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South Asia Earthquake Update

 

October 25, 2005

 

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

 

 

Table of Contents:

 

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

India .....................................page 12

 

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. The quake has left over 74,000 people injured and an estimated 3.3 million displaced or homeless. 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) Shelter and logistics remain top priorities. (Oct-24, DFID) UN Humanitarian Affairs spokesperson Elisabeth Byrs said priority moving gradually from acquiring helicopters to providing shelter. (Oct-25, AFP) 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 UN has so far received some US$107 million in pledges in response to its flash appeal of which US$67.8 million is in firm commitments for a US$312 million consolidated appeal. (Oct-25, AFP). A donors conference is scheduled at the UN headquarters in Geneva for October 26. Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK) administration does not have enough funds to pay promised compensation of 100,000 Pakistani rupees (US$1,672) for families of dead and 25,000 (US$420) to 50,000 rupees (US$840) for injured, totaling 15 to 25 billion rupees (US$251 million to US$420 million). The government has only spent 2.5 billion rupees (US$4.2 million) in compensation so far. (Oct-25, Reuters)

 

GOP has accepted NATOÕs offer for the deployment of a NATO Response Force (NRF) in a humanitarian role in quake-stricken areas. The force, consisting of a reinforced engineering battalion of around 1,000 personnel, will provide assistance in reconstruction of infrastructure, such as shelter, hospitals, roads, bridges, schools with the provision of medical care besides aerial movement of supplies. The force will be fully equipped and self sustaining to carry out the work. (Oct-23, DT) NATO today clarified at least 32 helicopters will be operational by the end of this week, instead of 40 originally reported. Last week, NATO said it was short of helicopters and members have always been reluctant to contribute. (Oct-25, 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)

 

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 80 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 on the rise. (Oct-18, Reuters) Health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), said 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. Currently 34 international medical teams are assisting with 17 field hospitals. (Oct-23, DPA) Aid agencies warn of second wave of deaths due to cold weather and exposure. (Oct-24, DFID)

 

GOP with the help of WHO has set up an Early Warning and Response Network (EWARN) to identify and respond to any disease outbreaks in quake-affected areas. (Oct-23, DPA)

 

Some 50,000 Pakistani troops in PcK are now being deployed every few kilometers to coordinate relief. The Pakistan military transporting relief goods into 45 local hubs in the quake-affected zone. (Oct-25, Dawn) 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. Continuing aftershocks also repeatedly blocking already damaged roads. IOMÕs operations in Battagram shut down by aftershock-induced landslides today. GOP studying possibility of mass evacuation in the area. (Oct-25, Reuters)

 

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). Heavy rains and bad weather expected in the region in the next few days. (Oct-25, 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)

 

UN Emergency Response Team manager in Islamabad, Andrew Macleod, said there continues to be an acute shortage of tents. Between 337,000 to 541,000 tents estimated needed. Total of 122,000 have been delivered/distributed, including 62,000 winterized tents from international community and 60,000 from GOP. (Oct-25, DFID) GOP and aid agencies encouraging improvisation and repair of shelter with wood, tin sheets and other items. (Oct-24, USAID) Education for residents not used to tents needed to prevent smoke inhalation, fire, and other hazards. (Oct-24, AFP)

 

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) Humanitarian hubs operating in Muzaffarabad, Mansehra and Bagh. Two additional hubs considered in Balakot and Batagram. (Oct-25, DFID, 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) Over 100 relief organizations in the country. (Oct-25, DFID)

 

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. Pakistan has now received over US$717.1 million in direct pledges. (Oct-25, AFp)

 

 

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)

 

The death toll in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) alone reported at over 13,000 with the districts of Mansehra, Battagram, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Shangla and Swat among the worst affected. Nearly half of the four million affected people are in PcK and another 1.3 million in NWFP.

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)

 

Federal Relief Commission will coordinate rescue and relief operations. Major General Muhammad Farooq Javed, Chairman of the Prime MinisterÕs Inspection Commission will head the Commission.

