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South Asia Earthquake Update

 

October 12, 2005

 

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

 

 

Table of Contents:

 

Pakistan .....................................page 2

India .....................................page 11

 

Pakistan

 

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, has stayed at 23,000, while government officials estimated that the toll will reach between 33,000 to more than 40,000. Estimates of injured are at more than 50,000. About 2 million people in PcK have been affected, in addition to another 1.3 million in NWFP (North West Frontier Province), according to top defense officials. Of these, about 2 million are homeless and 1 million are in urgent need of care. More aid started to move into northern Pakistan today (Wednesday, October 12) after thunderstorms (some containing hail) died down yesterday. Some of the worst-affected areas were in five districts near the Line of Control (LoC) that divides PcK and IcK. Large areas were also devastated in North West Frontier Province (NWFP), including the badly-hit towns of Mansehra, Balakot and Batgram, but no death tolls were yet available. As much as 80 to 90 percent of cities and villages in Muzafarrabad in PcK and Mansehra in NWFP have been destroyed. Reports also say thousands of people are leaving Muzaffarabad, where at least 11,000 people have died and 90% of the 90,000-strong population is affected, to seek safety and shelter in cities in the lower plains area, such as Rawalpindi and Abbotabad.

 

Meanwhile, search and rescue efforts are expected to begin winding down as of today. Relief workers still face damaged infrastructure, mountainous roads and landslides caused by earthquakes and rain, creating a need for heavy machinery. However, Jan Vandemoortele, UN Resident Coordinator for Pakistan, said today that key roads into the affected areas that were earlier blocked, have opened up. There are also continuing reports of attacks on relief convoys by both looters and victims frustrated with the slow pace of relief.

 

Authorities are now concerned about the onset of winter, which usually begins mid- to late October, prompting the need for heavy tents, blankets, heating equipment and food. Night-time temperatures are already dropping to 43-36 degrees Fahrenheit (6-7 degrees Celsius), and are expected to decrease further this week. Isolated rains are forecasted for today throughout the disputed Kashmir region and eastern NWFP.

 

The Pakistan government has appealed for international aid. International and domestic relief efforts are expected to be ongoing for some time. The UN yesterday (Tuesday, October 11) made a US$272 million consolidated appeal to cover relief needs including heavy tents, food, blankets, medicine and water supplies that are urgently needed for the first six months of the emergency phase. So far, Pakistan has received overseas pledges totaling about US$350 million. The UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) has established an On-site Operations Coordination Center (OSOCC) in Muzaffarabad. The UN has also set up a special information center on the earthquake response in Islamabad, and its website is expected to be operational shortly. Unconfirmed reports say USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) will fund a grant to UN Joint Logistics Center (UNJLC) to assess transition from military to civilian transportation systems. UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Jan Egeland said that he expected over 200 aid groups to help. About 30 countries have sent relief equipment, doctors, paramedics, tents, blankets, medicine and disaster relief teams, and about 20 countries have sent rescue teams. Although the Pakistani army has deployed at least 50,000 troops, its resources reportedly stretched. At least 215 army personnel, many deployed in PcK, were killed by the quake. The number of US helicopters is also likely to increase from eight to 40 in a few weeks, but the Pakistani government today stressed that it will be strictly limiting the presence of foreign militaries on its soil. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is also expected to arrive in Pakistan today. She said the US is likely to add to the US$50 million it has already committed.

 

The UN said there were no reports of epidemics, but said the health infrastructure in affected areas had virtually collapsed. Health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have said that disease could break out among survivors because of the crowded conditions, bad weather and the lack of clean water, including cholera, pneumonia and measles, which is endemic in the region. Malaria, gangrene and gastroenteritis were also reported by provincial health officials and aid workers. Clean water, due to destroyed sanitation and water systems, as well as medical supplies and health personnel, also remained priorities.

Domestic Response

 

·      Local Government

 

On Monday (October 10) the Pakistani government established the Federal Relief Commission to coordinate rescue and relief operations with the provincial government, relevant ministries, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Red Crescent and other international agencies. Major General Muhammad Farooq, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission will head the Commission.

 

On Tuesday (October 11) the Pakistani government announced the deployment of two army divisions and additional brigades to the quake-affected areas. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said that a brigade headquarters was set up in Balakot in NWFP and troops will be deployed every 10 km in the affected areas from where they will fan out to reach inaccessible areas. Aziz also reported that approximately 40 helicopters were conducting rescue and relief transports to the affected areas. According to Pakistani military spokesman, Major General Shaukat. As of Monday (October 10) Pakistani army helicopters and aircraft had conducted more than 80 flights, supplying three MT of medicine, 12 MT of rations, and two MT of water to affected areas.

