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South Asia Earthquake Update

 

November 15, 2005

 

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

 

 

 

Table of Contents:

 

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

India .....................................page 15

 

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 now stands at a little over 73,000 in Pck and in NWFP while unconfirmed death toll has climbed to over 86,000. (Nov-8, AP, Dawn) Quake has left over 79,000 people injured and an estimated 3 million displaced or homeless. The earthquake affected nine districts in total: Abbottabad, Batagram, Mansehra, Shangla, and Kohistan in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Muzaffarabad, Neelum, Poonch and Bagh in PcK. Worst affected districts are Muzaffarabad (epicentre), Mansehra and parts of Bagh. Abbottabad is the least affected district by the earthquake. Over 80 percent of the structures have been destroyed in the affected areas, while continuing aftershocks are threatening the structures that are still standing.

 

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. Pakistan's weather office is forecasting as much as 3 meters (10 feet) of snowfall this winter near the epicenter of the quake north of Muzaffarabad. (Nov-8, IHT)

 

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) The Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) is compiling damage data on the city, district and tehsil (regional) levels. (Nov-15, ACT)

 

Confirmed contributions to the UN Flash Appeal stand at US$119 million out of the USD 550 million requested (21% funded) An additional US$40 million pledged. UN agencies still face funding shortfall. (Nov-14, DFID). EU says it is puzzled by UN criticism over low level of donor support for quake-affected northern Pakistan. According to EU Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, UN agencies requested lower levels of aid that were funded quickly. EU said UN was now requesting more funds that would be processed quickly. (Nov-10, 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). (Oct-28, AP) The World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on November 12 released a preliminary assessment that Pakistan needs at least US$5.2 billion for effective relief, recovery and reconstruction. About US$1.092 billion was estimated for relief, US$205 million for death/injury compensation, US$301 million for early recovery and US$97 million for the restoration of livelihoods. In addition, US$3.5 billion was estimated for the physical reconstruction. A companion assessment report by the UN is also expected by to be released during the November 19 donors conference in Islamabad. Pakistan will appeal for US$5.2 billion during the conference. (Nov-12, WB, ADB)

 

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)

 

Government has started distributing compensation packages to affected families – includes 100,000 Pakistani Rs (US$1,700) for death in the family and 25,000 Pakistni Rs (US$417) for loss of house. (Nov-14, DFID) Government reports it has distributed more than 1 billion Pakistani Rs to affected areas in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Rawalakot and Palandri. (Nov-14, GOP)

 

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. WFP has recently begun utilizing mountain experts that access and assess the area on foot, and construct helipads to facilitate relief distribution. (Nov-15, WFP) About 100 helicopters from NATO Allies, UN, GOP and from all over the world are operating in Pakistan to help with earthquake relief efforts (Nov-14, DFID). Highest priority for movements via the NATO airbridge is given to tents, blankets, stoves and medical supplies. (Oct-30, NATO). Second phase of NATO airlift from Incirlik, as well as Denmark and Jordan began at end of October. UNHCR’s five emergency teams in Muzaffarabad, Balakot, Bagh, Mansehra and Batagram, working with domestic and international NGOs to distribute relief items. (Nov-3, Reuters)

 

Pakistani army is struggling to clear roads into Neelum Valley – worried that roads will not be cleared before winter. Roads into Jhelum and Kaghan Valleys cleared. (Nov-14, DFID) 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) WFP reports that new surge in foreign donations (US, Norway, Canada and Denmark), totaling US$14 million, has extended its US$100 million helicopter operation for at least another two months. WFP also reports that accessible areas by land have increased due to road-clearing efforts of Pakistan Army. WFP, which provides air support to UN agencies and partners, continues to work closely with Pakistan Army helicopters for maximum efficiency. (Nov-15, WFP)

 

