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South Asia Earthquake Update

April 13, 2006

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

Table of Contents:

Pakistan

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

Sectors……………………………page 7

Overview

Federal Relief Commission (FRC) said the confirmed death toll from the October 2005 7.6-magnitude earthquake is 73,338, and 69,412 people were seriously injured, and another 58,897 injured. Over 3.5 million were affected. (Mar-31, GOP)

FRC completed its work on its largest ever relief operation on Saturday (April 1). FRC Commissioner Lt. General Ahmed Khan said that the Commission had “residual relief work” that will be now supervised by the ERRA. Disaster Management Agency will provide relief in case of any future major disasters. Giving details of the relief operation, the Federal Relief Commissioner said 950,260 tents were provided to over 500,000 houses damaged in the quake, 6,293,581 blankets were distributed to 3.5 million affected people, 245,974 tonnes of rations, 3,053 tonnes of medicines, 130,994 tonnes of miscellaneous goods. (Mar-31, GOP)

In an interview marking six-month anniversary of the quake on April 8, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Jan Egeland praised coordinated relief effort, particularly in terms of logistics in the highly mountainous area. He said normalcy may return sooner to rural areas, where reconstruction is already happening, but urban areas still face difficulties. He added that the largest challenges now were the transition from relief to recovery, as many agencies were leaving the affected areas, and the safe return of people according to their capabilities. (Apr-06, IRIN) UNICEF head of emergency programs Dan Toole said in a separate interview: “Our challenge is to shift the major focus of support to the hills…to work with the government to upgrade and provide those services in the long run. To push as much as we can supplies, equipment, cement, food, construction advice, engineers into those hills.” The monsoon is also arriving and the next winter is only seven months away. (Apr-05, Reuters) According to ERRA, of the more than 400,000 houses in affected area, about 51 percent were destroyed and the rest may be repaired. Reconstruction phase is estimated to take at least three years to complete and cost at least US$2 billion. (Apr-4, Reuters, AFP) Several agencies continue to express concerns that IDPs face inadequate shelter and infrastructure upon their return to their home communities, following government directives to leave camps since March 10.

A joint press briefing by the ERRA and the UN was held on April 8 to mark six months after the quake. Humanitarian priorities remain: 1) Informed, dignified and voluntary IDP returns; 2) Camp closure; 3) Provision of essential services in places of origin and 4) transition planning to build the recovery foundation. (Apr-11, OCHA) One-year, joint-agency Action Plan was released on April 8 to mark six months after the quake. UNJLC reports that humanitarian operations are being slowed by lack of agreement from ERRA on role international relief community should plan in next phase of mission – UN and NGO projects not being approved and there is no cargo movement. By the time, they are approved, air support may no longer be available due to funding cuts. (Apr-12, UNJLC) Returns Task Force (RTF) presented “Framework and Operational Process for the Return or Resettlement of Persons Displaced by the October Earthquake” on March 11. (Mar-24, UNHCR) Cluster leads met several times with ERRA representatives to discuss Pakistan Action Plan. Relief Transition Cell established within ERRA to oversee relief activities. Cluster system being reviewed to reflect local ownership and recovery needs. (Apr-OCHA) Cherie Blair, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, visited Muzaffarabad on Wednesday (April 12), as part of a six-day visit to Pakistan. (Apr-12, Dawn)

