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South Asia Earthquake Update

February 23, 2006

Note: New content has been inserted in red, italicized, bold font.

Table of Contents:

Pakistan

Overview.....................................page 2

Sectors……………………………page 5

Overview

The confirmed death toll from the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that was centered near Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK) on October 8 stands at over 75,000 in Pck and in NWFP. Over 79,000 people injured and estimated 3.5 million displaced or homeless, with approximately 2.5 million in temporary camps.

Humanitarian agencies working in quake-affected Pakistan report that an unusually warm winter has resulted in a stable situation in relief camps, with only small numbers of people moving due to harsh weather conditions. OCHA reports that humanitarian priorities include: 1.) Improving wat/san conditions in and outside camps; 2.) Improving health surveillance systems; 3.) Preparing camp populations for an “imminent” return to their areas of origin. (Feb-10, OCHA) GOP has said camps would begin to be closed down by March 31. (Feb-16, DFID)

Relief operations were halted throughout last week due to protests against publication of Prophet Mohammad cartoons. Although there are no specific threats, staffers are being cautioned to pay attention to personal security, ahead of US President George Bush’s planned visit to Pakistan in early March. The holy month of Muharram, which is often marked by Sunni-Shi’ite Muslim sectarian clashes, is also currently taking place. (Feb-15, UNJLC)

‘Action Plan from Relief to Recovery’ being prepared as UNCT/IASC document to aid GOP in translating pledges into concrete contributions. (Feb-17, OCHA). Sustainable Return Taskforce (SRT) established in Islamabad to prepare comprehensive return strategy. OCHA is lead agency. (Feb-16, UNHCR) UNHCR, Oxfam, IOM and NRC also involved. SRT covers issues of IDPs, protection and advocacy. (Feb-17, OCHA) Pakmil is beginning to scale down operations and transfer responsibilities to civil authorities, which need to be strengthened.

OCHA cluster coordinator said there is a need for a new Relief to Recovery Appeal, as the UN Flash Appeal is due to end on April 8. Donations to the UN’s emergency relief fund rose from US$335 million to US$343 million, about 62 percent of the total of US$550 million appeal. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Jan Vandemoortele said the UN needs about US$60 million a month to continue relief operations.

So far 22 billion Pakistani Rs have been distributed as compensation to survivors. (Feb-16, DFID) Head of Pakistan’s Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA), Lt. Gen. Muhammad Zubair, replaced by a civilian, Minister for Privitization, Altaf Saleem. (Feb-15, AP) There is a need to educate survivors on how to use compensation money, to distribute it only for reconstruction purposes and to ensure that other schemes can supplement survivors’ incomes. (Feb-23, IRIN) PcK Minister Sardar Sikander Hayat Khan said reconstruction and rehabilitation work will begin at the cost of 80 billion Rs in affected areas from March (Feb-17, GOP)

UNHAS mandate has been extended to August 31, with reductions in fleet and flying hours from March 1 due to funding shortfalls. Passenger services will cease. (Feb-16, DFID, UNHAS) WFP said that the UN organizations, aid agencies and FRC had asked WFP to keep its helicopters flying until December 2006 to facilitate reconstruction due to road network damage. Last week, the World Food Program (WFP) said it needed more than US$80 million dollars to keep flying helicopters for the rest of the year, as part of the UN’s US$550 million Flash Appeal. The WFP is currently feeding one million Pakistanis, which is expected to drop to 800,000 by April. (Feb-6, AFP) WFP in charge of transporting relief supplies for several other humanitarian agencies as well. UN has a fleet of 20 helicopters and will need about US$11 million a month in March, April and possibly May, while another US$6 to 7 million a month is needed for the rest of the year. However, figure could rise in July if landslides caused by monsoon rains wipe out roads. (Feb-1, Reuters) UNJLC publishing daily road status report and map available by mailing list and http://www.unjlc.org/pakistan/land.

