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South Asia Earthquake Update

 

October 21, 2005

 

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

 

 

Table of Contents:

 

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

India .....................................page 14

 

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 50,000, 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 74,000 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 so far received some US$90 million in pledges in response to its flash appeal of which US$57 million is in firm commitments. (Oct-21, Reuters). A donors conference is scheduled at the UN headquarters in Geneva for next Wednesday (October 26).

 

The NATO rebuffed a call by the UN emergency relief coordinator Jan Egeland for a massive airlift to evacuate possibly hundreds of thousands of earthquake survivors from remote areas of Pakistan before winter, saying that it was not a humanitarian organization, adding that it has already provided some 40% of the helicopters currently in use in Pakistan. (Oct-21, Reuters)

 

Work on reopening damaged roads and bridges continues around the clock, however, for the time being, and helicopters remain the primary means of delivering humanitarian supplies. (Oct-20, IRIN)

 

Asian Development Bank and the World Bank will jointly begin an assessment of the quake-affected areas in Pakistan to determine needs and reconstruction costs. ADB will focus on the education, transport, water, energy, and agriculture sectors, while the World Bank will concentrate on livelihood restoration, housing, health, private sector and the environment. The team is expected to submit its report by mid-November. (Oct-21, Reuters)

 

GOP, in conjunction with Asian Development Bank, is planning for the first phase of reconstruction in quake-affected areas. Reconstruction plans will be finalized upon completion of assessments due by November 15. (Oct-20, Xinhua)

 

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. GOP says it needs more than 100 helicopters to deliver aid in a significant way to remote, inaccessible areas. (Oct-21, Reuters) 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.

 

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.

 

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). Rain is expected in the region next week. (Oct-21, Reuters). 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 and international aid organizations are improving. (Oct-21, Reuters, UNICEF). Information sharing with international humanitarian organizations about national efforts and distribution needs to be strengthened. (Oct-17, OCHA)

 

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)

 

International Response

 

á      Foreign Governments

 

More than 90 countries, regional and international organizations have pledged more than several hundred million dollars in aid contributions and monetary pledges to the ongoing relief and reconstruction efforts in the earthquake devastated areas of Pakistan. Some of the larger contributions have come from the United Nations South Asia Earthquake Consolidated Flash Appeal calling for US$ 312 million in pledges, the ICRC appeal calling for US$56.6 million, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and contributions made by individual nations directly to the Pakistani government. Some of the largest monetary contributions from individual nations are coming from Australia, Britain, Canada, China, the European Union, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. The United Nations Emergency Response Pakistan website has posted several reports attempting to track the status and quantities of the incoming aid from a number of various governments, regional, and international organizations. In addition to these efforts, a number of NGOs have initiated their own appeals for their relief and reconstruction efforts in the earthquake-devastated areas.

 

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 GOP formed a 7-member Civil Services Special Task Force. In addition to coordination, the task force will supervise foreign relief workers, NGOs, and volunteers. The task force will work under the Federal Relief Commissioner. Saeed Ahmed Khan is chief coordinator; Ishtiaq Ahmed is coordinator for NWFP; Tariq Khosa is coordinator for PCK; Qasim Niaz is coordinator for donor agencies; Arifa Sofi is coordinator for NGOs; Mohsin Rizvi is coordinator for foreign offices; and Dr. Ashfaq is coordinator for health services. (Oct-19, GOP)

 

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.

 

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz announced that the government had given Rs 500 million (US$8.37 million) each to Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK) and the North West Frontier Provinces (NWFP) governments for relief efforts.

 

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

 

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)

 

A UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator will be based in Muzaffarabad as of Friday (October 21). (Oct-19, UNOCHA)

 

A Humanitarian Information Centre (HIC) has been set up within the UNDAC/UN coordination centre. (Oct-14, 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 is chair. (Oct-17, Dawn)

 

An Emergency Response Centre has been opened in Islamabad. (Oct-15, ERC)

 

The UN created three humanitarian hubs in Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Mansehra. (Oct-15, VOSOCC) UNOCHA says two additional hubs are being considered at Balakot and Batagram. (Oct-19, 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. The ICRC has launched a website to help people contact relatives: http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/epi (Oct-11, Alertnet)

Logistics

UNOCHA says logistical challenges of reaching affected population in inaccessible areas is overwhelming. Access to about 40,000 sq km is difficult with landslides affecting what was already a poor road infrastructure. (Oct-19, UNOCHA)

 

