983398/focu ... ote-areas/
FOCUS Pakistan organized a seminar on Climate Change Adaptation in Islamabad
Islamabad, Dec 03, 2015: Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) Pakistan, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), organized a seminar on Climate Change Adaptation in Islamabad Serena Hotel on Dec 03, 2015. Climate Change experts, representative of ministry of climate change, researchers, scholars, media and community representatives shared their papers and experiences on impacts of climate change Adaptation. Experts agreed to have practical implementation of climate change policy where emphasis on ensuring actions to minimize the occurrence of climate-led disasters, training and facilitating communities in DRR and emergency response, and also to diversify and improve income levels of vulnerable groups so that they can absorb the climate shocks or any other disaster.
More...
http://www.dardistantimes.com/press-rel ... ar-climate
Islamabad, Dec 03, 2015: Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) Pakistan, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), organized a seminar on Climate Change Adaptation in Islamabad Serena Hotel on Dec 03, 2015. Climate Change experts, representative of ministry of climate change, researchers, scholars, media and community representatives shared their papers and experiences on impacts of climate change Adaptation. Experts agreed to have practical implementation of climate change policy where emphasis on ensuring actions to minimize the occurrence of climate-led disasters, training and facilitating communities in DRR and emergency response, and also to diversify and improve income levels of vulnerable groups so that they can absorb the climate shocks or any other disaster.
More...
http://www.dardistantimes.com/press-rel ... ar-climate
Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) is an International crisis response and disaster risk management agency. We provide emergency relief to communities suffering from natural disasters or man-made crises. FOCUS implements disaster risk reduction programmes in areas vulnerable to natural hazards and engages in resettlement and reintegration programmes for populations displaced by civil instability or conflict.
FOCUS was founded in 1994 by the Ismaili Community under the guidance of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan.
Website: focus-canada.org
ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/03/06/focus-humanitarian-assistance-canada/
FOCUS was founded in 1994 by the Ismaili Community under the guidance of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan.
Website: focus-canada.org
ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/03/06/focus-humanitarian-assistance-canada/
Focus Humanitarian Assistance delivers emergency food assistance to isolated communities in the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan
http://www.akdn.org/press-release/focus ... ommunities
Kabul, Afghanistan, 21 June 2016 - Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) has delivered vital food supplies provided by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to 327 households, or 1,547 individuals in the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan, who have suffered severe food shortages during recent months.
Villagers in the districts of Big and Small Pamirs, located in Afghanistan’s remote Badakhshan province received the WFP food packages including wheat flour, vegetable oil, pulses, salt and high energy biscuits - enough to feed the entire population of these districts for two months. The food was delivered to Afghanistan from Tajikistan by boat across the Panj River, under a cross border agreement between FOCUS and the Tajik Government, from where it was taken by truck along the Wakhan Corridor, as there is limited road access to the Big and Small Pamirs from the Afghan side of the border.
The high mountain communities residing in Big and Small Pamirs are predominantly Kyrgyz pastoralists, who maintain a nomadic lifestyle, and rely on their livestock for sustenance. Food security is an ongoing problem in this area, and the effects of climate change have heavily exacerbated the problem this year. Late snowfall limited the community’s access to ancestral grazing areas, and the availability of fodder for animals. This has adversely affected villagers, resulting not only in the loss of livestock and livelihoods but also heavy food shortages. The food aid delivered by FOCUS will help sustain these communities over the coming months.
FOCUS has delivered emergency relief to Afghanistan’s north-eastern province of Badakhshan after natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding, and works on disaster risk reduction across the province. FOCUS will continue engaging with this region, and other provinces across the country on assistance and development projects.
NOTES
Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) is an international disaster management and emergency response agency providing relief and support services during natural and man-made disasters, primarily in the developing world. It is established in Europe, North America, Central and South Asia and helps people in need reduce their dependence on humanitarian aid. Additionally, it facilitates community transition to sustainable, self-reliant, long-term development. FOCUS is an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of institutions working to improve opportunities and living conditions for people of all faiths and origins in specific regions of the developing world. For further information please visit: www.akdn.org/focus
World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year, WFP assists some 80 million people in around 80 countries. Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media
For further information please contact: Malika Giles
Communications Officer
http://www.akdn.org/press-release/focus ... ommunities
Kabul, Afghanistan, 21 June 2016 - Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) has delivered vital food supplies provided by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to 327 households, or 1,547 individuals in the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan, who have suffered severe food shortages during recent months.
