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South Asia Earthquake Update

 

October 19, 2005

 

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

 

 

Table of Contents:

 

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

India .....................................page 17

 

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 risen to over 47,000, officials estimate the death toll to climb significantly as more areas become accessible and more bodies are pulled out of rubble. The death toll in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) alone has now reportedly climbed to over 13,000 with the districts of Mansehra, Battagram, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Shangla and Swat among the worst affected. The quake has left over 67,000 people injured and an estimated 3.3 million displaced or homeless. Nearly half of the four million affected people are in PcK and another 1.3 million in NWFP. Buildings and public infrastructure have suffered serious damage. Over 80 percent of the structures have been destroyed in the affected areas, while continuing aftershocks are threatening the structures that are still standing. The Government of Pakistan (GOP) estimates the cost to rebuild the quake-affected areas to cost US$5 billion. UN estimates the cost of rebuilding the affected areas could run into the billions of dollars over a 5-10 year period.

 

UN Emergency Response Team manager Andrew Macleod on Tuesday (Oct-18) said that logistical challenges are worse than last yearÕs Indian Ocean tsunami disaster due to dramatic elevations and a larger geographic area. (Oct-18, Reuters) Search and rescue efforts have officially ended as focus is now quickly shifting to reach out and provide relief to over 3.3 million people that have been displaced or left homeless. With the onset of winter and continuing rains and thunderstorms, concerns are mounting for survivors, many of whom are without shelter, medical care, winter clothes and food. (Oct-14, AP).

 

The Government of Pakistan (GOP) has called for international assistance to cope with the catastrophic event. GOP has requested helicopters, field hospitals, medicines including typhoid drugs and antibiotics (in syrup form for infants), fracture treatment kits, surgical equipment, disinfectants (for dead bodies), water purification kits and tables, ready-to-eat meals and winterization tents for some four million affected people. (Oct-12, Reuters, OCHA)

 

The United Nations has revised upward its flash appeal for US$272 million dollars to US$312 million for Pakistan to cover the relief needs of the affected population for a six-month emergency phase (Oct-15, Dawn). The UN has already received US$15 million while another US$45 million have been pledged in response to the flash appeal.

 

UN Secretary-general Kofi Annan today (Wednesday, October 19) called for a greater world response for the earthquake victims in Pakistan. Annan said the pledges made so far are 90 percent short of needs. He called on international groups such as NATO, and the Organization of the Islamic Conference to contribute helicopters, trucks and heavy-lifting equipment. Annan also urged governments and relief organizations to send their representatives Òat the highest levelÓ to a donors conference at the UN headquarters in Geneva next Wednesday (October 26). (Oct-19, CNN, Bloomberg)

 

A World Bank mission will visit earthquake-affected areas over the next two weeks and prepare a needsÕ assessment for the rehabilitation of earthquake victims and reconstruction of infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK) and the NWFP. (Oct-19, DT)

 

The UN and the Red Cross today appealed for more rapid international response for monetary aid, saying that the oncoming winter will soon make relief operations in some mountainous areas impossible. (Oct-18, Reuters)

 

Logistics and access to affected areas continue to be the biggest challenge for relief operations. The need for more helicopters remains the most urgent priority. There are an estimated 60 helicopters operational and another 19 are in the pipeline. Heavy snow, that is likely to begin in about four weeks, would limit the use of these helicopters. (Oct-17, OCHA)

 

The UN said there were no reports of epidemics, but said the health infrastructure in affected areas had virtually collapsed. The biggest health concern now are those dying of untreated injuries due to gangrene and major infections. Amputations are reportedly on the rise. (Oct-18, Reuters) 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.

 

Jan Egeland, UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator who arrived in quake-affected areas in northern Pakistan on Thursday (October 13) is stressing the need for coordination between humanitarian players to effectively help the victims.

 

GOP is sending civil administrators and a police force from Islamabad and other cities in Punjab to reestablish law enforcement and governance as the quake has claimed the lives of most civil administrators and police in Muzaffarabad (Oct-13, Jang) Police are also helping to direct traffic along roads to major relief hubs, such as Muzaffarabad. (Oct-17, Reuters)

 

Some 50,000 Pakistani troops in PcK are now being deployed every few kilometers to coordinate relief. The main roads into Muzaffarabad have reportedly been cleared, and there are now efforts to reach Neelam, Jhelum and Leepa valleys in PcK. Relief teams have reportedly arrived in Balakot in North West Frontier Province (NWFP), in Bisham town in Kaghan Valley (Mansehra area), as well as Bagh, Dher Kot and Kahuta areas. (Oct-13, Reuters)

