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South Asia Earthquake Update

 

November 7, 2005

 

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

 

 

Table of Contents:

 

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

India .....................................page 13

 

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 73,000 in Pck and in NWFP, officials estimate the death toll to climb as more areas become accessible. Quake has left over 79,000 people injured and an estimated 3.3 million displaced or homeless. Over 80 percent of the structures have been destroyed in the affected areas, while continuing aftershocks are threatening the structures that are still standing. A severe aftershock measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale shook Islamabad, NWFP and PcK early on Sunday (November 6) injuring seven people in Lundi village in Batagram district in NWFP after their home collapsed. (Nov-7, TN) The Government of Pakistan (GOP) estimates the cost to rebuild the quake-affected areas to cost US$5 billion.

 

Due to dramatic elevations and a larger geographic area shelter and logistics remain top priorities. (Oct-24, DFID) With the onset of winter and continuing rains and thunderstorms, concerns are mounting for survivors, many of whom are without shelter. GOP says 123 tent villages have been set up in lower lying areas of Kashmir and NWFP. (Nov-7, AP). Four more government relief camps planned on outskirts of Islamabad. (Nov-3, Frontier Post) Eighteen government/international camps housing about 3,000 families in and around Mansehra, Muzaffarabad and Bagh. (Nov-2, UNHCR)

 

Government of Pakistan (GOP) has called for international assistance. 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) WFP-led survey recommends assistance to urban areas for next two months and in rural areas until the end of February. (Oct-28, WFP) Pakistan Army Survey Group developed database up to union council level of aid organizations and volunteers in NWFP. Database has been turned over to Revenue Department. (Nov-2, GOP)

 

Confirmed contributions to the UN Flash Appeal stand at US$ 84 million out of the USD 550 million requested (15% funded). An additional US$ 48 million has been pledged. The lack of funding is affecting helicopter operations, and WFP now has to borrow money to keep relief operations running. (Nov-5, OCHA)

 

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. The team is expected to submit its report by mid-November. (Oct-21, Reuters) Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan will host international conference on November 18-19 to raise funds for reconstruction. He said so far, US$1.7 billion has been pledged or committed by world for quake relief, while US$257 million (Rs. 15.2 billion) were pledged domestically. (Oct-28, The News) Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has approved 2 billion Pakistani Rs (US$33.3 million) for reconstruction of homes, at a meeting of the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA). Priority given to rebuilding infrastructure in the first phase. (Oct-28, AP)

 

Total contribution towards humanitarian effort in Pakistan (including bilateral, NGOs, UN agencies, etc): US$251 million committed; US$1.05 billion pledged. Total: US$1.3 billion. (Oct-27, DFID) Pakistan yesterday (Thursday, October 28) circulated a draft resolution calling on the UN General Assembly to urge world to Òswiftly deliverÓ pledged funds for relief and rehabilitation Ð action expected on November 14. (Oct-28, The News)

 

Logistics and access to affected areas continue to be the biggest challenge for relief operations. Most mountain communities traditionally have thousands of tons of food trucked up to them before the winter each year. Lack of roads mean helicopters are primary means of delivery (Oct-28, Reuters). President Musharraf said 122 helicopters from NATO Allies, UN, GOP and from all over the world are operating in Pakistan to help with earthquake relief efforts. He said an additional 65 helicopters, 25 each from NATO and the US and 15 from ICRC were arriving soon. (Nov-1, TN) Highest priority for movements via the NATO airbridge is given to tents, blankets, stoves and medical supplies. (Oct-30, NATO). UNHCR will extend and expand joint emergency airlift with NATO. First phase of airlift, operating out of the Turkish airbase, Incirlik, is due to end this weekend. Second phase from Incirlik, as well as Denmark and Jordan, to begin almost immediately. UNHCRÕs five emergency teams in Muzaffarabad, Balakot, Bagh, Mansehra and Batagram, working with domestic and international NGOs to distribute relief items. (Nov-3, Reuters) WFP warned it will scale back relief helicopter flights Òwithin the next three or four daysÓ due to funding shortages, and will be unable to position winter food stocks over next four weeks. WFP handles most air support for about 30 UN and independent aid agencies. Agency has received about a tenth of US$100 million emergency appeal. (Nov-3, Reuters) Some 150,000 people remain in areas largely cut off by landslides. Helicopter relief is the only means of delivery of relief supplies. (Nov-6, Reuters)