 

Ten coordination clusters were established to bring together the government, UN agencies, NGOs, IOs, militaries, and donors. The sectoral clusters are supported by teams working on civ-mil coordination, mapping, logistics, and information. (Oct-22, UNOCHA)

 

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) UNDAC teams in those locations are liaising with the GOP and the military to monitor the security situation, coordinating rapid assessment and gathering data. (Oct-25, UNOCHA) 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

According to the UNOCHA, there is only a three-week opportunity to deliver assistance to mountainous areas of Pakistan before the first snowfall. (Oct-24, UNOCHA)

 

UN undertaking rapid assessment missions in Nheelum and Jheelum Valleys, however, many logistical challenges remain. (Oct-25, UNOHA)

 

About 100 helicopters are operating, with some 15 more expected. (Oct-25, Dawn)

 

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz advising mountain dwellers to descend to the valleys ahead of the winter. (Oct-25, DPA)

 

US military will air drop food and relief supplies to remote villages and nearly double troop presence to over 1,000 troops by this week. Three dozen pieces of heavy engineering equipment will be ready to help move debris by October 27. (Oct-25, PTI)

 

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) UNHCR will add a chartered Boeing 747 cargo jet to join in efforts. (Oct-25, Reuters)

 

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)

 

UNHCR said today that a lack of funds continue to hamper logistical planning for which it has specifically requested US$22 million. It has received only US$4 million, and already spent US$7.5 million.

 

WFP, which is handling land and air logistics for food for almost all aid agencies, said received only 13 percent of its US$56 million appeal. (Oct-25, Reuters)

International Financial Assistance

UNOCHA reports that as of October 23, US$90 million has been committed and pledged towards the UN Flash Appeal, which equals roughly 29% of the US$311 million requested. (Oct-23, OCHA)

 

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan will urge more speedy aid to quake-hit northern Pakistan in a global donors conference in Geneva tomorrow (Wednesday, October 26). About 65 countries, including the US, Britain, France and Japan, are expected to attend the ministerial meeting, which is expected to evaluate global response to the earthquake disaster. (Oct-25, Reuters)

 

Food

Nearly 500,000 people have received WFP high-energy food rations, however, over 1 million people need food. Affected communities have some food stocks for the winter, but these will deteriorate without proper shelter. (Oct-24, UNOCHA)

 

According to the USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) there is no acute food security crisis in affected areas. (Oct-24, USAID)

 

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)

 

In Muzaffarabad and Bagh, the pipe network was damaged, ceasing all water distribution. Safe water and sanitation have been restored in some parts. (Oct-23, 25, UNOCHA)

 

There is a shortage of prefabricated latrine slabs according to UNICEF. OXFAM supplying 1,000 plastic slabs and UNICEF has contracted the construction of 1,000 metal latrine slabs at a rate of 100 a day. (Oct-24, USAID)

 

Some 50,000 purification sets have been given to hikers heading on foot to remote communities. (Oct-22, UNOCHA)

 

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

 

THW has installed two water treatment plants in Muzaffarabad and Balakot which are producing 250,000 liters a day, to supply 17,000 people. (Oct-17, UNOCHA) Six plants will be set up n Batagram, Balakot, and other areas. (Oct-22, UNOCHA)

Public Health/Medical

No disease outbreaks have been reported thus far. (Oct-24, USAID)

 

WHO field offices are operational in five of the most affected locations: Bagh, Balakot, Mansehra, Muzaffarabad, and Rawalkot. Mental health activities have begun in Muzaffarabad and Mansehra. (Oct-25, USAID)

 

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)

 

Pakistani health officials say that 34 international medical teams are assisting the health ministry with some 17 field hospitals. (Oct-24, PakistanTimes)

 

UNOCHA reports an increasing rate of infections and gangrene. (Oct-24, UNOCHA)

 

OCHA says that illnesses caused by cold weather, lack of basic services are on the rise in Jhelum Valley. Danger of second wave of deaths if efforts not stepped up. (Oct-25, DFID)

 

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) with more than 100 US soldiers arrived in Muzaffarabad. (Oct-24, AP)

 

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)

 

Medical Assistance Programs International (MAP) say it has airlifted from Europe 3 Emergency Health Kits to serve the needs of 30,000 people for 90 days. (Oct-24, MAP)

 

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) Over 13,000 children have been immunized in Muzaffarabad. (Oct-24, 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) opened a 100-bed field hospital in Muzaffrabad on October 21. (Oct-21, ICRC)

 

