WATSAN response to earthquake in Pakistan

This paper summarizes the experiences of WatSan emergency response to the devastating earthquake which struck Pakistan on 08 October 2005. The response entailed distribution of pre-positioned supplies, establishing coordination mechanism, rehabilitation of major water supply systems, water trucking, promotion of household water treatment options, effective water quality surveillance, support to solid waste management, construction of sanitation facilities and most importantly hygiene promotion. Over 700,000 people received safe water and sanitation facilities through UNICEF assistance. There was no major outbreak of diseases reported in the earthquake affected areas while morbidity and mortality indicators remained more or less similar to the rest of country not affected by the earthquake, indicating the effectiveness of water, sanitation and hygiene services.