Villagers in the districts of Big and Small Pamirs, located in Afghanistan’s remote Badakhshan province received the WFP food packages including wheat flour, vegetable oil, pulses, salt and high energy biscuits - enough to feed the entire population of these districts for two months. The food was delivered to Afghanistan from Tajikistan by boat across the Panj River, under a cross border agreement between FOCUS and the Tajik Government, from where it was taken by truck along the Wakhan Corridor, as there is limited road access to the Big and Small Pamirs from the Afghan side of the border.
The high mountain communities residing in Big and Small Pamirs are predominantly Kyrgyz pastoralists, who maintain a nomadic lifestyle, and rely on their livestock for sustenance. Food security is an ongoing problem in this area, and the effects of climate change have heavily exacerbated the problem this year. Late snowfall limited the community’s access to ancestral grazing areas, and the availability of fodder for animals. This has adversely affected villagers, resulting not only in the loss of livestock and livelihoods but also heavy food shortages. The food aid delivered by FOCUS will help sustain these communities over the coming months.
FOCUS has delivered emergency relief to Afghanistan’s north-eastern province of Badakhshan after natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding, and works on disaster risk reduction across the province. FOCUS will continue engaging with this region, and other provinces across the country on assistance and development projects.
NOTES
Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) is an international disaster management and emergency response agency providing relief and support services during natural and man-made disasters, primarily in the developing world. It is established in Europe, North America, Central and South Asia and helps people in need reduce their dependence on humanitarian aid. Additionally, it facilitates community transition to sustainable, self-reliant, long-term development. FOCUS is an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of institutions working to improve opportunities and living conditions for people of all faiths and origins in specific regions of the developing world. For further information please visit: www.akdn.org/focus
World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year, WFP assists some 80 million people in around 80 countries. Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media
For further information please contact: Malika Giles
Communications Officer
https://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/ag ... t-programs
By TOLOnews.com TODAY - 12:43 PM - Edited: TODAY - 5:57 PM
Aga Khan Foundation Launches Settlement Programs
Settlements will be built in cities and hospitals and schools will also be built.
Thumbnail
The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) in Afghanistan, which falls under the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), on Sunday launched a settlement program in Afghanistan – which includes construction of housing that meets required standards.
Onno Ruhl, the General Manager of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) in Afghanistan said that the program will help promote standard dwellings for returnees and help those living in remote regions to find shelter.
“All these activities I mentioned would be highly relevant in Afghanistan at the present time - that’s why we are here today. We are here because of all of us at AKDN believe that Afghanistan is one of the most important countries in the world for AKA to deliver its mandate. We want to build on 22 years of focus, excellent work, to make remote communities in the mountains of the Hindukush not just safe but for them to thrive. We want to deepen our partnership with the government and in particularly with ANDMA for even greater impact on all Afghanistan,” said Ruhl.
Afghan officials welcome the move and pointed out that Afghanistan deals with a wide range of regular natural disasters.
“We are in the first or second position among ten countries which have a lot of natural disasters,” said state minister for natural disaster management Najib Aqa Fahim.
“Restoring degraded land means better lives and incomes for farmers and pastoralists and less pressure on people to migrate to cities. We see this ethic of partnership,” said Noor Jahan Mawani, the ambassador of Karim Aga Khan to Afghanistan.
“We can see some very alarming numbers that are coming from various reports, based on the World Bank and the The Global Facility for Disaster reduction and recovery report which was produced in 2017; we can see that in Afghanistan annually we have 560 people on average who lose their lives due to earthquakes; floods are threatening their lives and poverty is also impacting 800,000 people.
“Based on the report, 10,000 kilometers of roads in Afghanistan is under threat of avalanches which happen every year; the effect of drought is very significant. Based on a report, $280 million in agricultural losses are sustained annually and if you go to rural areas, the impact is indeed very challenging,” said Shadman Hajibekov, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation for Settlement.