 

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz announced that the government had given Rs 500 million each to Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK) and the North West Frontier Provinces (NWFP) governments. The President’s Relief fund has raised about US$16.6 million in aid (Oct-12, Hindustan)

 

Pakistan missions abroad have been tasked with mobilizing assistance from host governments and the Pakistani community abroad.

 

·      Local Organizations

 

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has mobilized hundreds of volunteers and conducted needs assessments in Manshera, Balakot, and Batagram in the North West Frontier Provinces (NWFP) as well as in Rawalakot and Bagh in PcK. Three truckloads of tents, blankets, food, and medicines were distributed on Tuesday (October 11) in Manshera and Balakot in the NWFP. The PRCS is continuing emergency operations in affected areas; deploying a dozen medical teams; evacuating injured to Islamabad and Rawalpindi; the PRCS blood bank is providing blood to health infrastructure; PRCS is mobilizing 23 trucks of aid for PcK and NWFP; and the PRCS teams are pursuing assessment with support from IFRC staff. (Oct-12, IFRC)

International Response

 

·      United Nations

 

On Sunday (October 9), an eight-member UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team (UNDAC) arrived in Islamabad and have been assisting in the coordination of relief efforts in the worst affected areas. UNDAC is establishing a reception center for relief commodities at the international airport in Islamabad as well as an On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC) in Muzaffarabad in PcK.

 

The UN Disaster Management Team is coordinating interagency rapid assessments and has deployed teams to the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK), and the Northern Areas.

 

The United Nations has appealed for US$272 million for earthquake survivors in Pakistan. The interagency appeal will cover relief needs in the affected Kashmir region including winterized tents, food, blankets, medicines, and water purification equipment as well as the reconstruction of some schools.

 

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that aid trucks are being sent from the agency’s warehouse in Peshawar to Mansehra district in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province. On Tuesday (October 11), a UNHCR doctor and field assistant left for Mansehra to assess damages and needs where there are nearly 45,000 Afghan refugees in four camps.

 

A WFP convoy of trucks carrying high-energy biscuits arrived in Abbottabad, with a second convoy headed for Muzaffarabad. According to German Valdivia, WFP Representative in Pakistan, the food should be enough for about 400,000 people for the next two days. WFP also reported that the first two of an expected 10 helicopters have arrived in Pakistan to assist in the relief operations conducted by UN agencies and international aid organizations. (Oct-12, Alertnet)

 

·      Foreign Governments

 

At a press conference, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said that foreign donations have risen to US$300 million with more donations coming. These donations include but are not limited to the following:

 

The Australian government has pledged up to US$7.6 million in aid to be used to buy medical supplies, water containers, purification tablets, and field hospitals.

 

Belgium is sending a five member rescue team and relief goods.

 

Britain dispatched a 15-member team to assist local relief workers at Margella Towers in Islamabad. Britain dispatched a group of 88, broken into smaller teams and sent to Muzaffarabad, the capital of PcK, for rescue and relief operations. Meanwhile. Britain’s Department for International Development (DFID) has pledged an initial US$1.7 million in assistance. In response to the UN flash appeal, Britain pledged an additional US$17.4 million dollars in aid for the earthquake victims in Pakistan and neighboring countries. (Oct-12, AFP)

 

Canada has pledged US$20 million in aid to the earthquake-affected areas. (Oct-12, BBC)

 

China has sent a 50-member rescue team to Balakot. China has also donated 5 tons of aid goods as well as six sniffer dogs to assist in relief operations. China has pledged US$6.2 million in financial assistance.

 

The Czech Republic has pledged US$1 million in aid.

 

The European Union (EU) has provided aid workers on the ground and has allocated an initial US$4.4 million in aid.

 

A 25-member relief team from France with earthquake related equipment departed on Monday (October 10) to Rawalakot in PcK to carry out relief work.

 

Kuwait has offered US$100 million in aid to be split between emergency relief and infrastructure repair projects.

 

Germany has sent a flight carrying relief goods as well as a 15-member search and rescue team to be sent to Muzaffarabad. Germany has pledged US$3.6 million in aid to the earthquake-affected areas. (Oct-12, BBC)

 

India is sending 25 MT of relief supplies, including tents, plastic sheets, food items and medicines to Pakistan. (Oct-12, HT)

 

Indonesia sent 12 MT of supplies including 50 military tents, 5,000 blankets, instant noodles, biscuits and medical supplies to Pakistan with a team of six health volunteers and seven journalist. The aid team will be in Pakistan for 10 days. (Oct-12, JP)

 

Iran has sent a special flight carrying a 13-member rescue team as well as oil, rice, and blankets, which has been sent to Mansehra in NWFP.