Overall winter conditions are mild, comparing favorably with last year’s snowfall. (Jan-27, DFID)

Experts are warning that landslides represent a very serious threat to survivors, and pre-emptive action is urgently needed to pre-empt further disasters ahead of the summer rains. A report was created by Professor David Petley of the International Landslide Center at the University of Durham in the UK, and Dr. Mark Bulmer of the Landslide Observatory at the University of Maryland in the US, who visited quake-affected areas. The experts had noted that a number of refugee camps were in hazardous areas highly vulnerable to landslides in river valleys that had to be re-located,. Other dangerous conditions include aftershocks, which still continue to trigger landslides in the area, helping to create what the report described as “near perfect” conditions for slides and renewed floods. So far, more than 1,500 aftershocks have been recorded. (Feb-13, Reuters)

Managing returns a priority before March 31 camp closure deadline. (Feb-16, DFID) OCHA is the lead agency for returns – first draft of Sustainable Returns Strategy being produced by UNHCR, OCHA, IOM, Oxfam and Norwegian Refugee Council. (Feb-16, DFID) The warm temperatures have also meant that some people from informal camps in the lower Allai Valley in NWFP have returned to their homes. Returns from Siran Valley and Meira camp in NWFP have been observed. (Feb-16, UNHCR) UNHCR and Regional Relief Commissioner (RRC) asking partners to assist returning families with food, NFIs and transportation. Recent UNHCR survey has identified 1,500 vulnerable households that will need special assistance. Technical assistance for rebuilding homes a key issue. (Feb-27, OCHA)

Regional Relief Commissioner (RRC) said that camps in NWFP will begin to close on March 1 with final and flexible date of March 31. Return will be voluntary and survivors will be notified in advance. UNHCR emphasized need for health, wat/san and education facilities at places of origins. Returnees will be entitled to keep all NFIs distributed to them. RRC is expected to draft return plan to present to GOP in late February. DCO (District Coordinating Officer) will be implementing authority for returns. OCHA, among UN agencies, will be coordinating returns. (Feb-16, OCHA) FRC said last week that there will be no forced camp closures and that survivors will have to leave their homes and begin construction of homes in order to receive the next phase of government compensation. (Feb-13, GOP) Home building materials will be provided at higher altitudes to bring people home. (Feb-23, IRIN) According to OCHA, an initial assessment of residents in planned camps showed that many were not expecting to return to their homes “in the immediate future.” (Feb-10, OCHA) Anecdotal evidence suggests that some rural people will return voluntarily by March 31, but urban populations may face greater difficulty especially for those without property, and who are disabled and widowed. (Feb-16, DFID) Landslides that have cut off smaller villagers may also discourage returns as there are fears that food and other items may not be in good supply in more remote areas. (Feb-23, IRIN)

NGOs working to provide survivors with sustainable living as local agrarian economy has been badly hit, though micro-credit and cash-for-work programs. IOM says that about 324,000 people in the region are unemployed, about 29 percent of the population. There is a need for jobs, shelters and infrastructure construction in home communities. Aid workers are also worried over creating a culture of dependence on foreign aid. “We will start recovery operations by April or May, once the emergency phase is over. We have to link recovery with re-establishing livelihoods, or there will be problems in the future,” said WFP country director Michael Jones today (Thursday, February 23). (Feb-23, IRIN) Save the Children, with financial support from USAID, has begun livestock support project in NWFP, which aims to replenish livestock as well as provide for surviving ones. Livestock is an important asset in the region. (Feb-23, IRIN) IOM has already begun several pilot projects to provide survivors with sustainable livelihoods to give villagers an income and an incentive to return. (Feb-15, IOM) World Vision has also begun a Cash-for Work pilot Project in Siran Valley. (Feb-16, WV). WFP also plans to provide seeds and agricultural tools to facilitate the return of survivors to their homes. USAID said last week that it would distribute vouchers worth US$1 million to help stimulate the local economy. (Feb-6, AFP, Feb-8, USAID, Feb-7, IOM) GOAL also began cash-for-work programs aimed at clearing rubble and reconstruction. (Feb-20, GOAL) Relief International (RI) providing micro-credit programs for widows and female-headed households. (Feb-21, RI)

GOP discouraging further investment in infrastructure in temporary camps to pave way for reconstruction and rehabilitation. UNHCR in Battagram concerned about early termination of relief projects. (Feb-16, UNHCR) Overall situation of camps is relatively stable in planned and spontaneous camps. Some movement observed in temporary reconnaissance returns to home communities and seeking of employment opportunities or refuge in camps. (Feb-17, OCHA) The UNHCR and other agencies continue to improve services in camps. The UNHCR has been supporting the GOP in assisting about 145,000 survivors in 150 camps, out of an estimated total of 600 camps in the affected area. (Feb-13, Reuters) The IOM, UN and other agencies are also still working to assess conditions at under-50 tent spontaneous camps in quake-affected areas, which have worse conditions than in planned camps. (Feb-10, IOM) PakMil plans to close all 22 tent villages in NWFP by end of March, and move 80,000 survivors closer to their native areas. (Feb-8, GOP)

