The nation observed the second anniversary of the devastating earthquake of October 8, 2005, today. The quake had left over 73,000 people dead and thousands injured along with millions homeless in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Azad Kashmir.
The officials said about half of the quake-resistant homes have been rebuilt and another 350,000 are under construction. Corrugated iron roofs along the rugged terrain and other signs of building activity are evident as reported by Pakistan Television (PTV).
Only 6000 victims are sheltering in tents, which has eased the danger of a humanitarian crisis due to the harsh Himalayan winter of December. According to Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed, deputy chairman of Pakistan's Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority, no problems will be encountered this winter and most houses will be finished by the year's end.
About 600,000 persons have imparted professional training to earn their bread and butter, while rebuilding of health and education facilities is in progress. Several schemes to help orphans, widows and disabled persons have been launched by authorities with Rs 740 million.
The Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) have provided Rs 3000 to families, who have lost their means of subsistence, for a period range of six months to one year.