 

UNHCR, which is providing essential camp management, may have to leave if it does not receive the US$30 million it needs to operate for the month of November. ÒWe can see more and more people coming down from the hills for help, but there is little we can offer them,Ó said UNHCR communications manager Vivan Tan. She said that although relief agencies were looking to non-tent solutions to fill an acute tent shortage, Ò[We] can only work on a model once we know how much money we have got.Ó(Nov-4, Reuters)

 

Pakistani army is struggling to clear roads that are being repeatedly blocked by fresh landslides in places such as Neelum Valley and Battagram area. Moving heavy equipment to clear roads is also major logistical challenge. Officials say seasonal roads are often closed every winter, and after snow begins to fall, will not be usable until April or even May. (Nov-3, AFP) The weather for the weekend is forecast to be generally dry, but isolated thundershowers are expected on Sunday (November 6). (Nov-6, Met Office)

 

The Pakistan Federal Relief Commission (FRC) plans to set up more emergency tent villages in valleys below 1,500 meters (4,921 feet). GOP and UN estimates 100,000 - 150,000 people in high-altitude zones will need to move before winter in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) alone. (Nov-3, IRIN) IOM plans to conduct emergency shelter program for 70,000 beneficiaries above the snow line. IOM has also been requested by GOP to facilitate movement of evacuees from Ôat-riskÕ areas (such as Allai in Battagram). (Nov-3, UN) Many villagers reluctant to leave home due to cultural concerns, particularly, security for female family members. (Nov-3, IRIN)

 

An increasing number of people from Allai Valley are arriving at various locations along the Karakorum Highway and around Batagram city, and more are expected to descend to the lower grounds in the coming weeks. Some 80,000 people in Allai Valley and an additional 60,000 in Kaghan Valley may need to move to lower grounds to escape death and disease due to exposure to harsh winter. UN OCHA is urging careful monitoring of population movements, especially near Muzaffarabad, to get a good sense about how many people are remaining in their villages vs those migrating to other locations (Nov-5, 6, OCHA, Reuters).

 

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said presence of foreign forces did not pose a security threat to Pakistan. Currently, about 925 US troops and nearly 1,000 NATO personnel are on the ground in Pakistan helping with the relief efforts. (Nov-1, Reuters) US military says that it intends to conduct airlifts through the winter, and will not be affected by UN funding shortfall. (Nov-2, Reuters) Over 75,000 Pakistani Army troops are deployed in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK) and North West Frontier Province (NWFP). (Nov-4, The News)

 

UNOCHA has set up 10 clusters at each humanitarian hub to better coordinate humanitarian relief operations across sectors and to avoid any duplication of efforts. These clusters cover areas such as food & nutrition, water & sanitation, health, Emergency shelter, early recovery and reconstruction, IT/communication, logistics, camp management, protection and education. (Nov-1, OCHA)

 

Shelter items most urgent relief priority under GOP National Action Plan combining Shelter and Camp Management. Due to constraints, NGOs have begun to use alternative, indigenous materials for constructing cheap but sturdy stand-alone shelters, and tentatively distributing second type of shelter repair kit. (Nov-3, Reuters) So far, an estimated 500,000 tents are needed, but only 265,301 tents have been distributed, according to the government. (Nov-2, GOP) ÒOperation Winter RaceÓ teams, during the first-week pilot phase of their operation, have placed mixed-gender teams in mountain villages and have assisted in erecting 160 shelters to date. The goal is to increase their number to 20 five-persons teams, able to assist 20-30 families per day/per team with shelter kits and non-food items. (Nov-5, OCHA)

 

Based on findings, WFP raised the number of people who need food for the winter from 1 million to 2.3 million. (Oct-28, WFP) USAID reports that since most roads are blocked or partially blocked, food distributions are occurring at roadblocks as far into valleys as possible Ð from these distribution points, mule packs carry food further. Although many roads have been blocked, accessible back trails allow villagers to travel from higher to lower elevations to access markets. People have significant stocks of food because of recent harvest. (Nov-3, USAID)

 