No major gaps in emergency shelter and delivery of tents to date. (Feb-17, OCHA) Emergency Shelter Cluster suggests needs have generally been met, with 80% of affected population covered by heating. Future policy planning document on shelter being prepared by four clusters and will be released February 20. (Feb-16, DFID) ESC will be redefined as the Emergency Shelter and Housing Cluster, with active UN Habitat involvement. (Jan-27, DFID) Emergency shelter distribution now in final phase. Inputs expected to peak in mid-February and finish by early March. (Jan-23, UN) IOM will launch operation “Storm Watch” to reinforce shelter in all hubs for strong storms that are expected in late February and early March. (Jan-26, UN ESC) About 1.9 million survivors are living independently below the snowline, 250,000 are in organized camps, and another 400,000 are in temporary shelters above the snowline. (Feb-9, DFID) Some NGOs still discovering pockets of still unreached villages - WVI and Organization for Development Coordination (OCD) made first aid distribution to about 100,000 people in the Kala Daka region of NWFP this week. (Feb-17, WVI)

Sector Status
Affected Population	Death toll is at 73,320; injured is at 69,392 (Nov-16, OCHA) 4 million affected; estimated 3.3 million displaced or homeless scattered across 15,000 villages. (Nov-1, OCHA) Nearly half of the four million affected people are in PcK and another 1.3 million in NWFP. Estimated 35% of schools in higher altitudes will close on December 22 for winter vacation, until end of February 2006. Rest will remain open until end of regular school year in April/May. (Dec-15, DFID) Up to 10,000 children lost at least one parent, and about 800,000 women between the age of 15 and 49 were affected. (Dec-15, CWS) About 18,095 students and 853 teachers and educational staff died in the earthquake in NWFP and PcK. (Dec-15, CWS) UNICEF estimates some 1.6 million to 2.2 million children were affected by the earthquake. (Oct-31, AFP) UNICEF estimates almost 1 million schoolchildren need support, of which some 450,000 are of primary school age. (Dec-28, Reuters) Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) registering affected population, including those residing in and outside camps. (Dec-8, UN) World Vision International (WVI) says that humanitarian aid is being rushed to more than 100,000 people who were “discovered” recently in a remote tribal-governed area in the Black Mountain region of NWFP at the Himalayan foothills, generally off-limits to foreigners. WVI, in partnership with the Pakistan-based Organization for Development Coordination (ODC), will deliver relief supplies to this population, which has reportedly not received any help since the earthquake. (Feb-20, WVI)
Coordination	According to OCHA, a Sustainable Returns Taskforce (SRTF) was created by the heads of the clusters in Islamabad to support development of a sustainable returns strategy through the cluster approach. The SRTF will cover issues of IDPs and utilizes operations/logistics advisors from OCHA, UNHCR, Oxfam and IOM and on a protection officer from NRC. (Feb-17, OCHA) According to the DFID field team, General Zubeir, the head of the GOP Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA), has been replaced by Minister for Privatization, Altaf Saleem. (Feb-16, DFID) UNOCHA reports that 16 High Altitude Assessment and Monitoring Teams (HATS) coordinated by OCHA continue to be deployed. (Feb-10, OCHA) Experts are warning that landslides represent a very serious threat to survivors in quake-hit northern Pakistan, and pre-emptive action is urgently needed to prevent further disasters ahead of rains that are expected in the summer. The report was created by Professor David Petley of the International Landslide Center at the University of Durham in the UK, and Dr. Mark Bulmer of the Landslide Observatory at the University of Maryland in the US. The experts noted that a number of refugee tents were in hazardous areas in river valleys that were highly vulnerable to landslides, which have to be re-located. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Jan Vandemoortele said that the UN needs about US$60 million a month to continue relief operations. The US military has announced that it will withdraw from relief operations at the completion of its mission on March 31. The US will also hand over US$6 million dollars in military medical and construction equipment, including the 212^th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) that will be handed over to Pakistan on February 16. US Rear Admiral Michael LeFever, says that the phased withdrawal would begin in mid-February of the some 1,200 troops and by the end of March, the remaining 750 troops and 12 Chinook helicopters would leave. (Feb-4, GOP) US Agency for International Development (USAID) mission director Lisa Chisels says that after the US military leaves, USAID will reconstruct hospitals and schools in affected areas. Chisels