Bad Weather Hits Pakistan Quake Zone

Aid efforts continue in India and Pakistan as bad weather hits worst affected areas – concerns over possible mass movements of people

Oxfam aid workers hope to overcome deteriorating weather conditions and reach another 12,000 people in the Allpuri region of Pakistan by tomorrow morning.

400 tents and material for 800 temporary shelters will provide refuge for a total of 12,000 people in the area if aid trucks are able to access this area, one of the worst affected areas of Pakistan.

Oxfam has operations in some of the most inaccessible areas of Pakistan. In Tehsil, in Allpuri 90 per cent of infrastructure was destroyed. All over the region bad weather conditions have caused roadblocks and physical access to affected areas remains a major problem. Oxfam aid workers in the region fear that there could be mass movements of people if the weather continues to worsen.

Oxfam's aid worker in the region Shaista Aziz, said:

"At the moment we are distributing aid to people in situ, in small groups of four or five families. By distributing aid to the people in their villages we aim to avoid a mass movement of people into camps where disease could spread. Getting people temporary shelter and access to water in their communities is our top priority right now."

In neighbouring Indian administered Kashmir, Oxfam has already secured good access through our partners to the most remote areas. Oxfam is providing emergency shelter in the area around Srinagar. Oxfam is airlifting in material for 1000 temporary shelters and 5000 blankets to the region by civilian planes tomorrow.

Oxfam is not looking for donations of materials. Cash donations are the best way to ensue we get help to people quickly.

People can donate to the appeal now on the website www.oxfam.org.nz

The public can also give by phone on 0800 400 666.

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