The UN said there were no reports of epidemics, but said the health infrastructure in affected areas had virtually collapsed. Hundreds of cases of pneumonia are being treated in quake-affected areas in Pakistan. 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. Aid agencies warn of second wave of deaths due to cold weather and exposure. (Oct-24, DFID). Local media have reported four cold-related deaths in quake-affected areas. (Nov-1, DPA). GOP, with the help of WHO, has set up an Disease Early Warning and Surveillance Network (DEWS) to identify and respond to any disease outbreaks in quake-affected areas. (Oct-23, DPA). UN reports sharp increase in acute respiratory infection that can lead to pneumonia. 8,764 Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARI) and 444 cases of scabies reported. 1,113 cases of tetanus, with 44 deaths. Seven diarrhea deaths also reported in NWFP. (Nov-3, Reuters, GOP, WHO). Hundreds of pneumonia cases are reportedly being treated. Hundreds of thousands without shelter in remote mountainous areas with sub-zero temperatures are facing death or disease unless they are moved to lower grounds with food and shelter. (Nov-6, Reuters). Health Ministry requires Rs100 million to continue medical relief activities for 28 field hospitals. (Nov-3, Dawn).

 

GOP and GOI have set up crossing points along the LoC at Nauser-Teethwal, Chakothi-Uri, Hajipur-Uri, Rawalakot-Poonch and Tattapni-Mendhar. (Oct-31, Reuters) allowing people to cross the border on foot to seek assistance from the relief camps set up by the two countries. Pakistan has said that it has set up two relief camps and a field hospital in these areas, while India said last week that three relief camps at these points were operational. (Oct-31, Reuters) The first of five planned crossings on the disputed Line of Control (LoC) occurred today (Monday, November 7), in a landmark event intended to facilitate aid to quake victims. However, hundreds of people protested in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK), after the crossing was opened to relief materials carried by authorities, but not to civilians. (Nov-7, BBC, Reuters)

 

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. US Ambassador to Pakistan, Ryan Crocker, said that there is no time frame for US troops assisting in quake relief Ð may take several months. (Oct-26, Hindustan Times) 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.

 

Response to UNÕs US$550 million Emergency Consolidated Appeal:

 

WFP has received US$9.81 million out of its US$56 million emergency appeal to provide food support to one million people over next six months from Saudi Arabia, Japan, Denmark, Australia, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. (Oct-27, WFP)

 

WFP has received US$9.8 million out of its US$100 million separate appeal for air support from Canada, the US, the UK and Switzerland. (Oct-27, WFP)

 

 

Sector Status

Affected Population

4 million affected; estimated 3.3 million displaced or homeless scattered across 15,000 villages. (Nov-1, OCHA) Nearly half of the four million affected people are in PcK and another 1.3 million in NWFP.

 

Death toll is at 73,276; injured is at 69,260 (Nov-5, OCHA)

 

UNICEF estimates some 1.6 million to 2.2 million children were affected by the earthquake and 17,000 children killed while attending school. (Oct-31, AFP) UNICEF estimated earlier 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)

 

OCHA says some 250,000 above snow line face life-threatening situation. (Nov-4, OCHA)

Coordination

UNOCHA says the UN Country Team is preparing a document to reflect priority activities to be undertaken by principal UN agencies on the ground during November before winter begins. (Nov-4, UNOCHA)

 

A humanitarian planning cell has been established in Muzaffarabad; in Batagram, four cluster groups have been established: Health, Emergency Shelter, Water and Sanitation, Food and Nutrition. (Nov-4, UNOCHA)

 

GOP presented its National Action Plan on November 1 which will provide a framework for the development of the international aid response. (Nov-1, OCHA)

 

Pakistan and India made an unprecedented agreement to open the disputed Line of Control (LoC). Pakistani and Indian officials agreed that Kashmiri families and relief items will be allowed across five points on foot, not on vehicles.

 

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.

 

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)

 

A Humanitarian Information Centre (HIC) has been set up within the UNDAC/UN coordination centre. (Oct-14, UNOCHA) A UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator will be based in Muzaffarabad. (Oct-19, UNOCHA)

 

The UN has created 4 humanitarian hubs in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Mansehra and Batagram. Another hub being considered at Balakot. DFID says OCHA Senior strategic advisor has arrived and will help bring clusters together, improve communications and strengthen links with GOP. (Nov-7, DFID)

 

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

 

Ten sectoral coordination clusters were established to bring together the government, UN agencies, NGOs, IOs, militaries, and donors. (Oct-22, UNOCHA) These clusters cover areas such as food & nutrition, water & sanitation, health, emergency shelter, early recovery and reconstruction, IT/communication, logistics, camp management, protection and education. (Nov-1, OCHA)

