Media Statament, 20th December 2005

GOAL wishes to thank the public for their extraordinary generosity to our Pakistan Earthquake Appeal. These essential donations are now helping our aid workers (GOALies) to rebuild communities in Pakistan's remote and mountainous Bagh region.

The disaster in Pakistan is one of the toughest challenges ever faced by the international community. As many as 3.5 million people have been left homeless by this devastating tragedy which claimed the lives of over 73,000 people, and many are in areas which remain difficult to reach. Snow has started to fall, making life cold and miserable for the survivors.

GOAL is working around the clock to bring essential relief supplies to communities in Kashmir, in advance of the harsh Himalayan winter, which will render access to remote communities almost impossible.

GOAL's emergency operations are based in the district of Bagh one of the worst affected areas where over 95% of homes were destroyed. Our team of 20 GOALies are providing essential emergency supplies to 100,000 people - representing 13,500 families. So far, our emergency shelter programme has distributed over 2,000 winterised tents, almost 70,000 blankets and sleeping bags, and plastic sheeting to be used as shelter to 5,500 families.

GOAL's distribution of galvanised steel recently got underway. The ten day distribution plan will ensure that 7,500 families will have adequate shelter material.

In tandem with shelter supplies, GOAL's voucher system has commenced, where each household receives 60 vouchers of 100 rupees each ($100 dollars). The vouchers can be redeemed in the local shops for two days, after which GOAL pays the shopkeepers upon receipt of the vouchers - giving people flexibility to address their own needs, while stimulating the economy.

On the Indian-controlled side of Kashmir, GOAL worked with our long-term local partner CINI, and provided much-needed emergency shelter, food, lanterns and stoves and warm clothing to over 1,000 families in Tangdhar, Uri and Kupwara.

Over the coming weeks, GOAL will continue to intensify our efforts to ensure that those most in need receive adequate food and shelter during the harsh Himalayan winter.

GOAL believes in keeping its cost base as low as possible, and is proud to have kept administration costs at an average of 5% over a 28 year period.

General background

• The Government of Pakistan compensation package available stands at between €356 (PKR 25,000) and €2,139 (PKR 150,000) for a destroyed house. There is also an additional €356 (PKR 25,000) available for those who rebuild their houses according to 'regional guidelines'.

• Relief workers now say that the focus of the Pakistan quake aid is coming down the mountains as most of those above the snow line have adequate supplies while those in relief camps where conditions are atrocious require attention.

• UN said a survey of the quake zone by 210 teams determined that 2.4 million blankets or 1.2 million quilts were needed. 170,000 good quality plastic sheets were needed urgently to cover tents and 200,000 tarpaulins for tent floors.

• Health: The number of children with pneumonia is gradually increasing - with some hospitals reporting that 60 percent of children attended have pneumonia.