 

The roads between Mansehra – Balakot, Mansehra – Muzaffarabad, 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. Considering the enormous volume of aid being moved risks of bottlenecks and congestion remain high. Large numbers of volunteer groups from across the country are already contributing to traffic jams and road congestion. (Oct-17, OCHA)

 

Estimates of the number of mountainous villages in the affected area range from 2,000, (UN OCHA) to over 15,000 (WFP) spread over some 30,000 square miles (Oct-19, DFID). GOP has said it will take days to reach some of them. (Oct-18, UN OCHA, Reuters, BBC)

 

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. The nighttime temperature in the affected areas can historically drop to zero degrees Celsius in October and minus 6 degrees Celsius in November. (Oct-18, Alertnet) Isolated rains are forecasted for today throughout the disputed Kashmir region and eastern NWFP. Remainder of the week should remain sunny. However, weather conditions can change instantaneously in these areas. Humanitarian aid organizations running out of time, as thousands of people could possibly get cut off in the coming three weeks due to snowfall. (Oct-17, Reuters)

 

UNHCR is in the process of airlifting 20,000 tents, most of which are winterized, from Turkey with airlift from NATO. (Oct-16, VOSOCC) UN Emergency Response Team manager in Islamabad, Andrew Macleod, said there continues to be an acute shortage of tents. Between 260,000 to 500,000 are estimated needed, according to the GOP. (Oct-18, BBC News, AP)

 

Although the Pakistan military has been largely in charge of rescue and relief operations, coordination mechanisms with humanitarian relief organizations are beginning to take shape. The Pakistani military, in conjunction with NGOs, has reportedly set up a distribution center outside of the town of Batagram from where relief supplies would be flown via helicopters to villages inaccessible by road. (Oct-14, ACT). Information sharing with international humanitarian organizations about national efforts and distribution needs to be strengthened. (Oct-17, OCHA)

 

GOP has formed a seven-member Civil Services Special Task Force to expedite relief work in Pck and NWFP. The task force will also coordinate foreign relief workers, NGOs and volunteers. (Oct-19, GOP)

 

The UN has decided to establish 3-5 humanitarian hubs in the quake-affected regions. The first three hubs are being established in Muzaffarabad, Mansehra and Bagh. These hubs will consist of common UN premises which will provide coordination and access to common services to the entire humanitarian community (Oct-15, OCHA)

 

GOP has reportedly agreed to issue visas on arrival for one month for aid workers arriving in the country. UN has requested these visas to be good for a period of several months. (Oct-15, VOSOCC). Coordination and distribution of relief aid is likely to take the front seat as more aid arrives in the affected areas. (Oct-12, Dawn, Reuters)

 

GOP has allowed mobile phone companies to provide service in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. (Oct-18, Jang). Indian government has installed free telephone service in Srinagar, and the border towns of Uri and Tangdar in Indian-controlled Kashmir to allow people to contact their relatives in PcK. Telephone service between PcK and IcK was shut down in 1989 following a revolt in IcK (Oct-19, Reuters)

 

The UN has begun a website to collate damage and relief information at: http://www.un.org.pk/earthquake05/ Currently, there are 1,558 foreign teams engaged in rescue and relief. (Oct-13, OCHA)

 

 

Sector Status

Affected Population

4 million people affected; estimated 3.3 million displaced or homeless. (Oct-13, Reuters)

 

UNICEF estimates some 50-60 percent of the dead victims are children and some 32,000 young people had died while another 42,000 were injured. (Oct-18, Reuters)

Coordination

The government yesterday (Tuesday, Oct-17) formed a 7-member Civil Services Special Task Force to expedite the relief work in quake-affected areas. According to the GOP, 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 and facilitate private partners. 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)

 

On October 10 the Pakistani government established the Federal Relief Commission to coordinate rescue and relief operations. Major General Muhammad Farooq Javed, Chairman of the Prime MinisterÕs Inspection Commission will head the Commission.

 

The government has ordered a comprehensive survey of all quake-hit areas for an account of casualties, deaths and property loss, Major General Shaukat Sultan, Inter Service Public Relations director general said. (Oct-18, GOP)

 

Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz launched a 12-point plan for the relief and rehabilitation of affected areas in NWFP and PcK. (Oct-18, Dawn)

 

In his second address to the nation following the earthquake, President Pervez Musharraf said that there was a network of some 45 Army points in place Òto extend all-out help and guidance to volunteers for efficient supply of relief goods.Ó

According to the president, there were six major points, three each in NWFP at Mansehra, Balakot and Batgram, and Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawalakot in PcK. (Oct-19, Jang)

 

UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team (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.