In Afghanistan, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) − previously Focus Humanitarian Assistance − engages with communities living in remote mountainous areas to increase their resilience to natural disasters and complex emergencies. The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat also supports communities to utilize an enabling habitat to enhance their health, education and economic development.
The approach is to predict where possible potential emergencies may impact homes and livelihoods, identify structural and non-structural interventions that can prevent or mitigate the impact of those hazards, and to build the capacities of communities and local and national governments to reduce their vulnerability to risk and to increase their capacities to help their neighbors.
To enable this, AKAH implements a wide range of disaster prevention and response initiatives in local communities, including disaster preparedness trainings, vulnerability assessments, risk mitigation activities and disaster relief efforts.
By TOLOnews.com TODAY - 12:43 PM - Edited: TODAY - 5:57 PM
Aga Khan Foundation Launches Settlement Programs
Settlements will be built in cities and hospitals and schools will also be built.
Thumbnail
The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) in Afghanistan, which falls under the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), on Sunday launched a settlement program in Afghanistan – which includes construction of housing that meets required standards.
Onno Ruhl, the General Manager of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) in Afghanistan said that the program will help promote standard dwellings for returnees and help those living in remote regions to find shelter.
“All these activities I mentioned would be highly relevant in Afghanistan at the present time - that’s why we are here today. We are here because of all of us at AKDN believe that Afghanistan is one of the most important countries in the world for AKA to deliver its mandate. We want to build on 22 years of focus, excellent work, to make remote communities in the mountains of the Hindukush not just safe but for them to thrive. We want to deepen our partnership with the government and in particularly with ANDMA for even greater impact on all Afghanistan,” said Ruhl.
Afghan officials welcome the move and pointed out that Afghanistan deals with a wide range of regular natural disasters.
“We are in the first or second position among ten countries which have a lot of natural disasters,” said state minister for natural disaster management Najib Aqa Fahim.
“Restoring degraded land means better lives and incomes for farmers and pastoralists and less pressure on people to migrate to cities. We see this ethic of partnership,” said Noor Jahan Mawani, the ambassador of Karim Aga Khan to Afghanistan.
“We can see some very alarming numbers that are coming from various reports, based on the World Bank and the The Global Facility for Disaster reduction and recovery report which was produced in 2017; we can see that in Afghanistan annually we have 560 people on average who lose their lives due to earthquakes; floods are threatening their lives and poverty is also impacting 800,000 people.
“Based on the report, 10,000 kilometers of roads in Afghanistan is under threat of avalanches which happen every year; the effect of drought is very significant. Based on a report, $280 million in agricultural losses are sustained annually and if you go to rural areas, the impact is indeed very challenging,” said Shadman Hajibekov, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation for Settlement.
In Afghanistan, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) − previously Focus Humanitarian Assistance − engages with communities living in remote mountainous areas to increase their resilience to natural disasters and complex emergencies. The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat also supports communities to utilize an enabling habitat to enhance their health, education and economic development.
The approach is to predict where possible potential emergencies may impact homes and livelihoods, identify structural and non-structural interventions that can prevent or mitigate the impact of those hazards, and to build the capacities of communities and local and national governments to reduce their vulnerability to risk and to increase their capacities to help their neighbors.
To enable this, AKAH implements a wide range of disaster prevention and response initiatives in local communities, including disaster preparedness trainings, vulnerability assessments, risk mitigation activities and disaster relief efforts.
Preparing a Family Emergency Kit in Plain English video
It's your responsibility to start gathering supplies and start thinking about what your family will need for at least 72 hours in an emergency.
Video: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs ... t-eng.aspx
It's your responsibility to start gathering supplies and start thinking about what your family will need for at least 72 hours in an emergency.
Video: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs ... t-eng.aspx
FOCUS USA: Family Stories on Preparing for Natural Disasters
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SURzU34wrgY
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SURzU34wrgY
FOCUS USA: Never thought this could happen to us
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb6ojVOJSAM
******
FOCUS USA: Family stories on preparing for natural disasters
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ielhVNdo1Ng
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb6ojVOJSAM
******
FOCUS USA: Family stories on preparing for natural disasters
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ielhVNdo1Ng
Google Translation of the Original Article in Portuguese
Ismaili Community and Focus Foundation jointly donate protective material against COVID 19.