UN has released Priority Humanitarian Action Plan for November. UN focus includes: Emergency shelter, medical evacuations, pre-positioning of food for 700,000 people, and mobile health services. (Nov-9, DFID) Main priority for the UN is to provide emergency shelter and pre-position food for 200,000 people above the snowline, as well as the 150,000 people that the UN estimates will settle in spontaneous and planned camps and provide general food for 600,000 accessible by road. (Nov-14, Reuters)

 

Eighteen official government/international camps housing about 3,200 families (15,000 individuals) in and around Mansehra, Muzaffarabad and Bagh. Total capacity is for 32,000 families (225,000 individuals). Ninety camps reportedly administered by Pakistan Army (more than half supplied by WFP). (Nov-15, WFP). Pakistan military reports 71 spontaneous tent villages housing some 53,276 people in affected areas. (Nov-14, DFID). The Pakistan Federal Relief Commission (FRC) plans to set up more emergency tent villages in valleys below 1,500 meters (4,921 feet). Many villagers reluctant to leave home due to cultural concerns, particularly, security for female family members. (Nov-3, IRIN)

 

Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) issued guidelines regarding key gender issues to ensure that women are ensured access to emergency relief. Women in the region are often chaperoned and their mobility, especially for widows, may be restricted following the quake. (Nov-15, IASC) USAID notes that relief items often distributed first to men, then female-headed households. (Nov-10, USAID)

 

Concerns over 60,000 people reportedly living above the snowline in Kaghan Valley, and another 100,000 people in the Allai area, near Battagram, that are in urgent need of shelter assistance. (Nov-13, Reuters) GoP is currently facilitating movement of people from ‘at risk’ areas, such as Allai Valley, including registration and transportation of about 100,000 people using transport vehicles. (Nov-11, UN) Oxfam reports that people are leaving higher elevations at a rate of 1,500 a day, potentially overwhelming camps in lower valleys. (Nov-15, Oxfam)

 

Pakistan police clashed with survivors at a spontaneous tent camp in Muzaffarabad, after trying to persuade them to move into properly administered camps. Several people were injured in the clashes. (Nov-12, Reuters)

 

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 392,177 tents have been distributed, according to the government. (Nov-14, DFID) “Operation Winter Race” teams, during the first-week pilot phase of their operation, have placed mixed-gender teams in mountain villages and plans to airlift 10,000 shelter repair kits by end of November. The goal is to increase their number to 20 five-person teams, able to assist 20-30 families per day/per team with shelter kits and non-food items. IOM is spearheading the effort, along with the Pakistan military, Islamic Relief, IFRC, UNJLC and UNHAS. Pakistan Army plans to deploy 180 teams. The operation, which will begin on November 16, is focusing on Neelum Valley this week since it remains cut off by landslides. However, six-day operation was reportedly postponed by a day due to mechanical problems. Other agencies/organizations, including NATO and UNDP, also stepping up shelter provision in affected areas amid forecasts of good weather this week. (Nov-15, Reuters, UN, AFP)

 

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said presence of foreign forces do 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. (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)

 

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) WFP reports that it has only enough supplies to keep feeding 800,000 people till the end of December – aims to feed estimated 1 million people. (Nov-15, The News) USAID reports that since most roads are blocked or partially blocked, food distributions are occurring at roadblocks as far into valleys as possible – from these distribution points, mule packs carry food further. Accessible back trails also allow villagers to travel from higher to lower elevations to access markets (Nov-3, USAID)

 

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) Hundreds of cases of pneumonia are being treated in quake-affected areas in Pakistan. Aid agencies warn of second wave of deaths due to cold weather and exposure. (Oct-24, DFID). 9,000 Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARI), 6,000 cases of diarrhea, 1,130 cases of dysentery, 444 cases of scabies, and 144 cases of tetanus, with 41 deaths reported. (Nov-8, Reuters) Seven diarrhea deaths also reported in NWFP. (Nov-3, Reuters, GOP, WHO). Sporadic cases of measles, meningitis and acute jaundice syndrome reported. Several cases of suspected diphtheria and one related death from Muzaffarabad. (Nov-14, WHO) Immunization drive for 800,000 children was launched against measles, tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria and polio. Spearheaded by UNICEF and conducted in coordination with the Pakistan military, Health Ministry, non-government organizations. UNICEF considers measles biggest threat. UNICEF has already immunized 300,000 children in the past month. (Nov-14, Reuters, AFP)