ERRA has announced comprehensive three-year plan in 11 development sectors with US$3.5 billion for housing, health, education and livelihood in quake-affected areas. (Mar-30, ACT) ERRA will launch a 4.5 billion Pakistani Rs livelihood support program from April to provide sustainable sustenance, which includes livestock replacement, feed supply, and agricultural tools supply. Each family will be paid 3,000 Rs from April to September 2006. (Mar-02, GOP) Government compensation to be paid in three installments: US$400 after certain level of completion, US$840 upon completion and US$840 for damaged homes. Reconstruction will need to follow earthquake-proof standards. (Apr-5, IRIN) ERRA says US$1.5 billion will be spent on reconstruction of at least 600,000 homes, with US$576 million on education and US$303 million on healthcare over next three years. (Mar-20, DPA) GOP has distributed 20 billion Pakistani Rs in compensation to survivors so far. (Mar-31, GOP) ERRA plans to launch programs in four sectors – rural housing, health, education and cash grants for livelihoods, from April 1. (Mar-18, GOP) NGOs report problems with receiving compensation as many victims have lost ID cards and having difficulties with opening bank accounts. (Mar-13, Action Aid) Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Shaukat Sultan, said Army will continue to play a role by providing security and emergency response, keeping roads open, removing debris and providing medical facilities. (Apr-11, The News) A group of lawyers marched through Muzaffarabad last Wednesday to demand that the second phase of government compensation, totaling 25,000 Pakistani Rs, be paid immediately. Officials say that authorities have delayed the payment because they want areas to be rebuilt safely and because of donor conditions, such as proper safety assessments. (Apr-5, AFP)

So far, the UN has gained about US$376 million of its six-month US$552 million emergency appeal, which ends in April. Donor countries in November pledged US$6.2 million for quake relief and reconstruction. (Mar-08, AFP) UN OCHA coordinator for Pakistan, Jan Vandemoortele warned donors against the slackening of aid during the reconstruction stage, which could lead to hardship for survivors next winter. (Apr-10, UNNS) Visiting donors have been informed that UN/NGO Common Services have experienced funding shortfall especially in terms of UNHAS air operations, UNJLC/UNOPS route assessments and road clearances, IOM transportation support for IDP returns and UNICEF protection activities. (Apr-12, OCHA)

UNHAS has exhausted funding for ongoing helicopter operations, and is able to cater for only 10% of the current workload. In order to continue operation until end of April 2006, UNHAS immediately needs US$4 million against the US$18.5 million needed at the end of August. Lack of funds expected to seriously hamper relief/recovery programs in coming months due to landslides and flooding. (Apr-7, OCHA) FRC said that five points along the disputed Line of Control (LoC) with Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) still remained open. Although Pakistan wanted to open points on daily basis, India wants to have them open once a week. (Mar-31, GOP) Landslides caused by heavy rains over April 8 and 9 hampered relief operations and return, including the Battagram, Bagh, Mansehra and Muzaffarabad areas. UNOPS is due to end operation on April 20 due to lack of funding, which will have serious effect on road assessments in remote areas. (Apr-12, UNJLC) Forecasts for Friday (April 14), Saturday (April 15) and Sunday (April 16) are mainly cloudy with chances of thunderstorms/rains, especially during the evening/night. No significant weather expected during rest of the week. (Apr-13, PMD)

Pakistan planning to rebuild the city of Balakot (in NWFP) in the northern region that was affected by last October’s massive earthquake. The decision to move the city, home to at least 300,000 people, was made based on a report by Turkish geological experts. (Apr-4, Reuters, AFP) However, ninety percent of the town remains in rubble, and it is not clear if temporary earthquake-proof shelters will be provided to survivors. Locals held a demonstration last Friday (April 7) against what residents said was government inaction. (Apr-08, AFP) The Turkish survey also found most parts of Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK), and its surrounding areas as “highly hazardous” after two fault lines were found crossing the region. One of them had triggered the October 7.6-magnitude earthquake. (Apr-4, Reuters, AFP)

UNHCR reports that over 70,000 quake survivors have returned, and over 30 camps have closed (Apr-12, UNHCR), including 25 in NWFP and another five in PcK (Apr-07, IRIN), leaving 86,750 people in over 120 camps of over 50 tents. UNHCR reports that information dissemination, limited transportation, accommodation of residual caseloads and lack of monitoring in places of origin remain problems. (Apr-07, OCHA) IDP returns underway in all hubs – IOM providing most of transportation for those who cannot return by foot. (Apr-06, UNJLC) PakMil also providing limited transport. (Mar-16, UNHCR) About 50 UNHCR mobile teams building facilities in home communities for returns and maintaining facilities for IDPs that cannot return immediately, such as in Muzaffarabad. They are also cleaning up camp sites in an environmentally sound manner. (Apr-12, UNHCR) IOM plans to help some 40,000 IDPs voluntarily return between April 1 and October 31. Since March 20, it has helped 2,500 families return. (Apr-07, IOM) GOP goal was to have all camps consisting of fewer than 50 (currently at 102,000 people) closed by March 31. (Mar-28, IFRC) CARE assisting IDPs in return, including rehabilitation and legal assistance. (Apr-6, CARE)