 

Ireland has pledged US$1.2 million in aid.

 

Two rescue teams comprised of 70 specialists from Japan are headed to Batgram in NWFP. Japan has pledged US$219,000. In addition, on Tuesday (October 11) Japan offered another US$20 million in assistance as well as several transport helicopters and dozens of troops.

 

Malaysia will be sending a 46-member search and rescue team including 18 medical officers and has pledged US$1 million in aid.

 

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has contributed US$1 million in aid with US$600,000 allocated to Pakistan and US$200,000 each allocated to Afghanistan and India. (Oct-12, Reliefweb)

 

Nepal has offered US$50,000 in relief aid to Pakistan. (Oct-12, KO)

 

South Korea has offered US$3 million in aid and will send rescue workers to Pakistan.

 

A 26-member Spanish team with six sniffer dogs is working in Bagh, PcK.

 

A Swiss rapid response team is headed to Abbottabad in PcK

 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sent two flights carrying a 70-member rescue team as well as two sniffer dogs to be deployed to Mansehra in NWFP. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have offered US$100 million in aid to be split between emergency relief and infrastructure repair projects.

 

On Monday (October 10), the US military in Afghanistan sent five Chinook and three Black Hawk helicopters to assist with rescue and relief effort with additional helicopters expected next week. The United States has offered an initial US$50 million in emergency aid funds. In addition a nine-member Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will be in place in Islamabad on Wednesday (October 12) to assist with humanitarian needs and the coordination of the US government in conjunction with USAID in Pakistan. USAID has already coordinated one relief airlift with 250 rolls of plastic sheeting, 5,000 blankets and 5,000 water containers for affected populations in Mansehra and Batagram Districts, NWFP.

 

Yemen and Saudi Arabia have each pledged to send two flights of relief goods.

 

A flight carrying a rescue team as well as relief goods from Russia is bound for Muzaffarabad. Another Russian team of 43 specialists with special vehicles and sniffer dogs is being sent to the PcK capital.

 

Sri Lanka has pledged US$100,000 in aid.

 

South Africa has pledged to send 18 doctors, 10 paramedics, and 30 tons of aid.

 

Thailand has pledged US$100,000 in aid and offered 50 doctors and nurses.

 

Turkey has dispatched a 100-member rescue team with equipment headed for Muzaffarabad. Turkey has also sent two C-130’s carrying relief goods from Jordan to Islamabad.

 

Chinese, French and Arab aid teams are on the ground providing assistance in Balakot. (Oct-12, Reuters)

 

·      International Organizations

 

The Asian Development Bank has offered US$10 million, reallocated from existing projects, for immediate assistance to the worst-affected areas.

 

Action Against Hunger (also known as Action contre la faim or ACF) reports that it has sent an assessment team to Islamabad and has begun operations preparing to assist victims of the earthquake. ACF reports that it will send on Friday (October 13) 30 tons of aid, including food rations, tents, blankets, cooking equipment, and water provision supplies, in addition to a response team of water, sanitation, and food security experts.

 

Caritas Internationalis has provided assistance in the form of 700 winterized tents, 4,200 blankets, as well as monetary resources for the purchase of food and non-food items. In addition, an Emergency Response and Support Team has been dispatched to assist Caritas Pakistan with needs assessments and coordination in affected communities.

 

An emergency response team from the Ireland-based NGO, GOAL arrived in Islamabad and are heading north to the earthquake affected communities today (Wednesday, October 12). (Oct-12, Reliefweb)

 

On Tuesday (October 11), an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) convoy of supplies including 10,000 blankets, 2,000 tarpaulins and other non-food items arrived in the town of Abbotabad, the location of the ICRC operational and logistics center. Tomorrow (Wednesday, October 12) these goods will be distributed in Muzaffarabad.

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has increased its preliminary appeal to more the US$54.4 million to provide assistance in the form of tents, food, blankets, cooking sets and healthcare to some 150,000 families affected by the earthquake. The IFRC has established its logistics base in Islamabad. Two additional basic helath care units, provided by the French and Spanish Red Cross Societies are being deployed to Pakistan. Two water and sanitation units, from Austrian, German, and Swedish Red Cross Societies are being mobilized as well as 40 Norwegian Red Cross trucks. (Oct-12, IFRC)

 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is working on the ground assessing the situation and distributing food, blankets and tents to survivors in the districts of Abottabad, Manshera, Shangla, and Batagram.