The UK Department for International Development (DFID) reports some 80 helicopters operational with more in the pipeline. (Oct-20, DFID) Reuters says lack of roads means supplies cannot be delivered in significant quantity by a fleet of fewer than 100 helicopters. (Oct-21, Reuters) AP reports the first of 20 more US helicopters will arrive by the middle of next week. Another 5 helicopters used by the US State Department for drug surveillance, have been redirected for relief. Currently, some 12 US military helicopters are in use. NATO says it will send in a number of helicopters to add to the some 40 already in use. (Oct-20, Oct-21, AP, NATO)

 

Pakistan Army has set up 24 more helipads to expedite relief into affected areas. (Oct-20, Indo-Asian News Service)

 

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) 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)

 

A joint NATO-UNHCR airlift from Incirlik airbase in Turkey will ferry some 860 tons of aid from UNHCRÕs regional warehouse in Iskenderun. (Oct-19, UNHCR) NATO plans to send some 1,000 troops, including a 500-strong engineering battalion. (Oct-21, 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. (Oct-12, Reuters)

International Financial Assistance

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Jan Egeland says that the UN has some US$86 million pledged towards the UN appeal, which is roughly one-fourth of what is needed. (Oct-20, UN) UN has appealed for US$312 million for earthquake survivors in Pakistan.

 

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

Food

Over 1 million people still need food according to OCHA. (Oct-19, UNOCHA)

 

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

Water and Sanitation

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)

 

NATO will send 3 water purification plants. (Oct-21, NATO)

 

UNHCR is working with NGOs such as International Medical Corps, and Social Sustainable Development to ensure water, sanitation and basic health care in the camps. (Oct-2, UNHCR)

 

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), is located at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

WHO and the Ministry of Health have set up an Early Warning and Response Network (EWARN), starting with Muzaffarabad, to quickly identify and respond to outbreaks. (Oct-21, GOP)

 

WHO says that it has recorded 17 cases of tetanus, three people have reportedly died of the disease in Balakot. (Oct-21, AP) GOP and WHO have arranged for 200,000 doses of anti-tetanus serum (ATS) to be airlifted from Cairo to affected areas. Minister of Health, Nasir Khan says that 1.8 million additional doses would arrive over next few weeks. GOP will also airlift over 20,000 doses of Anti-Tetanus Globulin (ATG) from India, 4,000 of which will arrive within two days. (Oct-21, GOP)

 

The GOP 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 US Army 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) will be sent soon. (Oct-21, military.com)

 

USAID said that 10 WHO emergency health kits have been airlifted. Each one has sufficient supplies to treat 10,000 people for three months. (Oct-21, USAID)

 

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

 

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) Some 3,000 children have been vaccinated in Muzaffarabad and nearby areas. (Oct-21, GOP)

 

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) opened a 100-bed field hospital in Muzaffrabad on October 21. (Oct-21, ICRC)

 

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 in the communities around Muzafarrabad and Peshawar. WER has also sent winterized tents to house 3,000 people.

(Continued on next page)

Shelter

According to Oxfam, some 20,000 to 30,000 winter tents have been distributed. According to the UN, another 450,000 winter tents may be needed. Thus far only some 150,000 winter tents are thought to be in the pipeline. Oxfam is calling on militaries to donate their stockpile of tents because of the shortage. (Oct-21, Oxfam) 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. (Oct-18, Oct-20, AP, Jang)

 

The GOP plans to house 5,000 families in Bassian camp and 3,000 families in Ghari Habibullah. A third camp in Batagram, for 5,000 families has also been planned. Another three camp sites have been confirmed in Muzaffarabad, UNHCR says. (Oct-21, UNHCR)

 

The Pakistani Army says that tents have been provided to 98 percent of the homeless in Balakot and Kaghan Valley. (Oct-21, Xinhua)

 

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)

 

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

 

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)

Security

World Vision is focusing on child protection and plans to establish 20 Child Friendly Spaces to support three camps in the area that are expected to host some 253,000 people. (Oct-21, WVI)

 

UNICEF has asked the GOP to appoint Òchild protection officersÓ in all major hospitals. (Oct-19, PTI) UNICEF is creating field offices in Mansehra and Muzaffarabad to coordinate emergency response for child protection. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

ICRC is taking the lead on protection 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.

 

Troops being deployed every 10 km to provide security, search for survivors and provide relief in most affected areas. (Oct-19, GOP)

 

 

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, (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.

