Introduction:

Nisar Malik, Chairperson of Walkabout Development Solutions, an Islamabad based NGO, initiated the concept of the WDS Quake Jumpers. (Also see www.walkaboutfilms.tv)
Nisar trained the team and developed the mechanics and systems, as the project unfolded. As there was no blueprint to follow, all the systems and procedures were developed in actual field conditions.

The teams consist of mountain guides and high altitude porters who have a good local knowledge of the area and can travel faster than the locals! The support teams are supervised by team leaders and a coordination and logistics officer accompanies the Helicopter.

The team uses the Mi8 helicopter with very specialized Ukrainian crews – the pilots and crews have given their all to “the cause” and without their support this effort would have been very difficult to support and sustain.

A WFP Funded and Supported Project.

The UN WFP saw the viability and strength of this project and with their funding and support, the Quake Jumpers team was formally formed and started operations on the 19th of November 2005.

On the 17th of December, WFP made WDS it’s implementing partner and an agreement was signed that allows WDS Quake Jumpers to work in the earthquake affected areas till mid February.

To identify population in distress, WDS Quake Jumpers follow the principals of North to South, above 1500m and remoteness as the main parameters for their identification and direct response to communities in distress.

Areas of activity include:

1. Identification of new and know locations, receiving little or no support
2. Identification and development of new Helicopter Landing Zones
3. Training the locals to receive and unload the Helicopters (While static or with the rotors running)
4. Evacuation of locals
5. Same day supply of food and Non Food Items
6. Assessment of population, distances to surrounding hamlets and supply locations as well as road assessment.
7. Weather and snow line information.
8. From the 13th of December a medical assessment facility has been introduced for “medical snapshots” of the locations being covered.
9. WDS also supports and funds the fast track medical camps in these remote locations. (Especially targeting women and children).

To date the team has: (Using one Mi8 Helicopter)

1. Covered the Kaghan, Jabori, Allai and Palas Valleys – including Hilkot – Shamlai - (Battagram)
2. Assisted and reached approximately 100000 people (Directly and Indirectly)
3. Identified over 40000 people who had received little or no attention – till the 16th of December.
4. Evacuated over 200 sick, injured and the elderly
5. Seen and treated over 500 people through our fast track medical camps and assessment teams
6. Supplied over 250 Tons of Food and Non Food Items to date
7. Done spot assessments on roads, population, homes, weather and food stocks
8. Created 28 new landing zones
9. Trained the locals in every location, on helicopter safety, receiving and unloading – shut down and rotors running mode.
10. Initiated a food and NFI distribution system, run by the locals
11. Started a fast track medical response and assessment facility

The WDS Quake Jumpers are now geared to assist agencies and NGO’s as guides and trail blazers – to gain access and develop a working environment for those who wish to assist or support the relief effort.