 

Two staff from Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) are on their way to Hattian, located halfway between Muzzaffarabad and Lamnian, to assess the needs in the area, while another assessment team is headed for Bhag to set up an operation like the one in Muzaffarabad. In Muzaffarabad, MSF is replacing mobile clinics with tents clinics. Staff there, say they have been treating fracture and wounds but have not yet seen any signs of communicable diseases. MSF has already flown medical supplies and blankets to Lamnian and will deliver staff, blankets and mattresses to the area before heading to Hattian. (Oct-12, Alertnet)

 

Medecins du Monde France (MDM) sent 15 volunteers, comprising three medical teams, and 22 MT tons of medical, logistical, and surgical equipment. Five MDM staff were already in place in Islamabad and the Greek delegation of MDM sent an additional team of three doctors. (Oct-10, Reuters)

 

The Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is committing US$250,000 in aid to provide shelter and food for nearly 1,000 families in the affected areas in northern Pakistan. (Oct-11, Reliefweb)

 

Muslim Hands (MH) has allocated an initial amount of US$873,000. On the ground MH has more than 40 MH Pakistan staff as well as volunteers working in the areas of Bagh, Islamabad, Mansehra, Muzzaffarabad, and Rawalakot. MH has sent 1,600 tents to Muzzafarabad and has provided food, bedding, and basic medicines to 10,000 families while other teams are assisting in rescue operations and burial services.

 

NATO has offered troops, aircraft and humanitarian aid to Pakistan, has already sent 50 German troops from NATO’s peacekeeping force in Afghanistan.

 

Plan has sent two helicopters with emergency medical equipment, tarpaulin, tents and blankets, and medical staff to Devli in the Siran Valley on Tuesday (October 11). Those villagers found with serious injuries will be flown back to Mansehra by helicopter. Plan’s health advisor is traveling to Siran to set up medical centres. (Oct-12, Alertnet)

 

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is supporting the International Blue Crescent (IBC) to distribute some 50,000 blankets and providing food to 3,000 people in Muzaffarabad. UMCOR is also supporting the Church World Service (CWS), which is providing food items and other utilities to 1,600 families in Azid Kashmir and North West Frontier Province.

 

The World Bank announced that it would double its initial commitment of US$40 million in aid to Pakistan. (Oct-12, AFP)

 

Sector Status

 

·      Coordination

 

The United Nations has set up a special information center on the earthquake response in Islamabad along with a website that will include maps, situation reports and information on UN relief activities. The website is set to be up and running on Wednesday (October 12) and will be announced on the Reliefweb website.

 

The International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are setting up a joint logistics structure in Islamabad to support the operations of the Red Crescent Movement. It will handle and store all goods provided by the Movement and routed through the city. A British Red Cross logistics Emergency Response Unit (ERU) that arrived yesterday (Tuesday, October 11) will set up an ICRC logistics operation in Abbottabad. (Oct-12, Reuters)

 

A seven-person Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) from USAID has arrived in Islamabad. The team will assess humanitarian needs, assist with targeting and coordination of US assistance, and provide technical assistance to Pakistan as needed. (Oct-12, DOS)

 

WFP plans to set up five base camps in the hardest hit locations to coordinate the relief operations, with inter-agency telecommunications and logistical support.

 

·      Logistics

 

Transportation of relief supplies to affected areas appears to be the biggest challenge for the government. Many of the worst affected areas are located in remote mountains and valleys. Due to landslides and damage to roads, many small towns and villages are only accessible by helicopters. In response to Pakistan’s request for helicopters, the US has sent eight military helicopters from neighboring Afghanistan and plans to have nearly 40 on the ground in Pakistan within weeks. In addition, the US is sending C-17 and C-130 cargo planes, two U.S. military engineer battalions and four big CH-47 and CH-53 helicopters. UN officials say 50 more helicopters would be needed in addition to the 20 already pledged by various countries. Torrential rainstorms are affecting relief efforts. Helicopter flights had to be suspended for two hours today (Tuesday, October 11) due to inclement weather conditions at Pakistan Air Force base at Chaklala near Rawalpindi which has been the staging airfield for helicopter flights. The roads between Mansehra – Balakot, Mansehra – Muzzaffarabad, and Mansehra – Batgram are now open for the transportation of relief goods. However, most areas beyond these points remain inaccessible due to damage caused by landslides. Officials fear that continued rainstorms could cause further landslides blocking the roads that have just been opened. Additional logistical bottlenecks can be expected as more international relief flights arrive in Islamabad. Despite the government’s request that relief aid be channeled through it, there have been reports of many citizens groups and aid organizations across the country rushing relief convoys to affected areas independent of the government. Although the Pakistan military has been largely in-charge of rescue and relief operations, coordination mechanisms with humanitarian relief organizations appear to be non-existent. Meanwhile, the Government of Pakistan has announced visa-free entry for a week to facilitate foreign teams planning to join relief and rescue efforts and for those arriving to see their families and relatives in quake affected areas. Coordination and distribution of relief aid is likely to take the front seat as more aid arrives in the affected areas.