 

The governmentÕs distribution of cash relief from the Natural Calamity Relief Fund (NCRF) also began in Uri and Tangdhar on October 19. 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. Government financial compensation is being disbursed through mobile banks in remote areas. (Oct-21, Times of India)

 

India has not asked for international assistance and the presence of foreign aid agencies is restricted in the disputed region, which is also the site of a separatist militancy. The Indian Army, under Operation Imdad, has been carrying out the bulk of relief effort, while local state agencies, social, religious and political organizations, and NGOs are currently helping in the effort. 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 and pack animals 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. There were other complaints that aid has been marked by self-interest and non-cooperation between local politicians and separatists in the restive region. India-based Academy for Disaster Management Education Planning and Training (ADEPT) relief organization today said a number of villages have not been mapped and at least 10 villages remained inaccessible as of October 19. The total number of affected villages is unknown. It added that some tents that were distributed are not appropriate to withstand the upcoming winter season, when snowfalls can reach 10 feet (3 meters). (Oct-19, ADEPT) According to reports today, relief has not reached some areas in Tangdhar area of Kupwara district, as well as some villages in Poonch district. (Oct-19, Kashmir Times) Victims reportedly held a series of protests in Tanghdar on October 19, saying only victims with connections to the government have been receiving government relief.

 

The IcK government has appealed for 35,000 more tents from other states and tent manufacturers in India for the approximately 150,000 homeless people. (Oct-19, AFP) According to ADEPT, up to 1 million people and their livestock (a valuable commodity) need housing aid for winter. As in northern Pakistan, winterized tents are in very short supply. The Indian Home Ministry said today (Friday, October 21), that displaced quake victims will all have tents by the end of October and snow-proof shelters by the end of November. ÒBy the end of November, everyone should have a pucca (permanent shelter), semi-pucca, prefab or snow tent,Ó said VK Duggal, Secretary of the Home Ministry. The government has already provided about 15,000 tents, and 1,898 are expected tomorrow (Saturday, October 22). However, Mehbooba Mufti, head of IcKÕs ruling PeopleÕs Democratic Party (PDP), says that at least 35,000 tents are needed. About 1,600 people were killed and about 150,000 left homeless by the earthquake, which struck neighboring Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK). The government has said it would buy 1,000 tents from the Netherlands and another 1,000 winterized tents from Alaska. More orders have been placed with other suppliers, such as China.

 

Meanwhile, survivors today also appealed for kangris and bokharis, traditional heaters used in the region that use very little fuel. Both heaters are less of a fire hazard than kerosene heaters that can only be used in heavy canvas tents with proper ventilation. The heaters are important because most tents are made of nylon and cannot provide enough heat. In addition, electricity is not easy to access in the region, smoke from regular wood can cause respiratory ailments and fuel kerosene heaters are very heavy. Aid workers say that many of the villagers have never lived in tents and need education on preventing fires or smoke asphyxiation.

 

The government also plans to build prefabricated, winterized community centers where people can shelter at night and work outside during the day to rebuild their homes. Relief officials warn that it will be difficult to rebuild homes in the heavy snow. At least 100 centers are planned in Uri and Tangdar areas in Baramulla and Kupwara districts respectively, the two worst-hit areas. Each center will accommodate 100 to 200 people, and will be later converted into schools or health care centers. The IcK High Court has also suggested that each house owner be provided with a ration of tin sheets and timber with assistance from the Steel Authority of India and the state forest corporation, so victims could rebuild or reinforce their homes. (Oct-20, PTI) 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.

 

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

However, no construction work is possible during the winter due to rain, snow and slush. (Oct-17, ADEPT) Another challenge is to bring thousands of displaced 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)

 

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. No concrete progress has been reported. However, analysts believe that the lack of infrastructure between IcK and PcK will also hamper the movement of relief items into PcK. India is plans to open about six border crossing on the disputed LoC if the border agreement is implemented. India also sent three relief consignments to Pakistan as part of continuing goodwill between the two countries. (Oct-14, PTI)

 

INDIA

International Response

 

India has not asked for international assistance.

 

á      Foreign Governments

 

The Indian government has accepted a relief offer from Bangladesh for the second time on Thursday (October 20). Last week, Bangladesh sent relief including 40,000 blankets, medicines, and high energy biscuits. (Oct-20, AFP)

 

Sector Status

 

Sector Status

Affected Population

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

 

Jammu and Kashmir Social Welfare department sent to identify quake-hit families to enable rapid distribution of aid. (Oct-21, Times of India)

 

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.

 

Coordination

No international assistance has been requested by the Indian government

 

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)

 

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)

 

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)

 

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)

 

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

 

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

 

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)

 

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.

