PESHAWAR April 5: The German Aid for Afghan Children (GAAC) has called for construction of earthquake-proof buildings to avoid casualties in future. He said compared to tents, shelter-homes built with metal sheets were better, adding that they were lighter and safe.

“The GAAC has been engaged in welfare activities in eastern provinces of Afghanistan since 1985,” said Dr Eroes Reinhard, founder and president of the GAAC, here on Wednesday.

The GAAC had so far spent a million US dollars on relief and rescue activities in the quake-hit areas in Balakot, benefiting more than 15,000 survivors.

Country Director GAAC for Pakistan and Afghanistan M. Alam Shahab was also present.

Dr Eroes, a retired military medical officer of the rank of brigadier of German army, said that the GAAC had set up 1,200 shelter houses in the Balakot area which had recently been handed over and where about 15000 affectees were residing.

He said that GAAC had also set up a girls high school for the quake survivors and currently there were 400 students enrolled.. He said that four more rooms had been added in the school recently.

He also said that the GAAC has also dispatched food, blankets and clothes for the affectees.”—APP