 

A fleet of 35 Pakistani military helicopters continues to drop relief supplies and evacuate wounded from affected areas. (Oct-12, DPA)

 

Eight US military helicopters (five CH-47 Chinooks and three UH-60 Blackhawks), in coordination with the Government of Pakistan (GOP), have already begun flying relief supplies to affected remote areas in Pakistan inaccessible by road. Two Navy H53s helicopters are due to arrive from Bahrain, while two Navy SH-60s are due to arrive in Pakistan by Thursday (October 13). Three dozen additional US military helicopters from units around the world have been identified as available to send to Pakistan. These helicopters are likely to be transported to the region aboard military aircraft.

 

Two helicopters from the German Federal Army are assisting in dropping relief and evacuating wounded in the affected areas. (Oct-12, DPA)

 

Afghanistan has sent four Mi-17 helicopters.

 

United Nations World Food Program (WFP) is bringing in 10 helicopters to assist with the relief operations. Two have already arrived. These will be managed by the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS). (Oct-12, OCHA)

 

WFP is deploying 4 15-tons trucks to Islamabad airport for local transfer and handling of goods. (Oct-12, OCHA)

 

United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is bringing in 5 double cab trucks to be managed by WFP and available for the humanitarian community. Trucks are due to arrive today from neighboring Afghanistan. (Oct-12, OCHA)

 

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is sending aid trucks from Peshawar to Mansehra.

 

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is providing a small fleet of Boeing 707s to help move relief aid. It remains unclear if the planes would fly in international aid to Pakistan or be deployed inside Pakistan to move relief aid. (Oct-12, Reuters)

 

·      Health

 

The United Nations again today warned of the threat of cholera, diarrhea and measles outbreaks among the survivors, while malaria, gangrene and gastroenteritis were reported by provincial health officials and aid workers. Measles are endemic in the region and only some 60 percent of children are protected. WHO says that at least 90 percent coverage is needed to prevent an epidemic. WHO says it will soon gather vaccines for a mass immunization program. According to the Associated Press, half of Pakistan’s population is under 16 years of age, and 20 percent is under 5 years of age. WHO has deployed 17 medical teams, comprised of 4 to 5 members to NWFP and PcK. According to IRIN, a damage assessment team made up of NGOs has identified medical aid with drugs, vaccines and bandages as a top priority. Most health facilities in affected areas have been destroyed by the earthquake. Additionally, many health workers may have been killed in the disaster or are dealing with the deaths of relatives or friends. According to Reuters, people with serious injuries are being referred to military and civilian hospitals in the capital and other areas.

 

• Pakistan has made an urgent appeal to the international community for field hospitals, antibiotics, anti-typhoid medicines, fracture treatment kits, surgical equipment and other supplies, UNOCHA says.

 

• A joint WHO/Ministry of Health operations center has been established in Islamabad to coordinate health efforts. (Oct-12, WHO)

 

• Pakistani health officials have dispatched hundreds of medical experts and paramedics to the region to begin spraying decaying bodies amid fears of epidemics from water-borne diseases. Disinfectant for body disposal is needed, the government says.

 

• WHO says that a total of 23 hospitals and 3 tuberculosis hospitals have been completely destroyed in the affected areas. Of the more than 600 primary health care centers, many have been destroyed or completely damaged. Assessments are expected to take place soon. (Oct-12, WHO)

 

• WHO says that 6 field hospitals have been established by the Pakistani army and an additional 4 donated by the Spanish, French, Italian and Belgium governments. Seventeen surgical teams have been deployed. (Oct-12, WHO) UNOCHA says that a 250-bed field hospital is needed in addition to one being provided by the ICRC and Russia. In addition to field hospitals already deployed in Mansehra, Muzaffarabad and Bagh, A light field hospital from Belgium arrived today and will be deployed. A 15-person medical team from Estonia arrived today and is being deployed. German and Russian medical teams were deployed Tuesday. (Oct-12, UNOCHA)

 

• A first aid station airlifted from Geneva last night is expected to be delivered by the first of ICRC’s helicopters that have arrived in Pakistan from Afghanistan. It will transport the aid station to Muzafffarabad on Thursday, weather permitting.