 

The NATO Deployed Joint Task Force (DJTF) is coordinating NATO relief activities with Pakistani officials. (Oct-27, Dawn)

 

Pakistani army has opened three more military bases at Dhamial, Peshawar and Tarbela to assist in relief operations. Army is operating six forward bases in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalkot, Balakot, Batgram and Mansehra. The army has also set up three main reporting and information centers at Havelian, Mansehra, and Gahri Habibullah. (Oct-27, DPA) Network of some 45 Army points in place. There are six major points, three each in NWFP at Mansehra, Balakot and Batagram, and Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawalkot in PcK. (Oct-19, Jang)

 

WFP has established 4 base camps to provide office and sleeping accommodations to UN and I/NGOs in the field Ð open to reservations on first come, first served basis. (Nov-4, WFP)

Logistics

UNHAS will set up Joint Operations Center in Abbottabad for transit of helicopters. (UNJLC)

 

OCHA says an Interagency Transport and Logistic Operations Plan have been created and the recently created Joint Government/UN Logistics Cell is operating. (Nov-1, OCHA)

 

UNHCR says it has set up a new relief supply line from Iran on October 26 from its Kermanshah warehouse near the border with Iraq. (Oct-28, UNHCR)

 

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)

 

A joint NATO-UNHCR airlift from Incirlik airbase in Turkey will ferry 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)

 

International Financial Assistance

Confirmed contributions to the UN Flash Appeal is at US$84 million out of US$550 million requested (15% funded). An additional US$48 million has been pledged. UNOCHA says lack of funding is affecting helicopter operations. (Nov-5, UNOCHA)

 

US$1.7 billion has been pledged or committed by international donors, while US$257 million was pledged domestically. (Oct-28, The News)

 

International donors and representatives from some 60 nations around the world pledged US$580 million at a donorÕs conference at UN headquarters in Geneva on October 26.  Ahead of the conference, the UN had revised its consolidated flash appeal on October 25 from US$312 million to US$549.5 million.  However, UN officials say only US$15.8 million of the new money was pledged to its emergency flash appeal, aimed at providing food and shelter to over 2 million homeless people.  Most of the pledges are earmarked for reconstruction.  The UN is seeking the US$549.5 million to cover immediate life-saving and early recovery needs for the first six months of the emergency phase and says it has received some US$122 million in pledges of which US$67.8 million is in firm commitments. 

Food

WFP reports 6,055 MT of food have been distributed as of November 1. (Nov-3, USAID) WFP says that 2.3 million people in need of food aid for at least 2 months in urban areas and at least 4 months in rural areas. (Nov-2, WFP)

 

WFP says six out of nine districts affected by the earthquake were in the most food insecure parts of Pakistan. According to an assessment carried out by WFP with support from UNICEF and Oxfam, priority should be given to the estimated 200,000 people living in the most difficult to reach areas in Neelam, Jahlum, Kargan and Naran Valley as well as upper parts of Alai which may soon become cut off by snow for several months. Half of rural households lost most or all of their grain and a quarter of livestock was killed. (Oct-28, WFP)

 

Eight NGOs are partnering with WFP. (Oct-28, WFP) Save the Children Alliance has begun distributing food to 187,000 survivors in Abottabad, Batagram and Mansehra in North West Frontier Province (NWFP). (Nov-3, SCA)

 

Water and Sanitation

Oxfam says it has started installing sanitation facilities in emergency settlements in and around the city of Bagh. About 70 percent of the cityÕs water supply was reportedly destroyed form the quake. Medecins sans Frontieres (Belgium), Islamic Relief and Muslim Hands will take care of the rest of the camps. (Nov-7, IRIN)

 

OCHA planning figures say 3.2-3.5 million require Wat/San support. (Nov-1, OCHA)

 

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)

 

Public Health/Medical

Measles and tetanus vaccinations continue. (Nov-7, DFID)

 

Diarrhea on increase in Battagram, with 4 child deaths reported in Tandol village. (Nov-7, DFID) Hundreds of cases of pneumonia reported by aid workers.

 

UNOCHA planning figures cite some 3.2 million to 3.5 million need medical care. (Nov-1, OCHA) More than 79,000 injured.