In NWFP, over 21,000 people have left since March 10. (Apr-12, UNHCR) The deadline for NWFP camp closures had been postponed from March 31 to April 10 due to bad weather. (Apr-07, IRIN) In Bagh, UN-assisted returns began on April 1 – UNJLC conducted roads risk assessment, and IDPs on dangerous roads are being escorted by UNOPS guides. Most landslides in the area have been cleared. (Apr-06, UNJLC) In Batagram, the return of IDPs was completed by March 31. Camps like Meira, Maidan and Kund, with a population of around 20,000 people, have been emptied. In Mansehra, about 150,000 people have returned to their villages. (Apr-12, WHO)

In PcK, in Muzaffarabad, camp closures have been postponed to April 25 due to bad weather. However, returns are expected pick up in the next week so heads of households can receive compensation from ERRA representatives at home communities. (Apr-07, IRIN) As of April 5, an estimated 3,560 people have returned with the help of IOM transport. An additional 1,373 families returned with help of CMO, with another 1,000 families awaiting return. (Apr-0, OCHA) ) UN-assisted returns slower in PcK because of road inaccessibility. Most routes in Jhelum and Neelum valleys considered dangerous. (Apr-6, UNJLC) UNHCR said that the government-run Camp Management Office (CMO) in PcK was using more of a “pull” rather than “push” method in returns, because the level of destruction of infrastructure is much higher. (Mar-31, UNHCR) PcK Prime Minister Sardar Sikander Hayat Khan said on Wednesday (April 12) that most survivors in PcK have started returning to their home. He said that the PcK government was providing transport, food for three months and medical care to returnees. (Apr-12, GOP)

In the rest of Pakistan, IDPs that were in Lahore as guests of the Punjab government will leave on April 3. (Apr-2, GOP)

Aid agencies have stressed that basic infrastructure, such as shelter, water/sanitation, and livelihood means, need to be available at places of origin. IDPs have been allowed to take home non-food items (NFIs), such as tents and community kitchens. Local authorities plan to transfer communal facilities to the home communities. (Mar-24, UNHCR) Return process consists of three parts: Registration, medical checks and immunization where necessary in order to prevent disease outbreaks after survivors leave the camp. NRC is also providing legal counseling at the camp to provide advice on compensation, land disputes and other issues. (Mar-13, Reuters)

UNHCR on March 31 expressed concerns of the high rate of IDP returns, and said there was “considerable evidence” of undue and psychological pressure being used. Camp officials have said that IDPs will not be entitled to government compensation to rebuild homes, food, water or any other aid, if they remain in the camps beyond March 31. According to UNHCR, IDPs were also told they will not receive free transport to their home communities after this date. Since April 1, aid agencies have been asked not to provide relief to IDPs in camps to encourage returns. (Apr-5, IRIN) General IDP camp feeding will end on March. WHO looking into alternatives to field hospitals, primary health care clinics and mobile clinics that are gradually phasing out. (Mar-24, UNHCR)

Regional Relief Commissioner (RRC) has asserted that no physical force was being used, and that the returns were important so IDPs do not grow dependent on aid, and rehabilitation can commence in their home communities. GOP and NGOs are also providing radio broadcasts so IDPs can make informed decisions on returns. Within 15 days, GOP is expected to provide information on land allocation for IDPs, such as land that is safe to return to, alternate land where they can be relocated, and government compensation. (Apr-05, IRIN) GOP has announced that Meria Camp, Kashtra Camp and Siran Sialkot Camp will function as forward camps for temporary accommodation of vulnerable populations such as widows, orphans, elderly, and the disabled. (Apr-07, OCHA) RRC said people who lost land to landslips will be allocated land in adjoining villages. According to the UNHCR, main concerns of the affected population are: Availability of land, road rehabilitation, shelter, drinking water and food in their villages.

