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South Asia Earthquake Update

December 9, 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 stands at 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. .

Humanitarian hubs operating in Muzaffarabad, Mansehra, Bagh and Battagram. Humanitarian sub-hub established in Banna (Allai Valley). (Dec-2, OCHA)

Confirmed contributions and pledges to six-month UN Emergency Appeal stand at 41% out of the US$550 million requested, including about US$160 million committed and US$224 million pledged. (Dec-05, Reuters) UN chief humanitarian coordinator Jan Vandemoortele says US$90 million response came in November for appeal – US$50 to 60 million needed per month. Biggest budget is helicopters. (Dec-08, Reuters) Oxfam today said that the UN’s emergency operations remain under-funded and under-resourced, leading to the lack of experienced professionals on the ground to guide relief efforts. (Dec-09, Oxfam)

The GoP has so far distributed 5.2 billion Pakistani Rs (US$88 million) to quake victims, including 1.83 billion Pakistani Rs (US$30.6 million) to next of kin of dead and injured and 3.42 billion Pakistani Rs (US$57 million) to those whose homes were damaged. (Dec-06, GOP)

“Joint Operations Center” established to task UNHAS; Pakistan military; NATO and US Military air assets. (Dec-2, OCHA) UNJLC developing new and enhanced information products in response to changing needs and feedback from partners. Products will emphasize two areas: Logistics Information Management and Infrastructure Assessment. (Dec-1, UNJLC) GOP reports there are 22 international and 18 domestic NGOs working in the affected areas and providing reconstruction assistance. (Dec-9, GOP)

UNJLC says overall number of helicopters will be reduced by six in about 1 ½ weeks. Approximately 100 helicopters currently operating. UNHAS preparing for requests of up to 6,500 MT of food and 1,500 MT of Non-Food Items (NFIs) per month to be transported by air. Currently, air transport priority for food and NFIs is at 70% and 30% respectively. Due to unpredictable weather, the UN Joint Logistics Center (UNJLC) foreseeing that flying days will be reduced to 20 days per month. (Dec-27, UNJLC) Shelter cluster in Islamabad suggests shelter be up to 50%. Shelter security assessment data collection is completed results available December 7. (Dec-07, UN) UN Chief humanitarian coordinator Jan Vandemoortele says between 350,000 and 400,000 can be reached only by helicopter. (Dec-8, Reuters)

UNJLC and various partners developing comprehensive road map, which will be updated regularly. (Dec-2, OCHA) Various landslides have been reported in Neelum and Kaghan Valleys, reducing road traffic to one-way flows that have caused delays. (Dec-7, UNJLC) Chances of road closures high due to weather. (Dec-2, DFID) WFP utilizing highly-trained mountain experts, called Quake Jumpers, to access remote communities in Pakistan, collect data and make assessments. (Dec-05, Frontier Post)

NATO will wrap up earthquake relief operations when 90-day mandate expires on January 21. NATO has sent around 1,000 medics, engineers and helicopter support crews. (Dec-1, TN, Reuters) Military and civilian component of mission ended – currently engineer battalion working in affected areas. NATO has been largest aid airlifter – transported about 2,700 tons of relief supplies. (Dec-08, AFP)

Shelter Cluster reports no trend of mass migration. (Dec-8, UN) IOM still searching remote valleys and still finding people in serious need of aid. (Dec-8, Reuters) IOM survey indicates that if supplied with adequate supplies, survivors are willing to stay in their communities for the winter. (Dec-06, IOM) Between 350,000 to 380,000 people estimated to remain at high elevations (5,000 to 7,000 ft). (Dec-8, USAID) UNHCR reports that although no mass movements have been noted from the higher valleys, NWFP expecting between 100,000 to 200,000 to descend, while PcK expecting 30,000. (Dec-2, UNHCR) Several factors affecting population movement: Need to find winter shelter, GOP compensation for quake victims, seasonal migration patterns and lack of basic services in some tent camps. (Dec-1, USAID)

Shelter Cluster reports that there are 456 spontaneous and planned camps in NWFP, with population of 140,000 – number expected to increase to 200,000 due to heavy snowfall. There are 39 camps in PcK with population of 48,955. (Dec-8, UN) GOP reports total of 502 camps with 187,506 people in NWFP and PcK. Of these, over 30 are planned camps (with over 36,000 people) run by local authorities or NGOs, and supported by UNHCR. (Dec-2, UNHCR) Planning figure for six months is for 250,000 people in valley camps. (Dec-2, UNHCR) Task Force set up within Pakistani civil administration comprising WHO, UNICEF and UNHCR to cover emerging needs in camps and spontaneous camps. (Dec-2, DFID) UNHCR now has 19 mobile teams (43 by the end of this week) on the ground to provide technical advice and assistance to the army and Pakistani civil authorities in 30 planned camps and scores of spontaneous camps. UNHCR hopes to expand number of teams to 65. Main priority is to winterize. (Dec-06, UNHCR) Another challenge in identifying camps in PcK, Bagh and Muzaffarabad is that land is not available - search continues. (Dec-02, OCHA)