 

22 international field hospitals operational, with bed capacity for 1,252 patients. 11 mobile medical teams (Nov-7, DFID) WHO says that latest assessments show 291 health facilities destroyed and 74 partially damaged out of a total of 564. Less than half continue to operate. (Oct-28, WHO) OCHA reports that up to 4 million people require primary health facilities, 75,000 hospital treatment, with 9,000 pregnant women and 600,000 children under five, as well as those disabled, in acute need of treatment. (Nov-1, OCHA)

 

NWFP government has unveiled its plan for the reconstruction of damaged hospitals, and other health care centers. Officials say the plan will be discussed on Wednesday (November 9). (Nov-7, Khaleej Times)

 

The Pakistan Federal Relief Commission asked for medicines and equipment, including antibiotics, painkillers, 100 specialist beds for spinal injuries and dozens of operating tables. (Nov-1, Reuters) The commissioner appealed for more vaccines, especially for tetanus. (Nov-2, BBC)

 

UN says sharp increase in number of ARIÕs. 7 deaths from water-borne diseases reported in NWFP. (Nov-3, Reuters) 8,764 Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARI) and 444 cases of scabies reported, 1,113 tetanus cases reported. (Nov-2, DFID) WHO says that 24 more people have died of tetanus infections, raising the total deaths to 44. More than 140 patients are estimated to be infected with tetanus. WHO says around 4 million doses of the tetanus vaccine should arrive in Islamabad in a few days. (Nov-1, DPA)

 

DPA, citing the local newspaper daily Ausaf, said that at least 4 people have died due to the cold in affected areas. (Nov-1, DPA)

 

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

 

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 has set up a website to facilitate information exchange between health partners at www.whopak.org. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

Shelter

ÒOperation Winter RaceÓ teams have placed mixed-gender teams in villages and have assisted in erecting shelters. Goal is to increase the number to 20 five-person teams. (Nov-5, OCHA)

 

GOP will start handing out compensation payments of Rps 25,000 (US$418) for loss of houses. (Nov-5, UNOCHA)

 

Some 2.5 million have lost their homes. 2.2 million people are in rural areas, 100,000 in semi-urban areas and 200,000 in urban areas. (Nov-7, DFID)

 

19 GOP/international camps established in and around Mansehra, Bagh and Muzaffarabad. WFP to provide food for camps. (Nov-7, DFID)

 

315,647 tents distributed, another 56,000 available in a week. 500,000 tents needed. (Nov-7, DFID)

 

UNHCR says working on categorizing spontaneous settlements to better coordinate aid. (Nov-7, DFID)

 

ICRC is now planning to assist at least 200,000 people, instead of 150,000 Ð half by air in Neelum Valley in remote villages, and other half by road in Jhelum Valley and Muzaffarabad. Will give tarpaulins and blankets first, then distribute two-month, instead of three-month food rations for winter. (Nov-4, ICRC)

 

Shelter is number one priority under the GOP National Action Plan. (Nov-3, IOM)

 

Pakistani Federal Minister for Environment Tahir Iqbal says GOP will establish 3-4 relief camps outside of Islamabad. (Nov-3, Frontier Post)

 

Federal Relief Commissioner Khan said that GOP had established 58 tent villages which sheltered some 36,000 people. (Nov-2, BBC)

 

Infrastructure

Planning figures from OCHA say 70% of houses destroyed, 30% damaged. (Nov-1, OCHA)

 

USAID says almost 90 percent of schools destroyed. USAID working with UNICEF to restart schools. (Oct-27, USAID) UNICEF, quoting GOP estimates, said that 6,700 schools were destroyed in NWFP and another 1,300 destroyed in PcK. (Oct-31, AFP)

 

In Nheelum Valley, almost 90-100% of buildings were destroyed. (Oct-27, UNOCHA) 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)

 

Security

Cluster strategy focuses on the needs of the vulnerable population, with focus on women and children (between 1.6 to 2.2 million) (Nov-1, OCHA)

 

UNICEF, together with the Ministry of Social Welfare, have begun registering children living in emergency settlements. UNOCHA reports at least 4,000 children have been registered thus far. (Nov-1, UNOCHA) The first ÒChild Friendly SpaceÓ was expected to be launched Oct-28 at the edge of Balakot city. (Oct-28, WVI) World Vision is focusing on child protection and plans to establish 20 Child Friendly Spaces to support three camps. (Oct-21, WVI) Another 14 are planned (with total of 17) to be running for at least 12 months. (Nov-4, World Vision) Save the Children has established 3 safe play spaces for Mera, Jasul and Batagram villages of Batagram. (Oct-31, STC)

 

 

 

 

 

India

 

 

Overview

 

The latest official death toll reported at 1,309 in Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) from a 7.6-magnitude earthquake centered in neighboring northern Pakistan. Officially, 6,622 people reportedly injured and 150,000 displaced (Oct-17, AFP). Worst-hit areas are around Tangdhar and Uri towns in Kupwara and Baramulla districts respectively in IcK, along the disputed Line of Control (LoC). Third worst-hit area is Poonch district. The governmentÕs main priority right now is provision of shelter through tents, repair of homes, reconstruction of homes and community shelters to last through the winter.