IOM says that about 324,000 people in the region are unemployed, about 29 percent of the population. (Feb-27, GOP) NGOs and GOP working to provide survivors with sustainable living as local agrarian economy has been badly hit, through micro-credit and cash-for-work programs. GOP, in collaboration, with Dosti Welfare Organization and CWS, has launched construction trade training centers. (Mar-17, GOP) Training centers have been set up in NWFP and PcK for construction workers to ensure better construction. All projects under sponsorship will be displayed on ERRA website to be launched soon. (Mar-15, GOP) WFP has launched a two-year food-for-work project that will begin in April that includes repair of community infrastructure and livelihood training. (Mar-05, WFP) FAO has begun agriculture and livelihood rebuilding programs. (Mar-15, UNDP) CWS, Plan and SC has launched livelihood training for both men and women. (Mar-13, Mar-11, Feb-23 CWS, SC, GOP) IOM, ILO, UNDP, UNOPS, CARE, SC, GOAL, USAID and WVI have begun debris clearance, and cash-for-work and employment projects. (Mar-15, UNDP, GOP) ILO, HRDN, SC have begun programs to stimulate local economy. (Mar-15, UNDP) Relief International (RI) providing micro-credit programs for widows and female-headed households. (Feb-21, RI) Pakistani Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has begun vocational center, basic health units and computer center in Chakoti sector. (Mar-29, GOP) Relief International (RI) providing income-generating opportunities for widows and female-headed households. (Apr-11, RI)

Over 650 ERRA teams on April 7 (Friday) began a house-to-house survey to assess damage for subsequent house rebuilding grants to some 600,000 families. ERRA teams will be providing government compensation to survivors as well, and survivors have been advised to stay close to their home areas. (Apr-12, IRIN) FRC said 374,272 shelters have been completed while another 39,292 are under construction. (Mar-31, GOP) IFRC will assist further 20,000 families with emergency shelter and 10,000 with durable shelter for future emergencies. (Mar-28, IFRC)

Donor mission comprising representatives from Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzlerland, UK and the US, as well as ECHO and OCHA, arrived for six-day visit from April 2 to 7 in quake-affected areas. They reviewed overall humanitarian response, future challenges for short- and long-term recovery, and how to support GOP in these efforts. (Apr-1, OCHA) US is set to end relief operations in quake-hit northern Pakistan when about 200 troops will leave on April 15, ending the largest relief operation ever carried out by the US military. Australian and German troops will also be ending their relief operations as well. US Ambassador to Pakistan, Ryan Crocker, said US will provide US$200 million over the next few years to support relief work. (Mar-30, Dawn)

An aftershock measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale and epicenter about 160 km north of Battragram town struck on April 4 (Tuesday), resulting in the injuries of 26 people. Building damage was also reported in Battagram, including the UN office at the Battagram View Hotel. (Apr-07, OCHA)

