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FOCUS News Update (May - June 2007)

Pakistan
FOCUS distributed essential food, kitchen and shelter items to families who lost their food reserves and roofing on their houses Chitral Relief Distribution
In June 2007, Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) provided emergency relief in collaboration with local government authorities in Pakistan’s remote North Western district of Chitral after 78 villagers lost their lives and over 30 were seriously injured i n avalanche struck areas. Responding to the government’s request for additional assistance, FOCUS distributed essential food, kitchen and shelter items to families who lost their food reserves and roofing on their houses. This first distribution phase included flour, rice, tea, sugar, oil, kitchen utensils and galvanised iron sheets and was held at the Governors House in Chitral. In his speech to the local community before the distribution began, the Nazim conveyed his happiness at the increasing level of coordination between FOCUS and the government and requested other local NGOs to follow FOCUS’ example in this respect.

FOCUS Search and Rescue Volunteers Certified by RAPID UK
Forty FOCUS volunteers, received certificates in emergency Search and Rescue Training (SART) from internationally renowned Rescue and Preparedness in Disasters UK (RAPID UK) in a ceremony attended by representatives from the British High Commission and the National Disaster Management Authority of Pakistan. The FOCUS Pakistan team is equipped with specialized equipment and trained in conducting search and rescue operations in adherence to international standards. The equipment and training of the team was made possible with support from European Commission Humanitarian Aid department.

Tajikistan
FOCUS and its Partners Train Professionals in Disaster Risk Management - In collaboration with the Centre of Competence for Disaster Reduction (CCDR) and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, FOCUS implemented a 5-day course on Community Based Disaster Risk Management for risk management professionals. Held from 11-15 June in Dushanbe, the course reached over 30 international organisations and focused on strategic approaches to disaster risk reduction, macro risk calculation, geographical information systems and earthquake safety.

Swiss Development Cooperation and FOCUS Sign Agreement
In June of 2007, the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) and FOCUS signed an agreement to further include earthquake safety initiatives in school curricula by collaborating with the Tajik Ministries of Education and Health as well as the Committee of Emergency Situations. This initiative, funded by SDC, seeks to build on the previous accomplishments of the Central Asia Region Earthquake Safety Initiative (CARESI) Projects by improving the ability of young schoolchildren to prepare for and respond to natural disasters as individuals, family members and as young members of their communities.

Mission East and Focus Humanitarian Assistance collaborate in disaster reduction activities across Tajikistan - Mission East and FOCUS signed an agreement to form a strategic partnership in disaster risk reduction activities in Tajikistan. Under the agreement, both agencies will further improve their activities within their respective regions of operation; Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) for FOCUS, and the eastern Khathlon and Sughd provinces for Mission East.Initially, FOCUS and Mission East will collaborate to support their combined DIPECHO 2007 - 2008 award. FOCUS will also provide Mission East with geographic information systems on a consultative basis.

Emergency Response to Severe Mudflow in Choshtkandez, Badakhshan Emergency Response to Severe Mudflow in Choshtkandez, Badakhshan
Due to heavy summer rains this June, FOCUS evacuated over thirty people in Choshtkandez to safer areas and provided families with tents, clothing, waterproof shoes and bedding as well as specific tools. Following the evacuation, a second mudflow occurred in the area damaging homes, fruit trees,land,and other local resources. Fortunately,community members had already been evacuated to safety by FOCUS.

Europe
Training for International Search and Rescue Training for International Search and Rescue
As part of its investment in volunteers, in April, Prof. Salim Sumar, Executive Officer of FOCUS Europe and John Holland O.B.E of RAPID UK signed an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Training Programme Proposal to train nine volunteers to become highly skilled search and rescue team members. RAPID UK will provide the necessary USAR training for FOCUS' International Search and Rescue team in line with International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) standards. RAPID-UK will also support the process towards UN accreditation.

Portuguese Government Recognises FOCUS Humanitarian Efforts Portuguese Government Recognises FOCUS Humanitarian Efforts
On 3rd July 2007, FOCUS was awarded the Campanula Municipal award for Merit and Dedication on behalf of the Portuguese Government by the Municipality of Seia, at a ceremony held at Serra da Estrela. The award honours FOCUS' immense and ongoing contribution to development and social cohesion, as well as protection of the environment in the wake of the 2005 Portuguese forest fires.

Severe Flooding in Northern Afghanistan - During May and June 2007, Northern Afghanistan witnessed some of the most destructive small scale flooding in recent years. The country has been hit by 51 periods of intensive flooding resulting in many casualties and severe local economic loss. In the provinces of Baghlan and Badakhshan, 24 people lost their lives, dozens more were injured and an estimated 600 houses were destroyed. FOCUS responded to each emergency situation providing humanitarian relief through staple food items as well as blankets and temporary shelter. FOCUS also assisted local government authorities in conducting emergency assessments in affected villages in remoter areas.

For further information, please contact your nearest FOCUS office, whose details can be found under Contact.