 

GovernmentÕs distribution of cash relief from the Natural Calamity Relief Fund (NCRF) began in Uri and Tangdhar on October 19. Relatives of each casualty receiving 100,000 Indian rupees (US$2,200), while 60,000 Indian rupees (US$1,333) are offered for the rebuilding of destroyed homes. (Oct-26, AFP) Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) estimates that 120 million Indian Rs (US$2.7 million) in monetary relief had been distributed as of October 25. (Oct-26, MHA) All disbursement expected to be complete by November 15. (Oct-26, AFP) Following the earthquake, the government announced a US$150 million aid package.

 

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 bulk of relief and rehabilitation effort. Local state agencies, social, religious and political organizations, and NGOs also assisting.

 

As in northern Pakistan, aid workers struggle with the mountainous terrain, landslides and increasingly cold weather. (Oct-17, AFP) International and domestic aid agencies also have to contend with frequent security checks and roadblocks. Friendly reception from survivors is also security priority. (Oct-24, SC)

 

International and domestic media continue to report that some remote villages have received little or no aid, which the Indian government repeatedly denies. Residents in Tangdhar and Uri say relief not being fairly distributed. (Oct-31, Kashmir Times) Some villages do not have NGO presence and are completely dependent on the government for relief. (Oct-30, AFP) ATHROT reports the military is collecting back tents distributed to victims, who are now relying on tin sheets distributed by NGOs. (Nov-2, Kashmir Times)

 

Shelter remains the top relief priority. Aside from food and water, fuel to cook food and burn firewood is also an important relief item. (Oct-26, AFP) Urgently needed items include woolen cloths, milk powder, pediatric medicines, childrenÕs footwear, blankets and school kits. (Oct-27, SEEDS) Due to tent shortages, aid agencies, such as Oxfam, have already implemented programs using alternative, locally acquired materials to create winterized shelters in IcK. (Nov-3, Reuters)

 

Although at least 35,000 tents are needed in the region, only about 12,000 tents and 200,000 blankets have been distributed by the Indian government. (Oct-26, MHA) According to ADEPT, up to 1 million people and their livestock (a valuable commodity) need winter housing. Many living in makeshift tent cities made of items such as plastic awnings, old signboards and other scavenged materials. (Oct-23, ADEPT) ADEPT says efforts must focus on huge logistical problem of distributing tents and setting them up, as it is too late to procure more tents before winter - 80% of villages still lack proper shelter. (Nov-2, ADEPT)

 

GOI also plans to build prefabricated, winterized community centers where people can shelter at night and work outside during the day to rebuild their homes. Survivors have appealed for kangris and bokharis, traditional heaters used in the region that use very little fuel. Aid workers say many villagers have never lived in tents and need education on preventing fires or smoke asphyxiation.

 

Health workers say that although focus has moved from relief and rescue to rehabilitation, there has been a lack of psychological treatment for quake victims, particularly from worst-hit Uri and Tangdhar areas. Even before the earthquake, medical care in remote areas was scarce. Other officials say quake has caused relapse in patients recovering from insurgency-related psychological stress. (Nov-7, Kashmir Times)

 