 

Health experts are calling for improved water and sanitation facilities, and hygienic conditions around camps especially around spontaneous camps. ). Water and sanitation issues have become critical following outbreak of acute watery diarrhea in Muzaffarabad last week – more outbreaks are likely. (Nov-14, DFID) UNHCR spearheading up to 32 teams to improve wat/san hygiene in spontaneous camps. (Nov-14, Reuters) Health Ministry requires Rs100 million to continue medical relief activities for 28 field hospitals. (Nov-3, Dawn). GOP is urging international donors who have deployed field hospitals to maintain their presence until March 31. (Nov-7, GOP). Lack of female health care workers severely limited access to health care by female patients. (Nov-14, WHO). 16 international field hospitals and 20 mobile teams throughout affected area. (Nov-14, GoP, OCHA)

 

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) opened at Rawalakot-Poonch on Monday (November 7). Chakothi-Uri crossing point linking Muzaffarabad (PcK) with Srinagar (IcK) opened on November 9. Third border crossing on Nauser-Teethwal opened on November 12, following delay. Fourth border crossing at Tattapani-Mendhar area was opened on Monday, November 14. (Nov-14, The News, AFP) Fifth border crossing at Hajpur-Uri is due to be opened on Wednesday (November 16). (Nov-15, AFP) However, so far these crossings are opened to relief materials carried by authorities, and people’s movements have yet to begin. (Nov-9, BBC, Reuters). Although Pakistan said that it wants all crossing points on the LoC to remain open on all days of the week, it has accepted Indian proposal to open one crossing point per week up to December 12, 2005. The two sides have exchanged lists of people for approval to cross. Pakistan has already approved India’s list. (Nov-15, The News, DPA)

 

Security - At least 15 people were killed in three accidents on mountain roads destroyed or damaged by landslides since Sunday (November 13), highlighting danger of travel in quake zone. (Nov-14, AFP)

 

 

International Response

 

·      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$ 550 million in pledges, the ICRC appeal calling for US$117 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. http://earthquake05.un.org.pk/ 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. Navy Rear Admiral Michael LeFever, commander of the US Disaster Assistance Center in Pakistan, said that the US is expected to increase its relief force in coming days to about 1,200 from the current 975. (Nov-10, Reuters) Number of US helicopters in operation is 24. (Nov-10, US DoS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

India

 

 

 

Overview

 

The latest official death toll is 1,309 in Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK). 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, along the disputed Line of Control (LoC). Third worst-hit area is Poonch district. The government’s main priority right now is provision of shelter through tents, repair of homes, reconstruction of homes and community shelters to last through the winter.

 

Government’s 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) All disbursement to be complete by November 15. (Oct-26, AFP) 40,000 Indian Rs (US$874) given to each family is first installment of 100,000 Indian Rs (US$2,180) sanctioned for families whose homes have been destroyed. Additional incentive for families that complete construction of temporary sheds from tin sheets and timber by or before the end of November. (Nov-10, PTI) 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. (Oct-24, SC) Heavy snow reported in Sadna Pass, at 10,000 feet on the Sringar-Teethwal road – causing concerns for survivors in Tangdhar area. Survivors call more further winterization of tents. (Nov-14, AFP)

 

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) Villagers in Salamabad, Uri constructing tin sheds, which they plan to stay in until March next year. However, they say tin structures are cold during the night. Villagers also say that large community centers cannot be built by the government because of the terrain, although smaller centers may be more feasible. However, no work has been begun yet. (Nov-9, Kashmir Times) A district official and five Revenue Department officials have been suspended in connection with relief fraud in Uri, under the instructions of new IcK Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. The government has set up a grievances department, where people can lodge complaints on relief distribution. (Nov-8, Daily Excelsior)