Nine UN Population Fund (UNFPA) mobile health units are serving over 2,000 patients a day in Muzaffarabad and Mansehra. (Oct-22, UNOCHA)

 

(continued next page)

 

 

UNOCHA says shelter remains greatest priority. (Oct-25, UNOCHA)

 

In Bagh, Pakistani military is providing shelter repair/construction kits to allow people to rebuild their homes. (Oct-24, USAID)

 

UNHCR says that the Pakistani government has asked the UNHCR to set up temporary camps for the displaced. UNHCR has set up 4 temporary camps with the military in Balakot and Batagram. (Oct-25, UNHCR)

 

Rashid Kalikov, UN coordinator for humanitarian assistance in Muzaffarabad, said some 800,000 people have no shelter at all. (Oct-24, AP)

 

Some 62,000 tents have been delivered, around 200,000 will be in the country at the start of the winter, which will only shelter less than half the homeless families. NATO/UNHCR airlift will bring some 15,000 tents in the next couple of days. (Oct-25, UNOCHA) Up to 210,000 additional winterized tents are needed, along with an additional 2 million blankets and sleeping bags. (Oct-23, 24, UNOCHA)

 

Over 90,000 people require shelter in Batagram. (Oct-23, UNOCHA)

 

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)

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. Most seriously affected areas are in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK) in thousands of villages over 28,000 square km. Most roads and bridges were destroyed. (Oct-25, WFP)

 

 

90% of the structures in Bagh have totally collapsed, almost 100 percent of structures in Nasera district in Jhelum Valley have collapsed. (Oct-23, 25UNOCHA)

 

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)

 

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)

 

Indian intelligence sources warned the JamaÕat ul Dawa (JuD) group, linked to the Kashmiri separatist Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has set up relief camps in PcK, close to the LoC, where the Pakistani military has been unable to reach. (Oct-25, PTI)

 

 

India

 

Overview

 

The latest reported death toll has remained at 1,400 in Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) from a 7.6-magnitude earthquake that centered in neighboring northern Pakistan. More than 7,000 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).

 

The governmentÕs distribution of cash relief from the Natural Calamity Relief Fund (NCRF) 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 for the rebuilding of destroyed homes. Government financial compensation is being disbursed through mobile banks in remote areas. (Oct-21, Times of India) According to Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Hakim Mohammad Yasin (Monday, October 24), cash relief worth 90 million Indian rupees (US$2 million) have been distributed in quake-hit areas of IcK. Yasin made the statement after chairing a high-level government meeting in the main city of Srinagar. (Oct-24, PTI)

 

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. Shelter remains the top relief priority. 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) International and domestic aid agencies also have to contend with frequent security checks and roadblocks. Some agencies have been building base camps to overcome this problem. Reception from survivors also remain top priority. Over the weekend, four Rotary International tents were burnt down in Baramullah by a mob coming out of mosques following rumors that the organization was involved in conversion and Òanti-IslamicÓ acts. (Oct-24, SC)

 

India-based Academy for Disaster Management Education Planning and Training (ADEPT) relief organization 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, 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. Indian military says it will take at least another 15 days to acquire more tents and materials for further distribution – but many villagers in remote areas with no shelter say they may not survive that long. (Oct-25, Daily Excelsior)

 

The IcK government has appealed for 35,000 more tents from other states and tent manufacturers in India. (Oct-19, AFP) According to ADEPT, up to 1 million people and their livestock (a valuable commodity) need housing aid for winter. Many of them are living in makeshift tent cities made of items such as plastic awnings, old signboards and other scavenged materials due to lack of tents. (Oct-23, ADEPT) 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. Although at least 35,000 tents are needed in the region, only about 14,000 tents and 300,000 blankets have been distributed to about 38,000 families. (Oct-25, Daily Excelsior) 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. Officials say 2,000 tents expected from Lebanon, and another 1,000 expected from Georgia. (Oct-22, Daily Excelsior)

 

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. Asim Kuharan, Joint Secretary of Disaster Management at the Ministry of Home Affairs, said at least 107 centers are planned in Uri and Tangdar areas in Baramulla and Kupwara districts respectively, the two worst-hit areas, would be constructed through mid-November (Oct-21, Kashmir Times). Land for 45 centers already identified. Each center will accommodate 100 to 200 people, and will be later converted into schools or health care centers. Officials 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.

