Pakistan earthquake - two years later

This week was the two-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake that hit northern Pakistan and Kashmir. While we pay our respects to the 75,000+ people who lost their lives, we are also aware that many of those left behind are still struggling to lead normal lives. While some progress has undoubtedly been made, the sheer scale of the impact - hundreds of thousands injured, thousands of schools and over 275,000 homes destroyed – and the tough terrain has made rebuilding and reconstruction an extremely challenging task for the authorities. 

This article highlights some of the remaining challenges, two years on, in rebuilding homes in the affected areas. As the next winter approaches, thousands are still without homes and are living in temporary shelters. Prices of materials, transport and labour have shot up and the compensation paid out by the government is not sufficient to help most people rebuild their homes. The situation is made worse by corruption, red tape and the lack of funds.

While these issues are obviously exacerbated in the post-earthquake era, at Acumen Fund we have seen how poor people struggle with very similar issues in trying to build and purchase homes. As we develop and invest in appropriate and successful models for housing low-income consumers, our work in this sector is beginning to provide breakthrough insights which, we hope, can one day assist those who may be impacted by a disaster like this earthquake.

Share/Save