says that USAID has already spent some US$100 million for quake-affected areas. (Feb-6, IANS) The Cluster Coordinator has said that the major relief priorities between now and spring are: sanitation, especially as the weather warms around April; preparations for small crises, such as snow storms; the return of rural survivors to their homes around March; and the return of urban survivors, which will entail urban rebuilding. OCHA says that regular breaks in winter weather have allowed UN and aid agencies to step up deliveries to affected populations. OCHA says the priorities remain unchanged: 1) Keeping survivors warm, 2) Winterizing tents and providing corrugated iron (CGI) sheets, 3) Providing heated family tents, in hospitals and school tents, with adequate safety measures in place, and 4) improving sanitation in camps. (Jan-27, OCHA) Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Monday (January 30) that the disbursement of the second tranche of Rs. 75,000 would start by the middle of this month in PcK and NWFP. Aziz said that out of an allocation of Rs. 175,000 for each damaged house, the first installment of Rs. 25,000 has already been distributed. A third installment of Rs. 25,000 and the last installment of Rs. 50,000 will be distributed after the inspection of houses. Aziz said that so far the GOP has released Rs. 24 billion of which 18.926 billion have been distributed. (Jan-30, GOP) Enough stocks of food and medicine were available for survivors in NWFP, the Pakistani minister for population welfare and women development, Kashif Azam said. (Jan-30, GOP) NATO forces formally concluded their 90-day relief and rescue on Tuesday (January 31), saying it had completed its goal of providing relief and helping survivors endure the winter months.  The three-month mission, the alliance’s first in a non-NATO country, came in response to Pakistan’s relief request after the October 8 earthquake which killed over 73,000 people and left more than three million homeless.  NATO forces in the mission included 1,200 NATO engineers, medics and aircrew from Britain, France, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Spain, Germany, Poland and Lithuania as well as five helicopters, working primarily in Bagh district of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK).  According to OCHA, FRC and ERRA have created a transition team to help with transition from relief to reconstruction. (Jan-20, OCHA) UNDP and UN Volunteers program have launched a UN Volunteers scheme to enlist people for earthquake recovery and rehabilitation efforts. (Jan-19, UNV) A National Disaster Management Agency will be set up to provide an institutional response to emergencies. (Jan-19, DFID) Under an MoU, 50,000 children and adolescents will be mobilized among survivors to become “Rahbers” or tent-to-tent communicators, to raise awareness about hygiene, safe drinking water and health and child protection issues. (Jan-20, GOP) UNJLC says that an Emergency Coordination Center is in the process of being established by OCHA with assistance of UNJLC. According to UNJLC, it will consolidate information from the coordinating bodies and will act as a central briefing point and information center on the emergency. It will be located in OCHA’s new offices and will be operational by January 4, 2006. (Dec-29, UNJLC) A Strategic Information Cell (SIC) has been comprised of HIC, FRC, UNJLC and clusters which will act as a repository of information gathered. SIC will focus on data collection for the period between December 15 to January 31. (Dec-15, Clusters) OCHA reports SIC is understaffed, with only Shelter, Health and Logistics cells contributing staff. (Feb-10, OCHA) “Joint Operations Center” established to task UNHAS; Pakistan military; NATO and US Military air assets. (Dec-2, OCHA) 90-day ‘Winter Plan’ created to outline UN-led Cluster response. Priorities are: 1) Ensure continued assistance for estimated 350,000-380,000 who are expected to remain in high-elevation locations for the winter; 2) Support potential camp population of 250,000 in planned and spontaneous camps at lower elevations; 3) Ensure protection and meet needs of vulnerable population including women, children, elderly and disabled; 4) Continuous assessment of changing situation to meet emerging needs. (Dec-2, OCHA) GOP has established a “Prime Minister Relief Cell” in Islamabad for help in locating family members. Hotline Tel: (+9251) 9222666. “Earthquake Relief Cell” has been established in the Prime Minister’s House. The 24-hour hotlines will receive complaints from the earthquake-affected. (+9251) 9213891 or (+9251) 92229999. Ten sectoral coordination clusters were established to bring together the government, UN agencies, NGOs, IOs, militaries, and donors. (Oct-22, UNOCHA) These clusters cover areas such as food & nutrition, water & sanitation, health, emergency shelter, early recovery and reconstruction, IT/communication, logistics, camp management, protection