 

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. (Oct-13, Alertnet)

Logistics

Border Roads Organization says road from Baramulla to Kaman Bridge on Line of Control will be operational by December 15. (Oct-17, Times of India)

 

The Indian Army has cleared most of the roads into the hard-hit areas of Uri and Tangdhar (Baramulla and Kupwara districts). (Oct-13, PTI)

Food

The Jammu and Kashmir branches of the Indian Red Cross have distributed 5 MT of dried food rations. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

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

 

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)

 

UNICEF provided 17 tons of biscuits for children – about 3 tons distributed through Army. Nutrition camps organized at Salamabad. (Oct-21, Time of India)

 

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.

Water and Sanitation

Water and electricity supplies have been restored in the Hazratbal and Jamia Masjid areas of Srinagar. Restoration efforts ongoing in other towns. (Oct-15, UNDP)

 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has airlifted 51,200 liters of water to IcK. (Oct-14, PTI)

Public Health/Medical

A team of rehabilitation/orthopaedic doctors have arrived in IcK under the Ministry of Social Empowerment. (Oct-18, NIC)

 

Twelve hospitals in three Kashmir districts, including in Srinagar city, have started offering counseling to survivors. (Oct-15, AFP)

 

HelpAge International and its partner Help Age India have sent a mobile medical unit to the Indian city of Uri in Kashmir and two other mobile medical units to the outlying villages. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

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

 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has airlifted 40 MT of medicine. (Oct-12, MHA)

 

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)

 

ActionAid India is 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)

 

Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said it has recruited help to bolster counseling centers for mental trauma. (Oct-15, AFP) Medecins Sans Frontiere (MSF) teams are working in the towns of Baramullah, Uri and Srinagar and the Tangdar region in IcK. (Oct-20, Reuters)

 

WHO India is providing a number of services including technical guidelines, two tons of emergency surgical kits, relief items, and a disease/injury surveillance system after staff obtains necessary security clearance. Measles vaccination and vitamin A supplementation being discussed with government and UNICEF. (Oct-20, WHO)

Shelter

The IcK government has opened relief centers in Mirwaiz Manizil and Jamia Masjid and seven relief camps in Uri, Tanghdar and Poonch. (Oct-15, UNDP)

 

More than 15,000 tents distributed by government, but 35,000 more are needed. Experts from New Delhi were enlisted to build community shelters within 15 days. (Oct-17, AFP)

 

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). 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. (Oct-12, ICRC)

 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has airlifted 5,800 tents, 124,000 blankets, 10,000 woolen pieces of clothes and 1,870 tarpaulines. The MHA has placed an order to procure 5,000 tents to be supplied by a private firm at 1,000 per day. (Oct-14, PTI)

 

The Jammu Red Cross Society has provided 2,000 blankets, 90 tents, and other items to Poonch district. (Oct-14, Kashmir Times) The Deputy Commissioner office in the district has sent an appeal for tents, blankets and clothes, as well as medicine and health workers. (Oct-14, Reuters)

 

World Vision India said it will be providing tents to 3,000 affected families in the state. World Vision Canada has offered used tents in good condition from the Department of National Defense. (Oct-21, Times of India)

Infrastructure

GOI has set up four telecom facilitation centers in Srinagar, Jammu, Uri and Tangdhar which are expected to be operational by tomorrow (Wednesday, October 19). The centers are expected to help facilitate conversations between family members across the Line of Control (LoC) in badly-affected Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK). (Oct-18, Hindustan Times)

 

The Power Development Department (PDD) has suffered losses of 290 million rupees in IcK. At least 1,000 transformers have been damaged. (Oct-14, PTI)

 

Some 117,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged (Oct-17, AFP)

 

Traffic on National Highway 1A between Srinagar-Tangdhar and Srinagar-Rui disrupted due to landslides. Wireless communication network functional in Uri and Tangdhar. (Oct-15, UNDP)

Security

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. A female suicide bomber blew herself up in Pulwama district on Thursday, October 13, in the first incident of its kind in IcK. (Oct-13, PTI)

 

The junior Education Minister of IcK, Ghulam Nabi Lone, was shot and killed on October 18 in Srinagar. Separatist violence continued in the region as three militants and a soldier were killed in Pulwama, Baramulla and Doda districts today. (Oct-21, PTI, Hindustan Times)

 

The Global Green Peace group today warned that the shifting of thousands of landmines along the disputed Line of Control (LoC) between PcK and Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) may pose a danger for survivors and aid workers. The militarized zone is one of the largest mined areas in the world. It took the Indian Army weeks to demine a stretch of road in Uri that is part of the trans-Kashmir bus route. (Oct-20, Hindustan Times)