 

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)

 

Although there are no threats of disease, epidemic control units have been established at Uri and Tanghdar by the health services department. Officials say that all 142 affected villages have been visited by medical teams. (Oct-24, PTI) However, there are still local media reports that many small, remote villages in Uri have yet to receive relief due to damaged roads. (Oct-23, Kashmir Times)

 

Light to moderate rain/snow is forecast over the region for the next two days. Heavy rains and bad weather expected in next few days. (Oct-25, IMD)

 

India and Pakistan are due to hold talks on opening the disputed Line of Control (LoC) in the restive Kashmir region this weekend so Indian aid workers can assist quake victims in quake-hit northern Pakistan. (Oct-24, AFP) India said today (Tuesday, October 25) that three border relief camps on the disputed Line of Control (LoC) in Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) are now ÒoperationalÓ to provide relief to victims in quake-hit Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK). However, the Indian army also reported today that Pakistan has stopped setting up similar relief camps on their side of the border. (Oct-25, PTI) On Saturday (October 22), India offered to set up three relief centers on the LoC, Kaman near Aman Setu in Uri district, Tithwal in Tangdhar and Chakan Da Bagh in Poonch. All three areas have been worst-hit in IcK. In return, Pakistan has given a formal proposal for five border checkpoints to be opened, including the three already proposed by India, with two additional points in Suchtgarh and Rajouri. (Oct-22, Dawn) The relief camps set up in IcK include a hospital, a meeting place for divided families from both sides of Kashmir, a media center and a relief center. In addition, the Indian Army said a road linking Poonch and PcK has been completed. (Oct-25, PTI) However, analysts believe that the lack of infrastructure between IcK and PcK will also hamper the movement of relief items into PcK. India also sent three relief consignments to Pakistan as part of continuing goodwill between the two countries. (Oct-14, PTI)

 

Meanwhile, police today detained a separatist IcK leader, Nayeem Khan, after he attempted to cross the LoC to help PcK victims. Other separatists, including those from the main separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) alliance, have expressed a desire to cross, but will wait for the proper authorization.

 

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). The previous 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 shelters and the protection of the rights of victims. (Oct-14, Kashmir Times) Both 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 requested by the Indian government

 

ATHROT, a relief action program for IcK-based NGO, has been set up by a number of independent voluntary organization and individuals, such as the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, Doctors Offering Care and Kashmir Times Publications, to coordinate the efforts of private voluntary organizations. ATHROT opening centers in Uri, Salamabad, Karnah, Tangdhar, Teetwal, Keran and Machhil for relief distribution. (Oct-24, Kashmir Times)

 

To address coordination problems, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) established a disaster response force with Army and paramilitary personnel. (Oct-18, Kashmir Times)

 

The state and federal government on Monday (October 17) agreed on a three-pronged rehabilitation strategy: Financial assistance, short-term construction of community shelters and long-term construction of quake-resistant infrastructure. (Oct-14, BBC News)

 

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

 

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)

 

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) held meeting on October 14 on information-sharing with other agencies and NGO partners in the affected areas (Oct-15, AFP)

 

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has a Control Room functioning around the clock that is closely monitoring the situation. (Oct-12, MHA)

 

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), 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 providing relief in partnership with HelpAge India and Help the Aged. Relief is being carried by foot to areas around Uri. (Oct-17, HelpAge International)

 

Save the Children 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 Rajouri, with Air India flying food and other supplies from Delhi to Srinagar free of charge. (Oct-13, Alertnet) SC has established base camps in Tangdhar (Kupwara) and Uri (Baramullah), reducing difficulties caused by bad weather and frequent security checks at roadblocks. (Oct-25, SC)

Logistics

Border Roads Organization (BRO) says road from Baramulla to Kaman Bridge on Line of Control will be operational by December 15. (Oct-17, Times of India) BRO says that it would take 8 to 10 days to re-open Uri-Muzaffarabad road due to dangerous landslides and damaged areas. (Oct-25, Kashmir Times)

 

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

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. 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)

 

According to a local doctor, most people in the area already suffer from malnutrition, making them especially vulnerable to lack of food.