and education. (Nov-1, OCHA) Detailed cluster information (meeting minutes, contact information) is posted at: www.un.org.pk. (Nov-8, OCHA) Clusters are concept of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), and is new to the UN system. It is being trialed in this disaster. (Nov-11, UN) The GOP formed a 7-member Civil Services Special Task Force. In addition to coordination, the task force will supervise foreign relief workers, NGOs, and volunteers. The task force will work under the Federal Relief Commissioner. Saeed Ahmed Khan is chief coordinator; Ishtiaq Ahmed is coordinator for NWFP; Tariq Khosa is coordinator for PCK; Qasim Niaz is coordinator for donor agencies; Arifa Sofi is coordinator for NGOs; Mohsin Rizvi is coordinator for foreign offices; and Dr. Ashfaq is coordinator for health services. (Oct-19, GOP) Federal Relief Commission coordinates rescue and relief operations. Major General Farooq Ahmed Khan, is the Federal Relief Commissioner. Humanitarian Information Centre (HIC) has been set up within the UNDAC/UN coordination centre. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)
Logistics	IFRC has begun using a team of experts and ATVs supplied by the Norwegian Red Cross to distribute relief to an additional 500 families in remote areas. (Feb-16, IFRC) UNHAS mandate has been extended to August 31, but with reductions in fleet and flying hours from March 1 due to funding shortfalls. (Feb-16, DFID) UNHAS reportedly proposing an extension of operations until the end of December 2006, however will have funding shortfall of US$89 million if approved. (Feb-9, DFID) UNJLC reports a bridge out at Ghanol, located 15km NE of Balakot due to bad weather. The bridge will not be repaired for at least 4 to 6 weeks. UJLC says that as a result, the Kagan Valley road is inaccessible and helicopters will be the only way for access. (Jan-19, UNJLC) IOM has deployed around 10 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) in Muzaffarabad, capital of PcK to respond to an emergency assistance hotline established at a local FM radio. IOM reports some 1,200 requests thus far. (Jan-18, IRIN) UNJLC has established an emergency team in Muzaffarabad for quick response during times of inclement weather. (Jan-11, UNJLC) UNJLC says that a new transport coordination database has been created to facilitate the overview of cargo movement. (Dec-29, UNJLC) A chart of available warehouse space is published on the UNJLC webpage. The table is designed to give all agencies and NGOs in need of storage a precise overview of existing warehouse capacity. (Dec-29, UNJLC) http://www.unjlc.org/pakistan UNJLC says that it is also in the process of updating and expanding its map catalog. UNJLC says that for printed copies and requests, email unjlcmapping@gmail.com. Maps can also be downloaded from the UNJLC website. (Dec-29, UNJLC) UNJLC map of revised UNHAS passenger service flight schedule now available to relief community at http://www.unjlc.org/pakistan/maps/UNHASPaxroutes/. (Dec-21, UNJLC) GOP and GOI have set up five crossing points along the LoC at Nauser-Teethwal, Chakothi-Uri, Hajipur-Uri, Rawalakot-Poonch and Tattapni-Mendhar. (Nov-21, TN)
International Financial Assistance	Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), said that it would allocate an additional US$20 million that will be distributed through UNICEF, UN Habitat and FAO. (Feb-22, CIDA) The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) cluster coordinator has said that there is a need for a new Relief to Recovery Appeal as the UN Flash Appeal is due to end on April 8. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Jan Vandermoortele says that donations for the UN Flash Appeal stands at US$343 million as of January 27, comprising some 62 percent of the total US$550 million appeal. (Jan-27, DPA). UN Foundation has established South Asia Earthquake Response Fund to enable private-sector donors to support the UN’s relief and rehabilitation efforts. Initial contribution of US$ 1 million has been made. (Dec-21, Reuters)
Food	WFP says it has reached 506,167 people so far this month. (Feb-17, OCHA) GOP reportedly asking WFP and NGOs to provide food to spontaneous settlements. DFID said supplies are more regular but quality and quantity is insufficient. (Feb-16, DFID) The UN’s World Food Program (WFP) on February 2 warned that the UN may have to drastically cut down on UN relief flights in quake-hit northern Pakistan by the end of February, if there are no new aid donations. The World Food Program (WFP) said that it needed more than US$80 million dollars to keep flying helicopters for the rest of the year. The WFP is currently feeding one million Pakistanis, which is expected to drop to 800,000 by April. UN WFP regional director Amir Abdulla said that the flights constituted an important lifeline for thousands of quake survivors in the region. The WFP is in charge of transporting relief supplies for several other