I would like to thank everyone for their generous donations towards the Chitral flood fund. I've been taken aback and truly humbled by the response. Thank you very much.
Our initial priority of course was to ensure that the people of the valley had access to the basic amenities required to survive post- flood - that is, access to food, clean water, clothing and shelter. Having made numerous on the ground assessments I am satisfied that these are currently at adequate level and to add to the stock piles of food and water would be an ineffective use of valuable funds.
We have therefore decided to take a step forward and address another great problem that the victims will be be facing in the coming weeks and months - that of electricity.
The damage to Chitral's power infrastructure has been extensive and the floods have damaged many pylons in the region. Our team has decided to invest in acquiring solar panel generators for the flood-stricken families in upper Chitral.
These are rechargeable eco-friendly generators which will provide enough power to each family so that they can have at least a semblance of a normal life. This means lights in the evening, being able to charge phones for all-important communications, and much more. In the coming months as families settle into their temporary accommodation, schools look to resume and the summer fades into bitter Chirali winter, the importance of these generators will only grow.
Our team is on the ground as I write this and we will be sharing periodical updates with everyone. Please continue your valuable donations and support.
If you haven't donated yet, I urge you to click on the link and donate whatever you can for this urgent cause. The cost of a generator for a family is approximately Rs 5,000 (or £35) very much within many of our means, please consider donating a generator (or more) so we can meet the great demand. Every donation is valuable for us however, none is too big or small.
We continue to pray for the victims and hope that Allah gives them strength to move forward.
Adil Iqbal