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Dispatch 3
Preparing for the 2nd KER Expedition to Tanghdar
December 24, 2005
Dismayed by the slow arrival of the air consignment, we decided that it was time to transport the first batch - 74 boxes in total - to the KER base camp we have established at Tanghdar and to begin the distribution of the gear to the most needy families that we have identified in Karnah Valley. Our concern is that we should not lose this vital window of good weather while waiting for the entire shipment to arrive. Our goal is to help as many as we can before the expected snows arrive and to continue our relief program as long as we can in heavy snow until we absolutely have to evacuate lest we get stuck in Tanghdar for 6 months. Therefore, I decided to send Talal along with Dr. Zameer to Tanghdar immediately while I agreed to deal with tracking and receiving the air consignments.
We spent the morning at our warehouse-cum-residence which has been graciously provided by our friend Muzamil. Except for one room, his 5-room abode is filled to the ceiling with boxes. Even the hallway is stacked to the ceiling with boxes. We took a detailed inventory of the first batch of the TNF gear which was an easy task thanks to the excellent labeling done by the dedicated KER members in Los Angeles who meticulous prepared the consignment for shipping. Having an exact list of what type (mainly winter jackets, fleeces, sweaters, and sleeping bags) and quantity of gear was in our possession, we drew up a 5-day plan for Tanghdar to carry out the distribution of the gear and provide other assistance.
The outline of the mission delegated to Talal and Dr. Zameer is copied herein:
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Distribute the first batch of North Face Gear to more than 200 households located at Gundi Shot, Gomul, and Nard
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Distribute remaining thermocol foam insulation to 100 identified families in need: 35 families in Gundi Shot and 65 families in Gomul.
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Distribute school supplies at Jabri, Gundi Shot, Gomul, and Nard. In addition, distribute school bags to the children of Jabri
In addition, I asked Talal and Dr. Zameer to do further needs assessment and pre-planning for two separate children’s programs in which we would like to distribute TNF Gear, school supplies, and school bags. One for the children of Dringla, Beyari, and Dragar - for approximately 500 children - to be held at Dringla. And one program for the children of Gundi Gujran, Gundi Sayeedan, Gundi Shot, and Thamdiyan - with approximately 600 children - to be held at Gundi Gujran.
With the plan decided, we loaded a large truck with the TNF gear late in the evening and sent it off to Tanghdar ahead of the team’s departure. Tomorrow morning, Talal will be off for Tanghdar on his first KER expedition. Meanwhile, I will continue the tedious but important task of getting the entire air consignment on the ground in Srinagar.
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Usmaan Ahmad
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