 

A Humanitarian Information Centre (HIC) has been set up within the UNDAC/UN coordination centre. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

The Rapid Village Assessment process has been launched by the HIC. The process is intended to provide humanitarians with a multi-sectoral overview of conditions and needs. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

An Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) has been established to rebuild infrastructure. Lt. Gen Muhammad Zubair, engineer-in-chief of the Pakistani Army has been appointed chair. (Oct-17, Dawn)

 

The Emergency Response Centre in Islamabad says that the government has agreed with the suggestion by UN Humanitarian Coordinator Jan Egeland that aid workers should be given visas on arrival for a period of a few months. The GOP reportedly has agreed to do so for one month. (Oct-15, ERC)

 

The UN will create between 3-5 humanitarian hubs in NWFP and PcK which will consist of common UN premises to provide coordination and access to common services of the aid community. The first three will be established at Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Mansehra. (Oct-15, VOSOCC)

 

The UN Country Team will open five offices in Muzaffarabad, Mansehra, Bagh, Balakot and Batagram, which will serve as hubs for the humanitarian community. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is operating out of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK) while the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Society (IFRC) is working in the rest of the country. ICRC says that activities planned will be carried out through a joint logistics network being coordinated from Islamabad, with an advance base in Abbottabad. Another base will be set up in Mansehra. The ICRC has launched a website to help people contact relatives: http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/epi (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

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

Logistics

WFP Executive Director James Morris says that reaching the victims of the disaster was turning out to be one of the toughest aid missions ever. (Oct-19, AFP)

 

A UN Joint Logistics Center (UNJLC) cell has been created within the UN Coordination Centre in Islamabad together with the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) antenna. (Oct-14, UNOCHA) United Nations Joint Logistics Center (UNJLC) is based in the WFP Afghanistan Liaison Office in Islamabad alongside the UNHAS. The unit comprises 4 main cells: Logistics, Air, Civil Military Coordination and Information. UNJLC expects to deploy to Muzaffarabad, Peshawar and several other base camps soon. (Oct-17, UNJLC) UNJLC has established a Coordination Cell at the Chaklala airport at Islamabad. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

UNOCHA reports that logistics and access pose the biggest challenge of the relief operation. Additional helicopters remain the most urgent priority. There are an estimated 60 helicopters operational and another 19 in the pipeline. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

Pakistani army and relief agencies are beginning to use mules to deliver relief to areas where helicopters cannot reach. (Oct-18, AP)

 

The first three flights from the joint NATO-UNHCR airlift has left Incirlik airbase in Turkey on Wednesday (Oct-19) carrying more than 25 tons of relief. The joint operation will ferry some 860 tons of aid from UNHCRÕs regional warehouse in Iskenderun. (Oct-19, UNHCR) UNHCR and NATO have joined together with the government of Turkey to airlift hundreds of tons of relief supplies from Incirklik airbase in Turkey to Pakistan. So far, a total of some 11 C-130 planes have been offered from the UK, Italy, France, Turkey and Greece. The Turkish government has offered 40 trucks to ferry supplies. (Oct-18, UNHCR).

 

A main road leading into Jhelum valley in PcK was reopened by Pakistani army bulldozers on Monday (October 18), allowing relief into previously inaccessible areas. However, Pakistani Major-General Jawed Aslam Tahir, who is in charge of air relief operations, says that 50 percent of Neelum Valley has not been reached with relief aid and will take another week to 10 days to become accessible. (Oct-18, AFP)

 

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have set up a joint logistics structure in Islamabad to support the operations of the Red Crescent Movement. (Oct-12, Reuters)

 

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.

 

Japan has supplied three helicopters for the relief effort. (Oct-17, Dawn)

 

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.

 

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. (Oct-12, OCHA)

International Financial Assistance

UN has appealed for US$312 million for earthquake survivors in Pakistan. Only US$45 million has been pledged with US$15 million actually contributed, the UN says.

 

A donorÕs conference is scheduled for Monday (October 24) at the UN headquarters in Geneva to raise additional funding. (Oct-17, HT)

Food

Pakistani government says high energy biscuits or high energy food needed

 

WFP says 500,000 people had received enough food for several days, but that Òtime was running outÓ with winter approaching. (Oct-18, WFP)

 

ICRC will provide food assistance as well as shelter and other materials to enable some 150,000 victims to survive the winter. (Oct-18, ICRC)

 

An estimated 439,000 people have received rations. UNOCHA says food rations have been sufficient to cover needs for only several days and that an estimated 50-60% of the food insecure population is yet to be reached. Coverage is expected to improve over the next few days with the arrival of additional trucks and helicopters. WFP using mules and horses to circumvent landslides in Muzaffarabad. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

The WFP says it is planning on providing ready-to-eat food for 1 million people for one month.

