Earthquake in Pakistan

A massive earthquake struck Pakistan and neighboring India and Afghanistan on Oct. 8, 2005. The most severe damage was near the earthquake’s epicenter, approximately 60 miles north-northeast of Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. An estimated 3 million people became homeless as a result of the earthquake. The delivery of humanitarian assistance was constricted by the mountainous area, cold weather, and damaged or collapsed infrastructure.

Habitat for Humanity committed an initial US$250,000 to provide technical assistance and support to partner organizations responding to the earthquake in Pakistan and is seeking to raise up to US$1 million for reconstruction.

Habitat for Humanity formally established its presence in the country shortly before the earthquake and, therefore, has been able to work with partners to assess damage, rebuild and repair homes, and develop building centers to help provide shelter for the millions of people displaced by the earthquake. In the first phase, Habitat provided funding and construction and project management expertise to partners. Over time, Habitat has moved forward with establishing a long-term program in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s program also has adopted a new method of using salvaged timber. Sawmills are used to cut wooden beams from the damaged houses to support the roofs of newly constructed houses. This innovative method has helped the Pakistan Habitat program serve more than 2,000 families so far without cutting down any trees.