CWS Case Study 2: No Where to Go

Name: Sarwar Jahan
Area: Balakot, North West Frontier Province, Pakistan
Date: 10 October 2005

On October 10, while surveying needs in the quake-affected areas, the CWS Pakistan/Afghanistan team met Sarwar Jahan, a 65-year-old widow from Balakot. She was brought to the roadside by some villagers in the aftermath of continuous aftershocks that rock the area. She was visibly shaken and looked traumatized. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She initially showed her right hand to the team, but did not say a single word. After counseling from the team, she began to speak.

"During the earthquake a big stone fell on my right hand and I think it is broken. I am in extreme pain. I lost my daughter-in-law and two grandchildren; I saw their bodies with my own eyes. Now I am desperately trying to search for my son and two grandsons. I have no place to live in as my house is destroyed. I have no family, no support, nothing. I am waiting for help sitting by the roadside. Please help, help me in finding my missing family and getting medical aid."

It is just such vulnerable people that CWS is targeting with its relief and recovery efforts.

Back to South Asia Earthquake Response • Back to top