Pakistan and India on October 29 made an unprecedented agreement to open the disputed Line of Control (LoC) to aid victims of the October 8 earthquake. The crossing points would be located at Nauser-Teethwal, Chakothi-Uri, Hajipur-Uri, Rawalakot-Poonch and Tattapni-Mendhar. (Oct-31, Reuters) The first of five planned crossings on the disputed Line of Control (LoC) occurred today (Monday, November 7), in a landmark event intended to facilitate aid to quake victims. However, hundreds of people protested in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK), after the crossing was opened to relief materials carried by authorities, but not to civilians, forcing police to fire in the air and use tear gas. Both Indian and Pakistani officials have made clear that there would be no mass movement of civilians across the border, and that civilians hoping to cross the LoC would have to go through a stringent application process. The opening of the border is considered highly sensitive as Pakistan does not want the Indian military to view their defenses, while India is worried about the infiltration of Kashmiri separatist militants from PcK. India says that another two crossing points will be opened later this week, including one (Nauser-Teethwal) into PcKÕs quake-hit Neelum Valley, which is currently blocked from urban areas in PcK. Although governments blame a range of logistical problems for delays, observers say political concerns are more to blame. (Nov-7, BBC, Reuters) Road linking Muzzaffarabad, capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK), and Srinagar was re-opened today to light vehicles between Uri and Kaman Post area on the Indian side, a month ahead of schedule. (Nov-3, PTI)

 

International Response

 

India has not asked for international assistance.

 

Sector Status

 

Sector Status

Affected Population

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

 

Caritas India and local partners plans to help over 5,000 children in educational and recreational activities for psycho-social healing. (Oct-25, Caritas)

 

There are 71 widows and 154 children that have lost at least one parent. All 50 widows in Uri and 21 widows in Tangdhar have been given 10,000 Indian Rs (US$220.00) each. (Oct-26, MHA).

 

India-based Academy for Disaster Management Education Planning and Training (ADEPT) says 70% of villages reportedly have no road access and can only be reached by steep mountain trails. Villages are far and wide, some with a population of only 100. (Nov-2, ADEPT) Number of remote villages still not reportedly accessed. (Nov-2, Kashmir Times)

 

Coordination

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

 

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-17, BBC News) Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has a Control Room functioning around the clock that is closely monitoring the situation. (Oct-12, MHA)

 

 

State Cabinet appointed five government officers to coordinate relief and reconstruction: BA Runiyal, Relief Commissioner, will be in charge in Uri; Sharief-ud-Din Ð Srinagar; GM Rather - Tangdhar; Jeet Lal Gupta Ð Poonch. (Oct-16, Daily Excelsior) K Mohinder Singh has been appointed the new relief Commissioner (migrants) in Jammu, relieving Qamar-ud-Din. (Oct-31, Kashmir Times)

 

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)

 

Save the Children 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)

 

Caritas Internationalis has launched an appeal for over US$5.5 million to assist local partner, Caritas India. Caritas India, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and the Catholic Social Service Society (CSSS) of the Jammu and Kashmir Diocese. will provide 4,000 families with essential food and non-food items through end of November. (Oct-25, Caritas) CRS and Caritas India have set up a field office in Baramulla. CRS has distributed relief to more than 10,000 people across 11 mountainous villages. (Nov-3, CRS)

 

At least 11 NGOs from western state of Gujarat, with experience from the 2001 earthquake disaster, including the Center for Environment Education, will aid in rehabilitation work. (Oct-27, Khaleej Times)

 

Logistics

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

GOI has airlifted 22.9 MT of biscuit/food items. (Oct-26, MHA)

 

Indian Red Cross staff involved in relief operations in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Uri. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

UNICEF provided 17 tons of biscuits for children Ð 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

ADEPT reports that many villages need proper training in personal and public hygiene and sanitation, which is leading to increased health problems. (Nov-2, ADEPT)

 

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

 

Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA) conducting wat/san assessments in two villages allocated to them by the government. (Oct-28, EHA)

Public Health/Medical

WHO assessment team reports that earthquake damaged nearly 100 percent of health infrastructure in affected area Ð however, health centers continue to function from alternate locations. (Nov-3, WHO)

 

ADEPT reports large portion of survivors suffering from respiratory infection due to exposure - expected to worsen through winter. Although Indian army provided first aid and transported seriously injured to hospitals, logistical problems prevented follow up Ð making infections from injuries common. (Nov-2, ADEPT) CMC-Catholic relief Ð ADEPT medical teams say that long treks to reach mountain villages limiting ability to cover major portion of affected villages Ð expected to worsen as snow begins to fall. ADEPT plans to identify villagers who can be trained as Emergency Community Health Attendants. (Nov-02, ADEPT)

 

Academy for Disaster Management Education, Planning and Training (ADEPT) 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, set up base camp in Baramulla in order to provide medical services to surrounding villages. (Oct-25, ADEPT)

 

Although no threats of disease, epidemic control units established at Uri and Tanghdar by the health services department. (Oct-24, PTI)

 

