Some Facts

Estimates of the number of displaced people from Swat stand at one million, the United Nations’ refugee agency has said.

Number arrived at safe areas: 200,000

On the move: 300,000

Displaced previously: 555,000

Khalid Khan Umerzai, commissioner of the Mardan division in NWFP said “This will be the biggest displacement of Pakistanis since independence”.

Camps

There are about 11 functioning refugee camps in West Pakistan to receive the displaced. “Tens of thousands of people are living in makeshift camps or staying with relatives, and the Pakistani government has called on the international community to donate money, resources and tents”. At the moment the Pakistani government is ill-prepared for the refugee exodus from Swat. “Clearly, we’re facing a major humanitarian crisis,” said Red Cross spokesman Sebastian Brack, adding his organization is mobilizing trucks, medical and supplies and food.

Mardan division is the main staging point for people fleeing the fighting in Malakand where Swat is located, and the government has set up three camps for the uprooted people and is opening three more. On Marden’s outskirts, a tent village has been set up with the help of the United Nations and international aid agencies on sprawling ground levelled for construction of a housing complex.

Plight

“I could bring just one blanket and a few clothes for my children with me,” said Omar Bacha, a resident of Mingora, who arrived in the camp on Wednesday, as nearby his seven-year-old son cuddled his shirtless younger brother.

“We are ruined,” said bearded Behroz Khan. “Taliban are on the ground, helicopters are in the sky, we are caught in between.”

At the back of the camp, poor women, some carrying infants in their laps, were sitting on the ground waiting impatiently for their turn to be registered, which would enable them to get free food and other basic supplies. Food was being cooked in about 20 cauldrons nearby while labourers dug ditches to lay sanitation pipes. “While we cannot give them the comfort of their home, we will try to make it as easy for them as possible,” Fikret Akcura, the top U.N. official in Pakistan, said in a statement.

Testimonials from BBC website

One can see a flood of displaced people on roads, railway lines and on the streets of Mardan. People offer all possible help. This is a huge displacement, we have to try to minimise the suffering of these people. Samad, Mardan

I am from Mardan, which borders Swat. I live in Manchester but I speak to my brother there. Today he told me that there is a flood of people from the affected area. People of our village are trying their best to accommodate them, but it looks very difficult, and if it continues like this we will be in a very bad position. Suhail Ahmad, from Mardan (currently in the UK)

What can we do?

At this point, collecting food, clothing, blankets, tents and funds for the internally displaced people is the best way we can help. Rather than mounting one enormous collection effort, you can help by working collectively on a platform. Go to www.yello.pk/events/add and mark the nearest Collection Point on the map and then encourage your friends and family to go and donate there. Collectively, we can make a difference.

Tags: Dir, IDP, Pakistan, Plight, Swat

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