The Ismaili Community and the Focus Humanitarian Assistance Europe Foundation, an affiliated institution of the Aga Khan Network for Development, offered personal protection material and combating the COVID 19 pandemic to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority.
The material, for a total value of 45 thousand euros, includes 25 thousand surgical masks and 10 thousand visors, which will be distributed to institutions in the North of the country.
This donation was handed over to the Porto Emergency Operations Command, which belongs to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, which will be responsible for its management and distribution, namely, for the Support and Rear Structures created as a social response for users infected with Covid-19 with discharge clinic, where they can do the isolation when they have no conditions in their homes or ERPI's, Lr. The delivery ceremony was made by the President of the Ismaili Community, Rahim Firozali to Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Alves, in the presence of the Honorable Secretary of State for Mobility, as coordinator for the Northern Region, Dr. Eduardo Pinheiro, and the Diplomatic Representative of the Imamat Ismaili, Commander Nazim Ahmad.
The Ismaili Community and the Focus Foundation intend, once again, to contribute to the national fight against the pandemic COVID 19, namely by sending protective material to one of the regions of the country most affected by the problem.
Last June, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) made donations of protective material and hospital equipment that were later distributed to Portuguese and PALOP institutions.
https://the.ismaili/portugal/comunidade ... A3o-contra
Ismaili Community and Focus Foundation jointly donate protective material against COVID 19.
The Ismaili Community and the Focus Humanitarian Assistance Europe Foundation, an affiliated institution of the Aga Khan Network for Development, offered personal protection material and combating the COVID 19 pandemic to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority.
The material, for a total value of 45 thousand euros, includes 25 thousand surgical masks and 10 thousand visors, which will be distributed to institutions in the North of the country.
This donation was handed over to the Porto Emergency Operations Command, which belongs to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, which will be responsible for its management and distribution, namely, for the Support and Rear Structures created as a social response for users infected with Covid-19 with discharge clinic, where they can do the isolation when they have no conditions in their homes or ERPI's, Lr. The delivery ceremony was made by the President of the Ismaili Community, Rahim Firozali to Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Alves, in the presence of the Honorable Secretary of State for Mobility, as coordinator for the Northern Region, Dr. Eduardo Pinheiro, and the Diplomatic Representative of the Imamat Ismaili, Commander Nazim Ahmad.
The Ismaili Community and the Focus Foundation intend, once again, to contribute to the national fight against the pandemic COVID 19, namely by sending protective material to one of the regions of the country most affected by the problem.
Last June, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) made donations of protective material and hospital equipment that were later distributed to Portuguese and PALOP institutions.
https://the.ismaili/portugal/comunidade ... A3o-contra
VIDEO: FOCUS USA: Central USA - Family Preparedness and Beyond Webinar - January 24, 2021
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16YzyHzc6-8
On Sunday, January 24, 2021, Central Region's VRM and Disaster Management Team with FOCUS USA gave a presentation on the importance of family emergency preparedness within the Central Region Jamat due to the risk of natural hazards all around us including flooding, tornados, winter storms, and power outages.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16YzyHzc6-8
On Sunday, January 24, 2021, Central Region's VRM and Disaster Management Team with FOCUS USA gave a presentation on the importance of family emergency preparedness within the Central Region Jamat due to the risk of natural hazards all around us including flooding, tornados, winter storms, and power outages.
FOCUS USA: How to Prepare for Hurricane, Flood, and Basic Emergency Preparedness
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fiiu5QWr8E
WATCH NOW: You need more than a Family Emergency Kit to prepare for a hurricane:
- Create a Family Emergency Plan
- Know what to do and how to evacuate
- Sign up for alerts and warnings
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Fiiu5QWr8E
WATCH NOW: You need more than a Family Emergency Kit to prepare for a hurricane:
- Create a Family Emergency Plan
- Know what to do and how to evacuate
- Sign up for alerts and warnings