 

• Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) says staff are flying to Hattian town, roughly located halfway between Muzzaffarabad and Lamnian to assess needs. MSF has already flown medical supplies and blankets to Lamnian while another assessment team went to Bhag on Wednesday for an assessment. In Muzzaffarabad, MSF says it is preparing to replace mobile clinics with tent clinics. MSF says that so far they have seen no signs of communicable diseases.

 

• CARE program officer Aly-Khan Rajani said that medical needs include disinfectant, typhoid medicine and antibiotics in syrup form for children.

 

• The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is continuing emergency operations in affected areas; deploying a dozen medical teams

 

• Two additional basic health care units, provided by the French and Spanish Red Cross Societies are being deployed to Pakistan.

 

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed 60 staff and has provided a one-month supply of medicines and supplies for 210,000 people as well as enough equipment for 1,000 surgeries.

 

• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is sending a 100-bed field hospital to Muzzaffarabad along with a mobile ICRC first aid station which can perform emergency surgery and other medical services while the field hospital is being set up. The German and Japanese Red Cross societies have mobilized two basic health care emergency response units (ERUs) for Muzzafarabad area. ICRC says the ERUs will avoid overcrowding of the field hospital and provide outpatient consultations. ICRC will also airlift medical supplies into affected areas. 30 medical personnel from the ICRC will arrive on Wednesday and Thursday. The ICRC has also hired three helicopters to transport relief supplies and evacuate wounded.

 

• Medecins du Monde France (MDM) sent 15 volunteers, comprising three medical teams, and 22 MT tons of medical, logistical, and surgical equipment. Five MDM staff were already in place in Islamabad and the Greek delegation of MDM sent an additional team of three doctors. (Oct-10, Reuters)

 

• UNFPA says tens of thousands of women in the affected areas are currently pregnant and UNFPA said many were at risk following the disaster. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) sent 8 trucks of medicine and supplies to Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

 

o      Three Pakistani Red Cross Society medical teams are on their way to PcK and 11 truckloads of tents, blankets, food, and medicines will be dispatched to the area within a day or two.

 

• At a press conference Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said that 15 specialized international rescues teams and 11 foreign medical teams were operating in different affected areas and foreign teams are setting up eight additional field hospitals to provide immediate treatment in affected areas.

 

• World Emergency Relief (WER) global family has sent US$2.6 million of antibiotics and basic medicines to care for 100,000 people for one month. WER has also sent winterized tents to house 3,000 people.

 

• Caritas Pakistan is setting up medical relief camps in affected areas to provide health care for at least 3-4 days.

 

• Muslim Hands has four medical clinics and nine mobile ambulance units up and running.

 

• Thailand has offered 50 doctors and nurses

 

• Philippine National Red Cross has offered to send a team of doctors

 

·      Water/Sanitation

 

o      UNOCHA reports that sporadic situation assessments seem to indicate widespread damage to water systems. What little amount of water is available is mostly contaminated. UNOCHA says no specific reports on sanitation have been received. (Oct-12, UNOCHA)

 

o      WHO says that because of the shifting of the earth’s crust, many water springs have dried up, leading to insufficient quantity and quality of water, especially in Bagh. (Oct-12, WHO)

 

o      UNOCHA reports that Mercy Corps says that it is planning to work in the Balakot area and have the capacity, through local NGOs, to reach some 400,000 people. Oxfam is planning on working in 8 areas in 3 districts in conjunction with local NGOs. UNICEF has air lifted filters from Karachi to NWFP. The German Federal Agency for Technical Relief is airlifting mobile units for Balakot. UNICEF has dispatched by truck from Karachi: 4,800 jerry cans, 385 70 litre containers for household water storage, 100 10 litre containers for household use, 3,600 bars of toilet soap and 3,975 bars of washing soap. (Oct-12, UNOCHA)

 

o      Pakistani government says water purification tablets are needed (Oct-12- UNOCHA)

 

o      MSF fears water supply sources could become contaminated because of damage to pipes, water storage areas and tributaries of rivers.

 

o      Two water and sanitation units, from Austrian, German, and Swedish Red Cross Societies are being mobilized

 

o      UN reportedly planning to move water purification kits by road.