Water and Sanitation

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

 

WHO says national relief teams are addressing sanitation needs and latrines are being dug in major settlement areas. (Oct-19, WHO)

 

Federal Relief Commissioner, Major General Farooq Ahmed says that water supply was improving in the major towns of NWFP and Kashmir. (Oct-18, DPA)

 

CARE International, Intersos, Tearfund, International Medical Committee, Alisei, American Rescue Committee, ACTED, JEN and Merlin are assessing and coordinating in this sector. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

THW has installed two water treatment plants in Muzaffarabad and Balakot which are producing 250,000 liters a day, to supply 17,000 people. IFRC will bring two more plants for Balakot and Batagram. The GOP and UNICEF, is transporting 4 plants to Muzzafarabad. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

UNICEF will set up two field offices to oversee coordination of WATSAN in Mansehra and Muzaffarabad. UNICEF and Islamic Relief are planning to run a water filtration and emergency sanitation project for Muzaffarabad and are aiming to reestablish the entire water system in the town. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

UNICEF has received 250,000 sachets of pure water disinfectant, while a further 1 million sachets have been ordered. USAID is bringing two water treatment plants and so is the NGO, THW (Technische Hilsfwerk). Oxfam has a plane arriving with WATSAN supplies. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

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

Public Health/Medical

A joint WHO/Ministry of Health operations center has been established in Islamabad to coordinate health efforts. (Oct-12, WHO) The Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC), run jointly by the Ministry of Health and WHO at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad will coordinate all health–related activity. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

UNICEF warns that up to 120,000 children remain unreached in mountainous areas and estimates Òsome 10,000 could die of hunger, hypothermia and disease within the next few weeks.Ó UNICEF Executive Director Ann Veneman said that outbreaks of diarrhea had been reported and that there was a Òsignificant threat of disease.Ó (Oct-19, AFP)

 

WHO says medical and surgical teams are reporting serious wound infections among the injured. Cases of tetanus have been reported. (Oct-19, WHO)

 

WHO says that the Ministry of Health and WHO are mobilizing supplies to affected areas—more than 50 vehicles have transported medical and water and sanitation supplies to different locations from Islamabad. More than 200 surveillance officers and public health experts were mobilized to affected areas to strengthen basic health services. (Oct-19, WHO)

 

WHO says it still urgently requests tents, blankets and food for health facilities. Air ambulances and light weight stretchers, and other first aid essentials for transportation needed. (Oct-19, WHO)

 

Some 67,000 people were injured by the quake. (Oct-18, AP)

 

WHO is setting up an Early Warning and Response Surveillance System, starting with Muzaffarabad. WHO is also doing an inventory and mapping of a large number of groups setting up field hospitals, trauma teams, and Primary Health Care facilities in affected areas. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

WHO says district government of Punjab providing 4,000 additional hospital beds. (Oct-19, WHO)

 

The Government of Pakistan says that the Pakistani Army was running some 8 field hospitals at full capacity. (Oct-18, GOP)

 

US will send three field hospitals (Oct-20, Jang)

 

The Pakistani Health Ministry says that it has decided to strengthen its main camp in Muzaffarabad, by providing specialists along with surgical equipment. (Oct-18, DPA)

 

Federal Relief Commissioner Farooq Ahmed Khan says that 100,000 anti-tetanus shots were needed. (Oct-18, Reuters)

 

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.

 

Health Minister Mohammad Naseer Khan says that the GOP had deployed 200 doctors, 34 international medical teams were operating in affected areas and 17 field hospitals had been set up. (Oct-17, Reuters)

 

UNICEF will establish at least 30 medical centers in Muzaffarabad, Rawalkot and Bagh to provide basic medical services. (Oct-18, IRIN)

 

Save the Children says their field hospital in Batagram is fully functional. (Oct-18, STC)

 

UNOCHA says reports of gangrene and hypothermia continue. No reports of outbreaks but lack of clean drinking water and sanitation facilities are creating health threats such as diarrhea, and waterborne diseases. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

Three vaccination centers and mobile teams have been established in Muzzafarabad. WHO has set up a website to facilitate information exchange between health partners at www.whopak.org. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

UNICEF says that it is beginning vaccination drives for measles and tetanus. The agency says that it will also look to vaccinate against polio, with a supplementary dose of vitamin A for children to boost their immune systems. The campaign will start from Muzaffarabad. (Oct-18, IRIN)

 

WHO is supporting the MOH in the mobilization of 40 teams of surgeons and public health/environmental specialists. An additional 40 national public health experts have been recruited to visit affected regions next Monday (Oct-17, UNOCHA).