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. 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) USAID says affected population includes orphaned children, widows who are now heads of households, elderly, and those handicapped by the earthquake. This group includes approximately 5,000 who will need support with housing, wat/san, food, and income-general activities. UNHCR and local authorities identifying resettlement sites for this population. (Mar-03, USAID) Save the Children says that some 300,000 children are unable to return to school yet, and is urging the GOP and other NGOs to take action to help get the children back into classes. (Apr-3, STC) ERRA on April 7 began a house-to-house survey in affected areas to assess damages for house rebuilding grants for some 600,000 families before the next winter arrives. Over 650 teams will survey houses for about 10 days across nine districts. ERRA will provide payouts of US$1,250 per damaged house and US$3,920 for completely destroyed houses as compensation to displaced people living in temporary housing. www.erra.gov.pk (Apr-7, UNOCHA)
Coordination	According to the GOP, Khawja M. Saleem Bismal, chair of the Muzaffarabad Development Authority (MDA,) said that about US$2.4 billion dollars in compensation would be distributed among affected people. One-third of foreign aid would be spent for housing reconstruction. (Apr-3, GOP) ERRA will be placing a District Reconstruction Unit in each hub to coordinate the transitional/reconstruction phase of operations. (Mar-31, UNJLC) Pakistan plans to set up some 50 new seismic stations to monitor future earthquakes. The stations will be operational by June 2007. Fifteen stations will be set up soon and will also act as tsunami warning centers. (Apr-6, DPA) The GOP is expected to provide information on land allocation for those displaced by the earthquake. The chief of the government-run Camp Management Organization (CMO) in Muzaffarabad, Sardar Nawaz, said that lists had been compiled showing which areas were safe to return to. (Apr-5, Reuters) According to OCHA, ERRA is in the process of establishing Technical Working Groups at the federal and provincial levels with the aim to coordinate and monitor reconstruction activities. (Mar-24, OCHA) UNJLC is ending mission on April 12. (Mar-2, UNJLC) UNJLC is determining which of UNJLC’s functions may be required after this date, although not necessarily under UNJLC responsibility. (Mar-22, UNJLC) Sustainable Return Taskforce (SRT) now in full swing. 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) SRTF was created by 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) UN-led cluster breakdown is as follows: Shelter – IOM; Food and Nutrition – WFP; Health – WHO; Wat/san – UNICEF; Logistics – WFP; Protection and Education – UNICEF. (Feb-22, UNHCR) 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. Federal Relief Commission coordinates rescue and relief operations. Major General Farooq Ahmed Khan, is the Federal Relief Commissioner. The Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA) Plans, coordinates, monitors and regulates reconstruction & rehabilitation activities in earthquake affected areas.
Logistics	According to OCHA, UNHAS has used up its funding for the ongoing operations, and operations are in danger of being suspended, with the exception of four DFID-funded helicopters. The DFID helicopters are only able to do some 10% of the current workload, according to UNHAS. In order to continue the operation until the end of April, UNHAS immediately needs some US$4 million against the US$18.5 million required until the end of August. (Apr-7, OCHA) UNJLC says that UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is due to end its operation on April 20 due to lack of funding, this will have a serious effect on road assessments in hard to access areas. (Apr-11, UNJLC) IOM says that in order to facilitate speedy returns, they are offering free transport home to nearly 300,000 survivors of the earthquake living in government-run temporary relief camps. IOM says that it will initially start with some 150 trucks and jeeps and will expand the program as more survivors choose to return. (Mar-20, IRIN) Although UNJLC mandate is scheduled to end on April 12, a request has been filed by the HC to retain UNJLC presence in-country until June 30. UNJLC is determining which of UNJLC’s functions may be required after this date, although not necessarily under UNJLC responsibility. (Mar-22, UNJLC) For road status updates see www.unjlc.org/pakistan (Mar-31, UNJLC)