humanitarian agencies as well. The UN has a fleet of 20 helicopters and will need about US$11 million a month in March, April and possibly May, while another US$6 to 7 million a month is needed for the rest of the year. WFP Pakistan country director Michael Jones said on Monday (February 6) that aid agencies are looking at microcredit programs to allow survivors to replace “seriously depleted” livestock and boost the local economy. The WFP also plans to provide seeds and agricultural tools to facilitate the return of survivors to their homes. Although a second phase of government compensation is due to be disbursed in mid-February, Jones stressed that the money should be used for “rebuilding, not just subsistence.” The Dawn reports that 50,000 affected families will get Rs 3,000 annually through Pakistan’s Bait-ul-Mal’s “Food Support Program.” (Jan-23, Dawn) GOP reports that the President of PcK, Major General Sardar Muhammad Anwar Khan said that food reserves are in sufficient quantities for survivors living in high altitude areas. Brigadier Khalid Mehmood, who is in charge of the relief operations in Battagram and Kohistan districts, says that WFP has provided enough food for three months to people living in areas located 5000 feet above sea level. (Jan-17, GOP) According to the WFP and GOP, some 2.3 million people remain food insecure. (Jan-12, DFID) WFP has reportedly stockpiled sufficient food to last between 7-30 days at central locations throughout the affected region. (Jan-12, DFID)
Water and Sanitation	Wat/San needs largely met in official camps, but less consistent in unofficial camps. (Feb-17, USAID) Wat/san conditions need to be improved before water table is increased by rains and/or thawing of snow in mountains. (Jan-20, OCHA WHO estimates that 73% of affected areas are covered by primary health care services. About 40 field hospitals operating mostly until April or June. (Jan-27, DFID) DFID field team says new 90-day action plan drafted at last week’s workshop will be finalized after consultations in hubs to identify capacity and gaps. Improvements in the sector continue though provision in spontaneous settlements is lacking. (Feb-16, DFID) DFID says scabies becoming common due to poor hygiene facilities. (Feb-2, DFID) DFID says that OCHA reports that concern is mounting that poor access to water, latrines and bathing facilities in camps could trigger disease outbreaks. (Jan-19, DFID) Forty percent of overall population and 90% of camp population receiving safe water. 4,000 latrines installed, 60,000 in the pipeline. (Dec-12, OCHA) UNICEF and the Ministry of Environment mark a new partnership with a memorandum of understanding and a website (www.pakquakecommunication.org) to spread awareness in affected areas about hygiene, safe drinking water, sanitation, and waste management. (Dec-5, GOP)
Public Health/Medical	The GOP reports that the US Combined Medical Relief Team 3 (CMRT 3) has donated medicine and construction materials for relief camps. According to GOP, some 200 Marines and sailors of the CMRT 3 are preparing to return to their home base at the III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan. (Feb21, GOP) US has transferred its 212^th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) on February 16 to Pakistani military staff. The US DOS says that the US$4.6 million tent is part of evolving US assistance to Pakistan. (Feb-16, USDOS) US Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan Crocker said that the US would spend some US$200 million over the next few years to supplement GOP’s efforts to revive health and educational facilities in affected areas. (Feb-22, GOP) Medecins du Monde (MDM) reportedly found 41 measles cases within 3 days. A WHO investigation revealed that almost all camps have reported measles cases. A mass immunization campaign covering target population of 4425 was initiated. (Feb-17, OCHA) WHO says cholera treatment supplies have been dispatched to hubs. A preparedness plan will cope with a limited outbreak, however more supplies will be needed if spring thaw triggers a major outbreak. (Feb-16, DFID) OCHA reported on February 10 that in the current epidemiological week, 28,947 Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) were reported compared to 24,134 reported the week before. (Feb-10, OCHA) WHO says there are 37 national and international field hospitals but no plan yet on closure of the hospitals. (Feb-9, DFID) According to the Health Cluster, WHO, UNFPA, and UNICEF will provide 113 basic Health Units, 29 Rural Health Centers and 2 Tehsil Headquarter (THQs), including equipment, supplies, staff accommodation and training. (Feb-9, DFID) According to WHO, the transition from relief to recovery is being currently discussed by the health cluster. The main goal is to ensure the continuity of an adequate level of health services in affected areas after temporary health facilities by country medical teams and aid agencies shut