 

·      Food

 

o      Pakistani government says high energy biscuits or high energy food needed

 

o      UNOCHA says that food is immediately needed for 15,000 families in the city and 116,000 in rural areas. Wheat flour, rice, milk, sugar, pulses (beans) and cooking oil are needed.

 

o      The UN World Food Program (WFP) began an airlift of emergency supplies late Monday (October 10). An Iluyushin-76 carrying medical supplies and generators was due to take off from Italy to Peshawar, capital of NWFP on Tuesday (October 11) morning. Later Tuesday a WFP-chartered Boeing 747 with 80 metric tons of high-energy biscuits was due to leave for Peshawar. WFP says it is planning on providing ready-to-eat food for 1 million people for one month. A first shipment to feed 240,000 people for five days was expected to arrive late Wednesday.

 

o      A convoy of trucks carrying 39 MT of high energy biscuits from the WFP arrived Wednesday (October 12) in the city of Abbottabad, while a second convoy was due to leave later Wednesday for Muzzaffarabad carrying 40 MT of biscuits. German Valdivia, WFP representative in Pakistan said that the food will be enough for 400,000 people for the next two days. Valdivia says that by then, WFP should have a proper supply line going. A second planeload of biscuits was due to leave Italy on Friday (October 15). 40 tons of dates, donated by Qatar, were being transported from Quetta, in West Pakistan. (Oct-12, WFP)

 

o      ICRC will provide initial food assistance to some 30,000 families for three months. ICRC says that 50 tons of food were purchased locally and 50 tons were transferred by truck from ICRC warehouses in Afghanistan to Abbotabad. ICRC says a first distribution in Muzzaffarabad is scheduled for Thursday (October 13) and deliveries will take place from Abbotabad by road.

 

·      Shelter

 

• At a meeting at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Islamabad on Wednesday, emergency needs indicated by the government are: Winterized tents (20,000 for NWFP and 30,000 for PcK)

 

• The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has taken the lead in the Emergency Shelter cluster and is cooperating with partner agencies. IOM will begin daily deliveries of 300 tents and 600 blankets. Save the Children is delivering 20MT of shelter material in Mansehra and will continue tent distribution for 7,500 people. (Oct-12, UNOCHA)

 

• UNOCHA says that Pakistan has appealed for shelter equipment including tents, plastic sheeting and blankets “for an estimated four million people who are in need of shelter.” In hard-hit Muzzafarabad, most people are living outdoors, in parks, sports fields, etc. for fear of another earthquake. UNOCHA says that immediate needs include 15,000 winterized tents for the city and 116,000 for rural areas.

 

• ICRC is sending some 30,000 family tents

 

• The International Red Cross says it will work to provide emergency food and shelter to 120,000 vulnerable people stranded in the cold weather conditions.

 

·      Infrastructure

 

• According to UNOCHA’s Integrated Regional information Networks (IRIN), the earthquake has destroyed more than 80 percent of structures and buildings in parts of northern Pakistan, although many cities and villages in PcK and NWFP have been wiped out.

 

·      Security

 

• Two divisions of army troops were moved into Pakistan-controlled Kashmir on Wednesday after survivors disrupted the distribution of relief goods.

 

• The Pakistani government is in the process of setting up aid staging posts at Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalkot, Mansehra and Balakot for relief and security.

 

• A UNICEF child protection and education assessment mission to Abbotabad has been dispatched to assess the Manshera and Batagram districts. (Oct-12, UNOCHA)

 

• Earlier reports said that looting is one factor in an exodus of people moving out of affected areas. Reports say that some relief trucks were unable to reach their destination because they were stopped by desperate survivors in search of food. Other reports say that relief workers have been beaten by angry crowds trying to get supplies. Earlier this week in Muzaffarabad, shopkeepers reportedly clashed with looters. Injuries were reported, and the Associate Press reported an absence of security forces in the area. However, Reuters reported police firing warning shots when looters attempted to raid a government store in Muzzafarrabad.

 

 

 

 

India

 

Overview

 

The latest reported death toll reached more than 1,300 in Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) today (Wednesday, October 12) from a 7.6-magnitude earthquake that centered in neighboring northern Pakistan. The dead included 1,195 civilians and 163 soldiers already deployed in northern IcK. More than 4,000 others have reportedly been injured, while about 3,000 people have been displaced. Particularly hard-hit areas included Kupwara and Baramulla districts in IcK, along the disputed Line of Control (LoC),including the town of Uri, which has a population of 30,000, and Tangdar, close to the epicenter in PcK. According to Singh, latest estimates report up to 70,000 houses damaged. In badly-hit Uri area, about 70% of homes have been severely damaged. The only highway between IcK and PcK has also been damaged and closed.