International Financial Assistance	UNOCHA coordinator for Pakistan, Jan Vandemoortele warns that any slackening of aid during the reconstruction period could lead to hardship for many survivors next winter. (Apr-10, UNNS) The US announced on April 7 that it is earmarking some US$13 million in transitional assistance to Pakistan as relief activities move into the reconstruction phase. (Apr-7, USDS) France has pledged some US$94 million soft loan for reconstruction in affected areas. (Apr-2, GOP) ADB granting US$5 million to help poor households affected by quake. (Mar-28, ADB) Germany has pledged it would provide US$80 million in health, housing and infrastructure development projects in rebuilding effort – part of US$110 million German pledge for relief and rehabilitation. (Mar-30, GOP) Phased withdrawal of 1,200 US troops began in mid-February, and by April 15, remaining 200 troops will leave. (Mar-30, Dawn) According to GOP, US has pledged a total of US$510 million for relief and reconstruction efforts. (Mar-20, GOP) So far, the UN has gained about US$376 million of its six-month US$552 million emergency appeal, which ends in April. Donor countries in November pledged US$6.2 million for quake relief and reconstruction. However, Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on March 7 that the government may not take the full donor amount as some terms did not suit Pakistan. (Mar-08, AFP, GOP) 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)
Food	ICRC says it has finished distributing food and essential household items to some 272,000 people, concluding a program started when ICRC operations started in October. Between January and the end of March, the ICRC twice distributed food sufficient for 6 weeks to almost 300 villages in Muzaffarabad district. (Apr-11, ICRC) WFP reached an estimated 923,000 people with 14,817 tons of food in March. (Mar-31, WFP) General IDP camp feeding will end on 31 March. Only targeted camp feeding of vulnerable persons will take place on the basis of requests by Provincial Governments and endorsed by ERRA. General food distribution is also ending on 31 March. Only targeted ‘Food-for-Work’ and ‘Food-for-Training’ will continue at a much-reduced level. General hospital feeding will end on 31 March. (Mar-24, UNHCR) GOP is starting integrated plan to revive agriculture in affected areas. World Bank, FAO and local companies will be providing 900 tons of wheat seed and 1,650 tons of fertilizer. (Mar-26, GOP) WFP Executive Board recently cleared two-year PRRO, which will commence on April 1. About 670,000 homeless people who lack remittances and other family support will be provided with food as they rebuild communities. School feeding will address 450,000 children. Distribution will occur in remote villages until basic infrastructure and trade is restored. (Mar-21, WFP) About a quarter of livestock was destroyed, while a third of standing crops were not harvested last October. Significant food and seed supplies were also lost in the quake. (Mar-8, WFP). NGOs said return of IDPs to places without sufficient land is problematic, as some land was destroyed by the earthquake. Average plot size in the area is said to be only about 1.4 hectares, only half of which is under cultivation. However, agriculture makes up nearly half the household income in the region. (Mar-09, IRIN) WFP announced food-for-work project for survivors living in, or returning to remote highland valleys. Two-year operation will cover 670,000 affected people in NWFP and PcK. Initially, about 82,000 families would receive family rations in exchange for help in repairing community infrastructure. Second phase would include training 32,600 men and women in livelihood and agriculture skills, as well as reconstruction. (Mar-05, DPA) Many survivors likely to remain dependent upon food assistance at least until next harvest in September/October. (Feb-23, UNCT)
Water and Sanitation	As IDPs return to their homes, OCHA says that the need for water quality surveillance arises in those areas. (Apr-7, OCHA) USAID is funding US$2 million to restore clean drinking water for 70,000 in Mansehra and Battagram districts. (Apr-10, Dawn) Access to safe drinking water: In Muzaffarabad, 87% of the target population in camps and 97% of the target population outside camps have access to safe drinking water. In Bagh, 100% of the population in camps and 10% of the population outside camps have access to safe drinking water. In Shangla, 100% of the target population in camps and 33% outside camps have access to safe drinking water. In Mansehra, the ratio is 81% versus 21%. In Battagram, 31% of the target population outside camps have access to safe drinking water. (Mar-24, UNHCR) Access to sanitation facilities: In Muzaffarabad, 96% of the target population in camps and 55% of the target population outside camps have access to sanitation facilities. In Bagh, 100% of the population in camps and 25% of the population outside camps have access to sanitation facilities. In Shangla, 100% of the target population outside camps have access to sanitation facilities. In Mansehra, 70% of the target population in camps have access to proper sanitation facilities. In Battagram, 89% of the target population outside camps have access to sanitation facilities. (Mar-24, UNHCR) Between 50% to 100% of irrigation structures and water systems were damaged and buried in some areas. (Mar-8, WFP)