 

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. (Oct-12, WHO)

 

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.

Shelter

According to UN chief operations officer Andrew McCloud, there continues to be an acute shortage of tents, more than what is available globally. Between 260,000 (government) and 500,000 (WFP) tents are estimated to be needed. Pakistan, a major tent manufacturer, has banned the export of tents. According to the UN, about 37,000 tents had been delivered as of Monday (Oct-16) night and the GoP had contributed a further 100,000 and 150,000 was in the pipeline. UN was providing the 150,000 tents, according to the Jang. (Oct-18, Oct-20, AP, Jang)

 

Common shelter standards are being developed. Donors are urged to contact emergencyresponse@un.org.pk all donated and purchased blankets to ensure adequate tracking. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

Infrastructure

According to UNOCHAÕs Integrated Regional information Networks (IRIN), the earthquake has destroyed more than 80 percent of structures and buildings in parts of northern Pakistan. Many cities and villages in PcK and NWFP have been totally wiped out.

 

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz says that about US$5 billion in damages was caused by the earthquake. (Oct-15, Reuters)

 

Federal Relief Commissioner, Major General Farooq Ahmed says that electricity has been restored in the major towns of NWFP and Kashmir. (Oct-18, DPA)

 

UNICEF says that approximately 140,000 primary and secondary schools have been destroyed. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

Security

UNICEF has asked the GOP to appoint Òchild protection officersÓ in all major hospitals, warning that child survivors may become prey to exploiters. UNICEF is also asking for the registration of all children when they are admitted to hospital. (Oct-19, PTI)

 

According to the daily Jang, residents of Balakot town have asked the government to have the military patrol quake affected areas. (Oct-19, Jang)

 

There are concerns that the presence of militant groups conducting relief operations, such as the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a branch of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, may pose a threat to foreign aid workers. However, so far there are no indications of any threats. (Oct-18, Reuters)

 

ICRC is taking the lead on protection in Muzaffarabad. 50 staff are on the ground, of which 25 are in Muzaffarabad. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

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

 

UNICEF is creating field offices in Mansehra and Muzaffarabad to coordinate emergency response for child protection. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

 

 

Domestic Response

 

á      Local Government

 

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 PresidentÕs 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.

 

á      Local Organizations

International Response

 

á      Foreign Governments

 

Algeria pledgedUS$1 million in aid. (Oct-18, UNERP)

 

The Australian government has pledged US$10 million in aid, of which US$3 million will be allocated to the IFRC, US$2.5 million to the WHO, US$2.5 to UNICEF, and US$2 million to Australian NGOs. In addition, an Australian search and rescue operation is underway in the earthquake-affected areas. (Oct-13, UN Pakistan ER)

 

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. BritainÕs 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$17 million in aid to the earthquake-affected areas. (Oct-12, BBC)

 

China has pledged US$6.2 million in financial assistance. An additionalUS$11.12 million in relief goods and donations have also been contributed.

 

The Czech Republic has pledged US$1 million in aid as well as a small field hospital staffed by a team of 14 doctors.

 

The European Union (EU) has provided aid workers on the ground and has increased its initial allocation of US$4.4 million in aid to US$16.3 million in aid. (Oct-14, Reliefweb)

 

Finland has pledgedUS$1.2 million in aid. (Oct-18, UNERP)

 

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)

 

Today India sent 182 MT of relief supplies to Pakistan by train in addition to the 93 MT of supplies sent last week. (Oct-17, HT)

 

Ireland has pledged US$6.3 million in aid to Pakistan. (Oct-13, Reliefweb)

 

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.

