Project Overview
The people of Neelum Valley have suffered from over 40 years of tension and conflict between India and Pakistan. Ongoing artillery, mortar and gun fire across the border has resulted in thousands of deaths and horrific injuries amongst civilians.

Islamic Relief initiated the Neelum Valley Disaster Preparedness Project (NVDPP) to develop the capacity of the people of Neelum Valley for coping with their situation, to save lives and minimise casualties due to firing along the Line of Control (LoC).

It is part of Islamic Relief's Neelum Valley Integrated Development Programme (NVIDP).

Project Background
This project aims to prepare a comprehensive plan of action in the event of an emergency in the Neelum Valley region resulting from an escalation of heavy shelling. It will provide assistance to displaced communities should need arise.

The constant shelling and firing disrupt the everyday lives of thousands of people living in the area.

Neelum Valley is one of the poorest areas of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The security situation has had a drastic effect on livelihoods, contributing to severe levels of poverty. There are problems accessing even basic facilities such as clean water, healthcare and education. It is an area generally neglected by NGOs and the government because of its inaccessibility.

Constant shelling along the border has led to continuing displacement of vulnerable populations. In June 2000 Islamic Relief set up a Disaster Preparedness Centre to assist the displaced communities. The centre is equipped with tents ready to be used in case of mass population displacement.

Project Activities

• First Aid - The NVDPP programme provides first aid training to community members. Neelum Valley has limited medical facilities and during shelling it is often difficult to seek medical help. In such a situation the first aid skills of trained community members have the potential to save lives.

• Emergency Response Unit - An Emergency Response Unit is set up to oversee the evacuation plan of action. Well-trained experienced individuals will be on stand-by to provide necessary assistance in response to an emergency. The Unit regularly reviews the situation on the ground, ensuring that the programme requirements can be met at all times.

• Bunkers The NVDPP also ensures that there is adequate protection in place against heavy shelling. Bunkers are built throughout the target areas, to be used in the event of heavy shelling and firing in the area. Communities are made aware of these bunkers as part of the evacuation plan.