 

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) First priority for aid workers is providing shelter worst-hit areas around Tangdhar, and upper areas of Kupwara and Baramulla that are going to be snowbound by end of November. Second are families that will remain accessible, despite heavy snow; third are those whose homes are partially damaged. (Oct-31, SEEDS) Due to tent shortages, aid agencies, such as Oxfam, have started 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) Up to 1 million people and their livestock (a valuable commodity) need winter housing. Many living in makeshift tent cities. (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 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.

 

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 on Monday, November 7 at Rawalakot-Poonch Third border crossing on Nauser-Teethwal opened on November 12, following delay. Fourth border crossing at Tattapani-Mendhar area was opened on November 14. (Nov-14, The News, AFP) Fifth border crossing at Hajpur-Uri is due to be opened on Wednesday (November 16). (Nov-15, AFP) Although Pakistan said that it wants all crossing points on the LoC to remain open on all days of the week, it has accepted Indian proposal to open one crossing point per week up to December 12, 2005. The two sides have exchanged lists of people for approval to cross. Pakistan has already approved India’s list. (Nov-15, The News, DPA) UN’s World Food Program (WFP) today (Tuesday, November 8) urged opening of more roads across the LoC in order to facilitate relief operations for thousands of victims in quake-hit PcK. There are some areas in PcK that are cut off from relief hubs and are more easily accessible from IcK, such as Neelum Valley. (Nov-8, Reuters)