 

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

 

Malaysia will be sending a 46-member search and rescue team including 18 medical officers and has pledged US$1 million in aid. On Monday (October 17) the Malaysian government announced it will send 40 medical specialists for a period of three months to help set up a field hospital. (Oct-17, Reliefweb)

 

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)

 

The Netherlands has increased its allocation of US$12.1 million in emergency aid for Pakistan to US$16.8 million. (Oct-17, Reliefweb)

 

Norway has increased its initial pledge ofUS$2.3 million to US$23 million expected to be earmarked for Pakistan. (Oct-18, UNERP)

 

The Sultanate of Oman has pledgedUS$5 million in cash of aid. (Oct-18, UNERP)

 

Saudi Arabia has pledged US$133 million to help Pakistan rebuild its infrastructure. Saudi ArabiaÕs Ambassador to Pakistan, Ali Awahd Asseri also announced that the current number of ten daily flights of relief aid would increase and a field hospital has also been dispatched to Mansehra. (Oct-15, Reliefweb)

 

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

 

Sweden has allocatedUS$10.35 million in aid. (Oct-18, UNERP)

 

Switzerland has allocatedUS$6 million in aid. (Oct-18, UNERP)

 

Ukraine has pledgedUS$3 million in aid. (Oct-18, UNERP)

 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have offered US$100 million in aid to be split between emergency relief and infrastructure repair projects.

 

The United States has pledged up to US$50 million in humanitarian assistance. On Wednesday (October 12) two C-17 aircraft, four C-130 aircraft, one Mi-8 aircraft, and one UC-35 aircraft arrived in Pakistan carrying medical supplies, relief supplies, water, cots, doctors and humanitarian assistance personnel. Among the US personnel that arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday (October 12) were eight members of the nine-person Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and a 23-member Contingency Support Group that will be involved in planning and logistics support. On Tuesday (October 11) the US Department of Defense announced that Navy Rear Admiral Michael Lefever will coordinate the Disaster Assistance Center, where US military relief efforts are coordinated in Islamabad, and two C-17s arrived carrying relief supplies. Meanwhile, heavy equipment, water purification systems, portable generators and medical support are being dispatched by the US Central Command. (Oct-12,-13,-14, USAID, USDOS Update, AFPS)

 

á       International Organizations

 

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

 

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has committed US$2 million in aid for emergency supplies for its relief efforts in Pakistan and India. CRS is working closely with Islamic Relief and Oxfam UK, and is in communication with the local Caritas to facilitate a coordinated response from the collective Caritas Internationalis community. (Oct-13, Reliefweb)

 

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have reallocated aboutUS$20 million from existing projects for immediate reconstruction start-up. (Oct-18, UNERP)

 

As of Monday (October 17) fifteen percent of the preliminary emergency appeal ofUS$8.44 million launched by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has been covered. This initial preliminary appeal budget was increased on October 12 toUS$56.6 million to assist up to 150,000 families for six months.

 

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has more than 50 expatriate staff based in Muzaffarabad. The ICRC visited patients in Peshawar on Sunday (October 16) and conducting an assessment in the region of Abbotabad. (Oct-16, ICRC)

 

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

 

The UN Foundation Board has committed US$1 million in aid for immediate needs, including building critical infrastructure and communications. It has also established the South Asia Earthquake Response Fund for individual donations. (Oct-14, UN)

 

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

 

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.

India

 

Overview

 

The latest reported death toll has stayed at 1,600 in Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) from a 7.6-magnitude earthquake that centered in neighboring northern Pakistan. More than 5,000 others have reportedly been injured and 150,000 displaced, including up to 50,000 people were left homeless by the earthquake (Oct-17, AFP). The worst-hit areas are around Tangdhar and Uri towns in Kupwara and Baramulla districts respectively in IcK, along the disputed Line of Control (LoC). About 70% of homes have been severely damaged in the town of Uri, which has a population of 30,000.

 

V.K. Duggal, head of IndiaÕs Federal Home Ministry said today (Wednesday, October 19) that almost 100 percent of villages affected by the devastating October 8 earthquake in Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) have been covered by government relief. (Oct-19, Kashmir Times) The governmentÕs distribution of cash relief from the Natural Calamity Relief Fund (NCRF) also began in Uri and Tangdhar today, following repeated delays caused by bad weather. Relatives of each casualty will receive 50,000 Indian rupees (US$1,100), while 40,000 Indian rupees (US$886) are offered to rehabilitate destroyed homes.