 

The Indian government has so far not appealed for international aid, and Singh stressed that money is not an issue. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday (Tuesday, October 11) announced an additional 5 billion rupees (US$116 million), taking the total government aid package to almost US$150 million. He added that the priority right now was to provide shelter and warm clothing due to dropping seasonal temperatures, and more aid would be given for relief and rehabilitation as well. The cold winter season, usually arrives around mid- to late October. Yesterday, bad weather hampered rescue and relief efforts, but only scattered rains are expected today.

 

Army and government rescuers and aid workers are reportedly still battling landslides caused by the quake and difficult mountainous terrain in order to reach remote areas. Last night, 6 army personnel carrying out rescue operations were reportedly killed due to heavy snowfall and landslides. The Indian military, which has about 500,000 to 700,000 troops deployed in the region to control a separatist insurgency, has launched a large-scale relief and rescue operation called Operation Imdad, and is also aiding civil administrations in relief work. Imdad, which is aimed at distributing food and medicines and providing health care via field hospitals, reportedly launched its second round today. However, reports say that heavy machinery is badly needed in the military’s rescue efforts. Army troops today reportedly arrived at previously unreached areas in Tangdhar and Uri areas. However, IcK Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said today that 10 villages still remained out of reach. However, the Indian army said that some supplies of water, food, medicines and body bags were getting through to some areas, most of it through air-drops, particularly in Baramulla and Kupwara. There are also contiuing reports of agitating victims in remote areas, some at elevations as high 11,000 feet (3353 m), and in relief camps that have not been reached with aid.

 

Home Secretary VK Duggal said the military is delivering about 150,000 blankets, while 2,500 tents have been distributed. However, it is estimated that 30,000 tents are needed. Defense officials also said 470 tons of relief supplies have already been distributed. The state government has also dispatched about 21 medical teams. Because of the insurgency, IcK is normally restricted from foreign militaries and aid organizations. However, a few NGOs such as Action by Churches Together (ACT) and World Vision, plan to funnel aid through local partners. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is also expected to distribute relief for 15,000 households via the Indian Red Cross (IRC).

 

Reports of militant violence in IcK have also significantly dropped since the weekend, and there are unconfirmed reports that hundreds of militants were killed in the quake. A truce was called on Monday (October 10) by the main Muslim rebel alliance in IcK, the United Jihad Council (UJC). The Indian army has yet to respond.

 

Meanwhile, India and Pakistan have made initial steps to allow families to cross the disputed Line of Control (LoC), as a sign of continuing good relations. In a rare incident, Indian soldiers reportedly crossed the LoC to help reconstruct a damaged military bunker in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK).

Domestic Response

 

·      Local Government

 

The Indian government has released US$23.1 million dollars for immediate relief work in affected areas. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has announced 100,000 rupees (US$2,234) in aid to relatives of those killed. (Oct-12, Hindustan Times) Singh today reportedly asked Indian Union Minister Nabi Azad to remain in IcK for the next week to coordinate relief measures between the federal and state government. (Oct-12, PTI)

 

The Indian Directorate of Health is coordinating medical relief and has deployed 21 medical response teams to affected areas.

 

The Indian army and air force as well as local volunteers are conducting rescue and relief operations assisting district administrators in affected areas.

 

·      Local Organizations

 

The local chapter of the Indian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which already has a presence in IcK, plans to monitor the government’s relief work to ensure fair distribution and prevent human rights violations. (Oct-12, Kashmir Times)

International Response

 

No international assistance has been requested by the Indian government

 

·       International Organizations

 

Action by Churches Together (ACT) member, Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), is planning to undertake initial relief operations to assist 10,000 affected families through four local partners: Al-Bashir, CNI Hospital/Church, Hindustani Convent Church (HCC) and COVA network. (Oct-12, ACT)

 

CARE International is preparing an airlift of blankets for distribution and water containers have been loaded on trucks and dispatched to Ahmedabad. (Oct-12, Alertnet)

 

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in cooperation with the Indian Red Cross (IRC), is providing shelter, food and clothes assistance to cover the needs of 15,000 households (15,000 tents, 15,000 kitchen sets and 60,000 blankets). (Oct-12, ICRC)

 

World Vision India (WVI) is currently conducting assessments in Uri town in IcK. (Oct-12, WVI)

 

Sector Status

 

·      Shelter

 

o      ICRC is delivering 500 family size tents to Jammu and Kashmir along with the Indian Red Cross. ICRC says because of availability, it is making purchases locally.