down. (Jan-29, WHO) Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) continues to contribute significantly to overall consultations. A total of 24,134 ARI cases and 6 related deaths were reported. A total of 4,772 acute diarrhea cases were reported with an increase from the previous week. Fifteen cases of clinically diagnosed measles were reported. (Jan-29, WHO) Shortage of female medical staff still a concern. (Feb-2, DFID) GOP has started to rebuild some 61 basic health units and 7 rural health centers in Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley. (Jan-20, AFP) Local health officials say they have begun to rebuild some 61 basic health units and seven rural health centers with pre-fabricated materials in Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley. (Jan-19, Dawn) Major General Shaukat Sultan, Director General of the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) says that records show that for the time being, normal health related deaths are lower than even previous years. Medical camps established by foreign aid groups have brought good medical supplies and he says that “health conditions are improving in quake-hit areas.” (Jan-4, GOP) Khalid Saeed, a mental health coordinator with the World Health Organization (WHO) says that some 180,000 survivors have serious mental disorders, including psychosis, severe depression and anxiety. (Jan-4, Reuters) National Task Force on Psycho-social Trauma has been formed by the prime minister and led by the Ministry of Health with the support of WHO, UNICEF and other partners. (Dec-16, OCHA) WHO has set up a website to facilitate information exchange between health partners at www.whopak.org. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)
Shelter	OCHA reports the overall situation in camps is relatively stable in planned and spontaneous camps administered by the camp management cluster. Number of camps fluctuates between 27-31 planned and 121-127 spontaneous camps. (Feb-17, OCHA) The Pakistani Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has so far distributed shelter and relief to some 48,000 survivors (8,000 families) in the Chakothi sector. The relief and shelter includes food, tents, CGI sheets and other materials. (Feb-21, PRCS) According to UNHCR, in Muzaffarabad, 9 additional camps with total population of 4,459 people (822 families) have been assessed and registered and are receiving assistance. (feb-16, UNHCR) OCHA reports 388,245 temporary transitional shelters have been constructed of which some 247,176 have been constructed by the PAKMIL. Additionally, some 3.1 million CGI sheets have been distributed. (Feb-17, OCHA) Over past few weeks, those involved in shelter cluster have been shifting focus from Bagh to Poonch district, which has not been significantly served, according to OCHA. (Feb-17, OCHA) ESC has recently completed assessment of spontaneous camps in Mansehra and Abottabad districts, and found 100,422 people are residing in 616 informal settlements. (Feb-17, USAID) IOM has completed assessment covering Abottabad and Mansehra in NWFP to cover less-than-50 camps. There are at least 370 such spontaneous settlements in the districts below 5,000 ft. IOM intends to extend assessment to rest of NWFP. (Feb-07, IOM) UNHCR has said that unseasonably warm temperatures have resulted in a stable situation in relief camps. UNHCR has noticed only a small number of people trickling in to camps from higher altitudes. (Feb-10, UNHCR) GOP said that it was preparing to pay compensation to affected people who were living in rented houses at the time of when the quake first struck. (Feb-13, GOP) The Emergency Shelter Cluster and DFID field team suggest that needs have been generally met, with sufficient non-food items in the pipeline to fill remaining needs. GOP reports some 80% of affected population has been covered by heating items. (Feb-16, DFID) Humanitarian agencies working in quake-affected Pakistan report that an unusually warm winter has resulted in a stable situation in relief camps, with only small numbers of people moving due to harsh weather conditions. Distributions of emergency shelter materials are now in the final phase, and expected to finish by early March. (Feb-10, OCHA) Divisional Relief Commissioner Hazara (NWFP) Sahibzada Muhammad Nees said that around 22 tent villages (all tented camps) from across NWFP will be shut down by the end of March. Around 80,000 survivors will be shifted to their native areas. The commissioner said that the temporary shelters were being closed in a bid to expedite the survivors’ permanent rehabilitation. (Feb-8,9 GOP, DFID) DFID is saying that managing the return of displaced people is key issue as March 31 camp closure deadline approaches. (Feb-16, DFID) DFID says that preliminary results from registration and needs assessment for people in spontaneous camps say that more than 75,000 people in 600 camps will have needs in shelter and food assistance and water and