 

The Indian army is carrying out the bulk of relief operations, as the presence of foreign NGOs and aid workers is highly restricted in IcK. The Kashmir Times reported that 800 police personnel have also been deployed (Oct-14, Kashmir Times). The Indian military has about 500,000 to 700,000 troops deployed in the region to control a separatist insurgency. As in northern Pakistan, aid workers struggled with the mountainous terrain, landslides and increasingly cold weather, which hampered logistics. With many areas blocked off by landslides, porters were being hired to carry relief items. (Oct-17, AFP)

 

Many survivors and aid workers said that relief operations were still largely disorganized and slow, with a general lack of overall coordination in the region. According to some reports, it appears that affected areas closer to the south, such as Poonch district, have received more aid than those in the worst-hit northern districts of Baramulla and Kupwara. (Oct-19, Hindustan Times) There were other complaints that aid has been marked by self-interest and non-cooperation between local politicians and separatists in the restive region. NGOs and victims also said that despite daily relief distributions in Uri town, many of the old and weak were not receiving aid. Survivors near the badly-hit town of Uri in Baramulla district also said that some tents were not waterproof or durable enough for the oncoming winter. (Oct-18, Kashmir Times) Victims reportedly held a series of protests in Tanghdar area in northern Kupwara district today (Wednesday, October 19), one of the two worst-hit areas in the region. Protestors blocked roads and burned tires, stopping relief trucks on a main highway, saying that only victims with connections to the government have been receiving relief. ÒWhatever we have got is from voluntary organizations,Ó said one protestor. (Oct-18, AFP)

 

To address coordination problems, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has decided to establish a disaster response force with personnel drawn from the Army and paramilitary forces. (Oct-18, Kashmir Times) Duggal, who toured affected areas along with other state ministers, said that the governmentÕs main concern now is the provision of shelter to families due to the oncoming winter, which usually arrives mid- to late October. He said that the Ministry of Urban Development has selected a number of villages in which to raise temporary shelters for victims for the winter, where military and paramilitary units will be setting up prefabricated shelters. As in Pakistan, however, there is an acute shortage of winterized tents. Duggal said that the government would be importing tents from China and the Netherlands to meet the requirements. So far, the government has supplied 15,175 tents, and plans to distribute nearly 26,000 by October 24. (Oct-19, Kashmir Times) About 7 camps have been opened by the government in Uri town in Baramulla and Tangdhar, as well as Poonch district.

 

IcK Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said on October 13 that the biggest challenge was to find a way to shelter the thousands of displaced, which may entail bringing them down from remote villages into relief camps at lower elevations. Other survivors continue to make hours long treks to find relief and food for other family members back home. (Oct-17, AFP) Aside from shelter, food is also an urgent need. According to a local doctor, most people in the area already suffer from malnutrition, making them especially vulnerable.

 

Earlier this week, the government announced a US$150 million aid package.

The state and federal government on Monday (October 17) agreed on a three-pronged rehabilitation strategy involving financial assistance, the short-term construction of community shelters and the long-term construction of quake-resistant infrastructure. (Oct-14, BBC News) However, no construction work is possible during the winter due to rain, snow and slush. (Oct-17, ADEPT)

 

The Indian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which already has a presence, today called for the provision of more shelters and the protection of the rights of victims. (Oct-14, Kashmir Times) Both the military and separatist militants in the region have been known to commit human rights abuses against civilians in the restive region.

 

Meanwhile, India has agreed to PakistanÕs proposal to allow residents from IcK to cross the highly-disputed Line of Control (LoC) to aid in relief operations in PcK. Both sides are currently discussing ways to implement the move, the latest sign in warming relations between the two countries. (Oct-18, Hindustan Times) India also sent a third relief consignment to Pakistan as part of continuing goodwill between the two countries. (Oct-14, PTI) However, analysts believe that the lack of infrastructure will also hamper the movement of relief items into PcK. The only road between IcK and PcK is destroyed and is estimated to take at least two months to repair. In addition, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf today emphasized that only relief goods and ÒKashmiri civiliansÓ would be allowed into PcK. Indian officials also explained that there are security issues due to militant separatist groups in PcK that reportedly infiltrate into IcK. ÒWhat we are discussing is routes being opened up. One or two routes here and there,Ó said Lt.-General Madan Mohan, IndiaÕs Director-General of Military Operations.

 

A series of strong aftershocks shook the quake-affected area of Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) today. At least one earthquake was measured at 5.8 on the Richter scale, while three other aftershocks measured more than 5.0. Meanwhile, although temperatures are expected to continue dropping, the weather is expected to remain clear in IcK for the next three days.