Public Health/Medical	UNFPA says that it continues to provide health assistance, especially to women and adolescent girls. Nine UNFPA mobile service units, and five prefabricated health facilities have handled more than 156,000 patients, delivered more than 1,200 babies and referred over 2,400 cases to advanced health facilities. (Apr-7, UNFPA) International field hospitals being handed over to MoH. OCHA reports that level of health care after the disaster has increased because of these health facilities. However, with many reconstruction works nearing completion, adequate staffing is becoming an issue. (Apr-7, OCHA) OCHA says that a total of 213 health facilities are participating in the Disease Early Warning System. 99% of those sent their epidemiological findings to WHO in the past two weeks. A total of some 86,775 consultations have been recorded, with the main reasons for consultations being Acute Respiratory Infections and Acute Watery Diarrhea. (Apr-7, OCHA) WHO field office in Balakot will be closed and merged with the office in Mansehra. (Apr-12, WHO) WHO is looking into alternatives to field hospitals, primary health care clinics and mobile clinics that are gradually phasing out. The Ministry of Health supported by WHO is planning to set up a disaster preparedness program with the aim of strengthening the health response in future disasters. (Mar-24, UNHCR) National Task Force (NTF) approved National Plan of Action for psychological services and trauma counseling of earthquake affectees. (Mar-28, GOP)
Shelter	As of April 7, around 30 camps have been closed, including 25 in NWFP and 5 in PcK. According to OCHA, that leaves some 87,000 people in over 120 camps with 50 or more tents. Since the GOP announced the start of camp closures on March 10, over 64,000 people have returned home with the help of aid agencies. Meanwhile, OCHA reports the deadline of camp closures for NWFP has been postponed from March 31 to April 10, while the cut-off date for PcK camps stands at April 25. IOM has been providing medical checks and transportation assistance to returnees. UNHCR has been providing vocational training in camps. (Apr-7, OCHA) According to DFID, nearly two-thirds of people living in makeshift camps, or more than 150,000 people, have returned home out of the some 250,000 living in camps over the winter. (Apr-7, DFID) A total of 156 camps with a population of 142,940 people are in the earthquake-affected area. Out of this, 96 camps with 86,264 people are located in PAK and 60 camps with 56,676 people are located in NWFP. (Mar-24, UNHCR)
Infrastructure	According to OCHA, 11 Housing Reconstruction Centers (HRC) has been established to coordinate house reconstruction. The HRC’s will provide training and technical assistance to ensure safe building practices in compliance with quake-resistant construction guidelines, OCHA says. (Apr-7, OCHA) ERRA chair Altaf Saleem says that the GOP is giving top priority to the reconstruction of houses to rehabilitate affectees. (Apr-7, GOP) IOM says it has started a rubble removal and recycling program to help officials remove some 16 million cubic feet of earth in Muzaffarabad. The project is being funded by USAID and will employ local people to clear and recycle rubble on site. (Apr-11, IOM) Oxfam says that some 84 percent of houses in PcK were damaged or destroyed by the earthquake while in NWFP, some 36 percent of homes were affected. (Apr-5, IRIN) Most rebuilding will be done by owners with aid from aid agencies. World Bank is estimating that rebuilding of 400,000 homes will require effort of 59,000 skilled laborers. (Mar-23, Oxfam) USAID and SC rebuilding infrastructure to villages, as well as the villages themselves through cash-for-work programs. (Mar-20, GOP) Although GOP is estimating that 66 percent of construction will be completed by end of 2006, Oxfam says estimate may be overly optimistic due to scale of destruction. Agency says priority is to ensure that majority of IDPs will not be in winter shelters again this year. (Mar-23, Oxfam) The GOP says that donors will spend some Rs.5954.97 million on the reconstruction of some 408 earthquake-resistant educational facilities in PcK. (Mar-17, GOP) Oxfam reports that in PcK alone, 80% of crops and 50% of arable land was destroyed with more than 100,000 cattle killed. (Mar-13, Oxfam) The chair of the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) Dr. Naseem Ashraf said that some 800 new schools will be opened in PcK with the help of UNICEF. In PcK, some 1,800 schools out of some 3,100 schools were destroyed. (Mar-11, GOP) According to ERRA estimates, of the more than 400,000 houses in the area, 51 percent were totally destroyed, while the rest were repairable. (Mar-08, DPA) 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.
Security	OCHA reports that the overall security situation remains stable and claims that humanitarian activities continue. (Apr-7, OCHA)