sanitation. (Feb-9, DFID) Eight new camps have been established for some 40,000 survivors in PcK, who are living in high-altitude areas, Member of the PcK Council Dr. Najeeb Naqi Khan said. (Jan-27, Dawn) OCHA has agreed to streamline needs of spontaneous camps under 50 people for better coordination of services. (Feb-2, DFID) The Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA), Lt Gen Mohammad Zubair, says that President Musharraf has given the highest priority to reconstruction and rehabilitation in the housing sector. He said the reconstruction of houses in rural areas would be completed within two years and said that some 88 percent of the houses destroyed by the earthquake were in rural areas. (Jan-22, Dawn) ERRA says that it has finalized its strategy for launching reconstruction activities in affected areas from March. Around 60-66 percent of reconstruction expected to be complete this year, ERRA chair Lt. Gen. Muhamamd Zubair said. Over 40 billion rupees would be disbursed over the next 6 months. (Jan-23, GOP) GOP says that so far some 386,000 CGI sheets have been distributed to survivors for self-construction. (Jan-15, GOP) GOP says that the Pakistani army has constructed some 155,000 shelters in PcK so far. (Jan-14, GOP) UNHCR is providing material and technical assistance to GOP officials and NGOs in 26 planned camps and 118 spontaneous camps hosting some 140,000 people in affected areas. (Jan-18, UNHCR) The chair of the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) Lt. General Muhammad Zubair said that the housing policy for the earthquake affected areas had been finalized. He told the BBC that under the policy, about 400,153 houses would be built, and the government would provide sheets and cement in bulk for construction. According to the GOP, he said that US$1 billion dollars would be required for the provision of health and education facilities, along with the construction of houses. (Jan-9, GOP) There is an estimated 137,008 people in 26 planned and 113 spontaneous camps across the region, according to the Camp Management Cluster. (Jan-12, DFID) Major General Shaukat Sultan, Director General of the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that permanent shelters prepared by the army can accommodate some 1.5 million survivors. He says that over 255,000 permanent shelters have been set up for people living over 5,000 feet. More than 30,000 winterized tents have been acquired from abroad, while 750,000 tents have been pitched inside the valleys. (Jan-4, GOP)
Infrastructure	GOP says at least Rs 200 billion will be used for rebuilding PcK starting from April within a period of two to three years. (Jan-24, GOP) Agencies have been given a target of 400,000 quake-resistant homes to build before next winter season. (Dec-28, Dawn) PcK Minister Sardar Sikander Hayat Khan said that reconstruction and rehabilitation in PcK will begin on April 1, 2006. (Dec-28, Dawn) GOP says that 95% of roads, 70% of water supply system, 85% of electrical supply and 96% of telecom facilities have been restored in quake-affected areas. (Dec-27, GOP) GOP estimates that 6,700 schools were destroyed in NWFP and 1,300 in PcK. (Dec-28, Reuters) The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank estimate that the quake damaged some 2,385 miles (3,837 kilometers) of roads; 2,366 km (1470 miles) in PcK and 1,471 km (914 miles) of roads in NWFP were damaged. Out of US$5.2 billion estimated for reconstruction needs, World Bank and ADB estimates about US$1.092 billion needed for relief, US$205 million for death/injury compensation, US$301 million for early recovery and US$97 million for the restoration of livelihoods. In addition, US$3.5 billion was estimated for the physical reconstruction. (Nov-15, Reuters, ADB)
Security	IOM says relief operations are being curtailed in affected areas due to ongoing protests in Pck and NWFP. IOM says, however, that there have been no attacks on relief agency staff or offices in Pakistan. (Feb-17, IOM) UNOCHA reported that some humanitarian hubs had to be temporarily shut down due to ongoing protests. (Feb-23, OCHA) The UN has vowed to continue relief operations despite security concerns following anti-Western protests over Prophet Mohammed cartoons. Security situation remains tense across the country. (Feb-12, 15, AFP, UNJLC) The PcK government has reinforced security for foreigners, especially US citizens engaged in relief activities, following the Bajaur incident on January 13 when missiles were fired into 3 houses in Damadola, in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). However, the region’s top police official, Inspector General Shahid Hasan said that the incident had caused no security alarm in PcK because “The atmosphere here is altogether different.” (Jan-24, Dawn) According to OCHA, Ministry of Social Welfare is offering the most vulnerable groups who have been affected by the earthquake to be moved to an institution outside Islamabad. (Dec-19, OCHA)