Water and Sanitation

Water and electricity supplies 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

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

Government says so far, 66 ambulances are being used. 12,725 injured have been treated at camp hospital in Uri, and another 7,500 have been treated in Tangdhar. (Oct-24, PTI)

 

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 Uri in and two other mobile medical units to the outlying villages. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

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. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

The Academy for Disaster Management Education, Planning and Training (ADEPT) is working the Catholic Diocese of Jammu, along with ADEPT partner Christian Medical College, to provide medical services in Uri, Baramulla. (Oct-23, ADEPT) CMC Ludhiana, partner of ADEPT, has set up base camp in Baramulla in order to provide medical services to surrounding villages. (Oct-25, ADEPT)

 

Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) recruited help to bolster counseling centers for mental trauma. (Oct-15, AFP) MSF teams are working in the towns of Baramullah, Uri and Srinagar and Tangdar. (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

Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Hakim Mohammad Yasin said the government has been readying timber in the worst-hit areas of Uri in Baramulla district and Tangdhar in Kupwara district so survivors can repair their homes or supplement their shelter. There are about 13500 cft timber available in Uri and 1200 cft at Tangdhar, with another 40,000 cft in storage in Sopore and Baramulla. 273 mts of CGI sheets, and 20,000 bags of cements are also being made available. As in Pakistan, there is an acute shortage of winterized tents in IcK. (Oct-24, PTI)

 

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)

 

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in cooperation with the Indian Red Cross (IRC), 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). The ICRC has contributed 49,000 blankets, 7,316 kitchen sets, 600 tents and 400 tarpulins to the Indian Red Cross. (Oct-22, ICRC)

 

The Jammu Red Cross Society has provided 2,000 blankets, 90 tents, and other items to Poonch district. (Oct-14, Kashmir Times) Indian Red Cross Society has distributed over 10,800 blankets, over 1,800 kitchen sets, 330 tents and 1,300 food packs, as well as plastic sheeting and clothing. Over 11,600 blankets, 1,900 kitchen sets and 170 tents are on the way to the area around Uri. (Oct-22, ICRC)

 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has airlifted 5,800 tents, 124,000 blankets, 10,000 woolen pieces of clothes and 1,870 tarpaulines. (Oct-14, PTI)

 

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)

 

ADEPT plans to providing shelter items for affected from base camp in Baramulla. (Oct-25, ADEPT)

 

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)

 

Save the Children ordering 6,000 tents. Survey team being hired to rebuild earthquake-proof shelters – will be surveying villages to determine shelter options w/ other agencies. (Oct-24, SC)

 

Infrastructure

About 70% of homes have been severely damaged in the town of Uri, which has a population of 30,000. According to the government, 42,750 homes have been destroyed and another 73,450 damaged. (Oct-23, ADPET)

 

GOI has set up four telecom facilitation centers in Srinagar, Jammu, Uri and Tangdhar to facilitate conversations between family members across the Line of Control (LoC) in badly-affected Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK). (Oct-18, Hindustan Times)

 

Wireless communication network functional in Uri and Tangdhar. (Oct-15, UNDP)

 

Power Development Department (PDD) has suffered losses of 290 million rupees in IcK. At least 1,000 transformers have been damaged. (Oct-14, PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department has begun repairing damaged infrastructure. (Oct-23, ADEPT)

 

Traffic on National Highway 1A between Srinagar-Tangdhar and Srinagar-Rui disrupted due to landslides. (Oct-15, UNDP)

Security

Truce was called on October 10 by 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) 31 Hindus fled from their homes in Rajouri district over the weekend after being warned by militant that they would massacred. (Oct-25, Times of India)

 

Junior Education Minister of IcK, Ghulam Nabi Lone shot and killed on October 18 in Srinagar. Indian intelligence sources have warned that the JamaÕat ul Dawa (JuD) group, linked to the Kashmiri separatist Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), have set up relief camps in PcK, close to the LoC, where the Pakistani military has been unable to reach. In addition, at least 7 people, including 3 civilians, were injured today when militants threw a grenade at a security post in Srinagar. (Oct-25, Hindustan Times)

 

The Global Green Peace group today warned that shifting of thousands of landmines along the disputed Line of Control (LoC) may pose a danger for survivors and aid workers. The militarized zone is one of the largest mined areas in the world. (Oct-20, Hindustan Times)