The Indian Directorate of Health coordinating medical relief. 21 medical response teams to affected areas. (Oct-15, AFP)

 

GOI has airlifted 111.75 MT of medicine, including 1.75 donated by UNICEF. (Oct-26, MHA)

 

Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) working in Baramullah, Uri and Srinagar and Tangdar. (Oct-20, Reuters)

 

WHO India 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)

 

Caritas India and local partners hope to provide 4,000 families with regular basic health services by March 2006. (Oct-25, Caritas) CRS and partners managing three mobile medical teams and have treated more than 3,500 patients Ð women make up majority of those seeking assistance. (Nov-1, CRS)

 

Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA) providing medical services in Uri, Baramulla. EHA medical team reached Khalsa Ghati village (at 9,000 feet) Ð first team to operate at such a high altitude. Earlier, team had visited Khala village, which was previously not accessed by other medical teams. At Baramulla base camp, EHA provided workshop on trauma counseling. EFICOR members also attended. (Nov-7, EHA)

Shelter

GOI has airlifted about 12,000 tents, 36,153 tarpaulins, 25 poly rolls, 200,000 blankets and 26,000 pieces of woolen clothes. (Oct-26, MHA)

 

IcK Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said houses with minor or partial damage would be given Indian Rs30,000 (US$670) each. Additional monetary assistance of Indian Rs31,000 (US$ 690) per family given for construction of temporary tin and timber shelters before onset of winter. Jammu and Kashmir Bank will also provide soft loans for home reconstruction. (Oct-27, PTI)

 

GOI has made available 135,000 cft (cubic square feet) timber in Uri and 125,000 cft at Tangdhar, with another 40,000 cft in storage in Sopore and Baramulla for rebuilding/repair of shelter. 273 mts of CGI sheets, and 20,000 bags of cements also made available. (Oct-24, PTI) The CGI sheets and timber intended for construction of temporary shelters measuring 150 square feet (14 sq meters). (Oct-27, PTI)

 

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

 

GoI plans at least 107 centers in Uri and Tangdar areas in Baramulla and Kupwara districts respectively, which would be constructed through mid-November (Oct-21, Kashmir Times). Each center will accommodate 100 to 200 people, and later converted into schools or health care centers. (Oct-17, ADEPT) GOI has begun with construction of community centers in Uri, which will hold 600 to 700 people and are expected to be completed in two weeks. (Oct-28, Kashmri Times) The government plans to construct 31 community halls in Uri. (Oct-26, AFP) IcK government is considering relocation of about 900 homeless families, comprising 6,600 people, from seven villages in Tangdhar sector. (Nov-2, PTI)

 

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 Jammu 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)

 

World Vision India said it will be providing tents to 3,000 affected families in the state. (Oct-21, Times of India)

 

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

 

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

 

Caritas providing 3,000 families with emergency tented shelter in Uri. It is hoped that 2,000 families will build transitional homes with adequate sanitation facilities through material and cash-for-work incentives by March 2006. (Oct-25, Caritas)

 

Sustainable Environmental and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) sent second team on October 22 to Poonch, which is also distributing shelter items. (Oct-27, SEEDS) NGO is working with government and other NGOs to establish field workshops to help families construct their own shelters using simple materials. (Nov-2, SEEDS)

 

ATHROT, an umbrella organization of local NGOs, is currently providing shelter items to families in Julla village in Uri, and carrying out assessments. (Oct-31, Kashmir Times)

 

Oxfam has supported over 5,000 people with blankets and plastic sheeting Ð plans to support 20,000 people in total. Investigating alternative shelter options for both low and high-altitude areas. (Nov-3, Oxfam)

 

Infrastructure

According to the government, 42,750 homes have been destroyed and another 73,450 damaged. (Oct-23, ADEPT)

 

Minister for Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir says rehabilitation in Uri and Tangdhar, where some areas experienced 100 percent damage, will take a year. Rehabilitation in Poonch estimated to take two months. (Oct-26, Kashmir Times)

 

Security

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) Two suspected militants were killed in northern Keran sector along the Line of Control (LoC). (Nov-5, AFP). Four people, including two civilians were killed, in militant attacks and clashes in Anantnag and Kupwara districts. A shopkeeper was killed by suspected militants in Udhampur district. (Nov-6, Kashmir Times)

 

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) Aid agencies contending with frequent security checks and roadblocks in the region. (Oct-24, SC)