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 plan 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. (Nov-2, ADEPT)   An NGO coordination meeting in New Delhi on October 21 determined an estimated 60,000 families are homeless, although no numbers can be confirmed. (Oct-31, SEEDS)
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 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)   State Cabinet appointed five government officers to coordinate relief and reconstruction: BA Runiyal, Relief Commissioner, will be in charge in Uri; Sharief-ud-Din – Srinagar; GM Rather - Tangdhar; Jeet Lal Gupta – Poonch; K Mohinder Singh - relief Commissioner (migrants) in Jammu. (Oct-31, Kashmir Times)   Action by Churches Together (ACT) member, Church’s 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. CRS and Caritas India have set up a field office in Baramulla. Development and Peace funding Caritas India projects to provide relief for 4,000 families in 12 villages. Emergency phase to last until March 2006. Longer-term phase to last until November 2006. (Nov-10, Development and Peace)   Cultural Renewal of Kashmir Student Youth (CROKSY) distributed relief materials to residents of villages in Baramulla district, including 300 tents. (Nov-9, Kashmir Times) NGO intends to adopt two hamlets of badly affected areas in Uri for development. (Nov-10, Kashmir Times)   EFICOR has sent teams into several villages in Uri to distribute shelter items, including tents and CGI sheets – NGO had to check with army checkpost before 6 p.m. Foreign donors include Tearfund. (Nov-11, EFICOR)
Logistics	No New Information
Food	IcK Minister for Animal and Husbandry Taj Mohi-ud-Din has directed his ministry to assess livestock losses in quake-affected areas in the state. He also ordered the deployment of 12 veterinarians and 4 technical officers to different areas. (Nov-10, PTI)   WHO assessment team has recommended food supplies for six months for affected whose food supplies have been wiped out. (Nov-3, WHO)
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)   Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA) conducting wat/san assessments in two villages allocated to them by the government. (Oct-28, EHA)
Public Health/Medical	Although no threats of disease, epidemic control units established at Uri and Tanghdar by the health services department. (Oct-24, PTI) The Directorate General of Health Services MOH&FW is coordinating medical relief and has deployed a 30-member medical response team. (Nov-03, WHO)   Following assessment, WHO team recommends the strengthening of disease surveillance, completion of injury survey, intensified measles vaccination and vitamin A administration, psycho-social counseling and disaster preparedness planning. Provided technical and material support to Director Emergency Medical Response, MOH&FW. (Nov-3, WHO)   Academy for Disaster Management Education, Planning and Training (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, logistical problems prevented follow up – making infections from injuries common. (Nov-2, ADEPT) ADEPT plans to identify villagers who can be trained as Emergency Community Health Attendants. (Nov-02, ADEPT)   CMC Ludhiana, partner of ADEPT, set up base camp in Baramulla in order to provide medical services to surrounding villages. (Oct-25, ADEPT)   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. (Nov-1, CRS)   Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA) providing medical services in Uri, Baramulla. EHA medical team reached Khalsa Ghati village (at 9,000 feet). At Baramulla base camp, EHA provided workshop on trauma counseling. (Nov-7, EHA)   Health workers say 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)
Shelter	GOI has identified 24 locations in Poonch district in which to construct pre-fabricated structures by Central Project Works Department (CPWD) and National Building Construction Corporation Limited (NBCCL). Structures would last for 15-20 years and serve as shelter in event of future disasters. Construction would take 10-15 days. (Nov-10, Kashmir Times) GOI distributed 2,000 blankets and sweaters, donated by local NGO CROKSY among affected people and reviewed progress of rehabilitation and reconstruction in Uri. (Nov-10, PTI)   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) CGI sheets and timber intended for construction of temporary shelters measuring 150 square feet (14 sq meters). (Oct-27, PTI)   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) IcK government is considering relocation of about 900 homeless families, comprising 6,600 people, from seven villages in Tangdhar sector. (Nov-2, PTI)   ADEPT plans to provide shelter items for affected from base camp in Baramulla. (Oct-25, ADEPT)   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) is working with government and other NGOs to establish field workshops to help families construct their own shelters. (Nov-2, SEEDS) Although NGOs are using different approaches for shelter provision, SEEDS is currently using a 10-point guide, including determining location, guarding against companies attempting to sell construction materials and improvising shelter materials. (Oct-31, SEEDS)   ATHROT 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 – plans to support 20,000 people in total. Investigating alternative shelter options for both low and high-altitude areas. (Nov-3, Oxfam)   Indo Global Social Service Society (IGSSS) has distributed shelter items in collaboration with German Agro Aid (GAA) and Miserior, including CGI sheets and construction materials to 400 families – plans to distribute more to another 500 families. (Nov-15, Kashmir Times)
Infrastructure	GOI has identified 18 hectares (44.5 acres) of land to rehabilitate villages in Navarunda, Gwalta, Urusa, Ishamsand Kamalkote villages in Uri area. (Nov-10, PTI)   According to the government, 42,750 homes have been destroyed and another 73,450 damaged. (Oct-23, ADEPT)   Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) team from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur, India, is conducting surveys in IcK. Their findings can be accessed at http://www.eeri.org (Nov-3, EERI)   Ministry for Housing and Urban Development 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	Two people were killed and 60 people injured when suspected militants opened fire and threw a grenade at a political rally organized by the state’s ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The attack took place near Tangmar town, about 30 miles (45 km) west of Srinagar (Baramulla district). Yesterday, 4 people were killed and 14 others injured, including a Japanese photojournalist, when militants attacked a security picket in the busy Lal Chowk shopping area in Srinagar. The injured included a Japanese photojournalist. The militants then fled to a hotel, and were killed in an ensuing gunbattle that lasted overnight. A female former police officer was shot dead in Pulwama district as well. (Nov-15, PTI, Reuters)   On Saturday (November 12), two militants, a Muslim student and a soldiers were killed in a gunbattle in Baramulla district. Villagers held protests the same day, alleging that civilians were used as human shields during the incidents. Two militants were shot dead in Udhampur district on Sunday (November 13). (Nov-14, AFP)   Aid agencies contending with frequent security checks and roadblocks in the region. (Oct-24, SC)