Eight-year old Zirgul sat on the roadside by the district hospital in Manshera while CARE’s rapid assessment team was visiting. Her thin clothes were insufficiently protecting her small body from the cold wind. Zirgul lost her parents and closest relatives in the earthquake of October 8 and was now struggling to adjust, bereft and frightened. She had come all the way from Boly village to Mansehra with her distant maternal uncle, who was also injured and lost his two children in the devastating earthquake.
Around 60 families lived in Boly village. Many lost their closest loved ones and were now trying to cope with the aftershocks. More than 90 percent of the buildings and infrastructure had collapsed. Many children like Zigrul lost their parents and many parents lost their children. Some are traumatized, struggling every day to cope. The onset of winter adds to their difficulties because of the lack of proper shelter and warm clothes.
The district hospital is overflowing with wounded patients and the medical staff is not in a position to provide post-care assistance. New patients are arriving daily, yet current patients are refusing to leave their hospital beds as they do not have homes to which they can return. The medical supernatant, Major. Ret. Naiz Ahmed, said that ensuring an effective post-care system is a dire need for these patients.
To meet this urgent need, CARE has established “Apna Ghar” or “My House” in Manshera with the help of local partner organizations. “Apna Ghar” will provide post-medical treatment and care to patients, and counseling and shelter to women and orphans. Mobile health dispensaries will provide curative and preventive health education and facilities for controlling epidemics.
