Denis Vienot, of Caritas France, speaking to media in Charsadda. Credit: Kamran Chaudhry, Caritas Pakistan
A Caritas delegation, comprising of officials from various countries, says visiting camps of the flood victims was a learning experience.
“There is a real need to assist the internally displaced people as quick as possible. It was an opportunity to meet a number of survivors and understand their need”, said Denis Vienot of Caritas France.
He was speaking to media on a recent relief distribution of aid among flood victims in Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Caritas Pakistan distributed 900 charpoys (beds), bedding and hygiene kits to 450 victims in a tent village in Charsadda, one of the worst affected districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
There is a need of shelter with the approaching winter in the northern areas of the country. Food security is a top priority in Sindh province in the south where flood water is still standing in some parts.
Caritas delegation included partners from Italy, France, Belgium and Pakistan as well as the Greek coordinator of flood response for Caritas Internationalis. They visited three tent villages organized by Ummah Welfare Trust, a UK registered charity, also being funded by Caritas Pakistan for medical and relief aid.
The exposure followed with two day working group meetings along with international partners, diocesan executive secretaries and the Caritas National secretariat. The participants explored future development projects, prospects in rehabilitation sectors and networking with like minded organization.
“It is interesting to see the way Caritas is working together with Muslims. The cooperation between two faith based organizations is necessary in the restive mountainous region”, said Vienot who is also consultant for Caritas Pakistan.
The exposure was an eye opener for Massimo Pollottino, who cooperates with Asia Desk of Caritas Italy.
“I am slowly getting the idea of the total diversity of the disaster. It was a mixed feeling, but also unavoidable, while taking photos of the troubled survivors in tents. Now I visualize Pakistan better”, said Pollottino on his first visit to the country.