 

Domestic Response

 

á      Local Government

 

The Indian military, which has about 500,000 to 700,000 troops deployed in IcK to control a separatist insurgency, has launched a large-scale relief and rescue operation called ÒOperation Imdad.Ó

 

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) Indian officials said 20 community halls would be built, each with the capacity for 3,000 people. In addition, each family will be given 100,000 Indian rupees (US$2,200) to reconstruct damaged homes. (Oct-14, BBC News)

 

The government has provided one free month of food and kerosene rations to each affected family in Poonch district. (Oct-14, Reuters)

 

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

 

All India Congress Committee providing relief in Uri. (Oct-18, Hindustan Times)

 

á      Local Organizations

 

The Indian Red Cross is continuing distributions of food and other relief items. Its staff are involved in relief operations in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Uri. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

The ICRC New Dehli regional delegation is providing 49,000 blankets, 10,300 kitchen sets and 500 tents to the Jammu and Kashmir branch of the Indian Red Cross Society. A convoy carrying a consignment of 500 tents, 3,500 kitchen sets and 23,000 blankets arrived in Srinagar on Thursday (October 13) and are being distributed to earthquake survivors in the affected areas. In addition an ICRC vehicle with 150 first aid kits, 200 first aid jackets and other materials also arrived in Srinagar. An additional 6,000 blankets have been sent to Jammu. (Oct-13, ICRC)

 

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

 

Volunteers from National Institute of Technology, Hazratbal (Srinagar), are assisting in relief operations in Baramulla, Kupwara, Srinagar, Jammu and Udhampur. (Oct-15, UNDP)

International Response

 

á      Foreign Governments

 

The Indian government has not requested any international assistance.

 

USAID/OFDA has committed US$100,000 in assistance to India. (Oct-12, USAID)

 

á      International Organizations

 

Action by Churches Together (ACT) member, ChurchÕs 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)

 

ActionAid is conducting a survey of more than 25 villages in the remote areas of Uri and Baramulla to identify areas that have not yet received aid. The local administration will airlift 500 blankets and 200 family kits to these areas for ActionAid. ActionAid India is also providing counseling and giving support to earthquake survivors in India with an 80-strong team including 40 local people. ActionAid India is providing assistance to 3000 families in the form of waterproof tents, community tents, blankets and family kits containing 15 days of food, shoes and education materials for children, medicines and essentials for women. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

The Academy for Disaster Management Education, Planning and Training (ADEPT) is working the Catholic Diocese of Jammu to provide medical aid and relief (Oct-17, ADEPT)

 

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)

 

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has committed US$2 million in aid for emergency supplies for its relief efforts in Pakistan and India. In India, CRS is working with local partner Caritas India and has sent a three-person assessment team to Srinagar. (Oct-13, Reliefweb)

 

HelpAge International is providing relief in partnership with HelpAge India and Help the Aged. Relief is being carried by foot to areas around Uri, which have not been reached so far. (Oct-17, HelpAge International)

 

Save the Children is expanding its response from the initial target of 5,000 families to 20,000 families across the four affected districts of Kupwara, Baramula, Poonch and Rajauri, with Air India flying food and other supplies from Delhi to Srinigar free of charge. Trucks loaded with essential aid reached six villages on Wednesday (October 12. (Oct-13, Alertnet)

 

UNICEF has sent four-member team to Srinagar to assess immediate requirements in health, education, nutrition, wat/san and psychosocial/child protection. (Oct-15, UNDP)

 

 

Sector Status

 

Sector Status

Affected Population

150,000 people displaced (Oct-13, AFP), about 90 percent of them remain homeless (Oct-17, AFP)

Coordination

No international assistance has been requested by the Indian government

 

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has constituted a team to monitor relief in IcK, in conjunction with the IcK state government. (Oct-18, NIC)

 

Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Taj Mohiuddin, monitoring relief operations in Uri. (Oct-18, Hindustan Times)

 

The State Cabinet has appointed five government officers to coordinate relief and reconstruction: BA Runiyal, Relief Commissioner, will be in charge in Uri; Sharief-ud-Din – Srinagar; Qamar-ud-Din - migrants; GM Rather - Tangdhar; Jeet Lal Gupta – Poonch. (Oct-16, Daily Excelsior)

 

The IcK government has set up a media center in Uri (Baramulla district) to provide information on relief operations in the area. (Oct-17, PTI)

 

UN Disaster Management Team (UNMT) met on October 11 in New Delhi to assess possible response. Held another meeting on October 14 on information-sharing with other agencies and NGO partners in the affected areas (Oct-15, AFP)

 

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 Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has a Control Room that is functioning around the clock and closely monitoring the situation.

 

A Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Home Affairs is in Srinagar to coordinate relief efforts with the IcK government.

 

A Inter-Ministerial Central Team arrived in IcK on October 11 and is making damage and relief needs assessments. (Oct-12, MHA)

 

The private aid foundation, the India Development and Relief Fund, Inc. (IDRF), is currently soliciting private donations. (Oct-14, IDRF)

Logistics