IOM says people who do not have sufficient shelter keep being found, so accurate estimates of those who need shelter cannot be made. Only 60 percent of shelter information is available. IOM’s concerns on inadequate shelter were echoed by other agencies in the field, including UN agencies, the Pakistan authorities and the Red Cross. IFRC head of operations in Pakistan, Flemming Nielsen, today said that there were still survivors in remote areas that have not received any assistance. (Dec-9, IFRC, IOM) IOM coordinating efforts by 43 agencies, including UN, Pakistani and international agencies, to provide emergency shelter through “Operation Winter Race.” IOM says operation is on target to deliver 10,000 winterized shelters to those living between 5,000 to 7,000 feet by December 12. (Nov-29, IOM) With roads open to upper Neelum Valley, IOM shifting focus to Lower Neelum Valley, which is still in need of assistance. Loss of helicopters for food operation has affected operations. (Dec-9, IOM)

Seven survivors, including four children, were killed in a tent camp in Mansehra after lighting a candle in the tent – underscores need for tent safety training. (Dec-7, BBC) Agencies attempting to bring in stoves to prevent similar incidents. (Dec-08, AFP) Three biggest shelter needs, according to UN: 1) Providing heating; 2) Providing corrugated iron sheets; 3) Winterized tents. (Dec-3, AFP) IOM today said about 90% of tents distributed are insufficient for the harsh Himalayan winter. IOM reported that 420,000 tents out of estimated 500,000 needed have been distributed. (Dec-2, Reuters) UNHCR aims to provide every tent with minimum of two plastic sheets, four mattresses, a shove and fuel, as well as three blankets. (Dec-08, UNHCR) Shelter Cluster clarifies that quilts are preferred over blankets. (Dec-8, UN) Military says Pakistani army, helped by aid workers, has built 37,000 shelters and 611,161 tents, but only 15 percent have been winterized. (Dec-9, GOP) Army Engineers with help of NGOs have constructed 16,000 shelters in high-altitude areas of NWF. Work ongoing on 5,000 others. (Dec-07, GOP) As of end of November, CGI sheet supplies limited to 150,000 by the Pakistan military and about 60,000 by international humanitarian community. (Dec-02, OCHA)

3,406 MTs of food has been delivered to more than 200,000 people in remote areas. Nearly 1 million reached through general food distribution. (Dec-2, OCHA) Pre-positioning of food constrained due to need to prioritize shelter in November (Dec-2, OCHA)

Disease Early Warning System (DEWS) made first report on data from all affected areas – 44 of 124 reporting units (35%) reported 40,761 consultations. (Dec-1, WHO) There are 47 international field hospitals and 9 mental health teams operating in the region. Health experts say pattern has changed from providing quake-related trauma to essential surgical services and hospitalized care for severe conditions. (Dec-9, IRIN) WHO says 700,000 children have been vaccinated against measles, polio, tetanus, typhoid, cholera and other diseases by 270 GOP, UNICEF and WHO mobile teams. (Dec-6, GOP) Provision of essential health care for about 150,000 in camps challenged by lack of partners and continued growth of spontaneous camps. (Dec-2, OCHA) WHO said it would run out of supplies in two months if it does not get more funding. (Dec-5, Reuters)

Cold wave predicted from December 8, followed by heavy rains and snow a week later. (Dec-8, USAID) Pakistan Meteorological office forecast harsher winter than usual, especially for levels above 8,000 feet. After two weeks, Neelum Valley likely to be cut off. (Dec-6, GoP) Muzaffarabad expected to receive snow in another week or so. (Dec-9, AP) In December, January and February, day temperatures are expected to be subzero, with temperatures reaching -20 degrees Celsius (- 4 F) in February. (Dec-7, UNJLC)

Sector Status
Affected Population	Death toll is at 73,320; injured is at 69,392 (Nov-16, OCHA) 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. 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) It is estimated that 350,000-380,000 people will remain in remote areas throughout the winter. OCHA says people still migrating downwards from higher elevations although numbers are difficult to assess. (Dec-2, OCHA) The Pakistani military says that the collapse of a mountainside near the town of Hattian Bala in PcK blocked two major streams that are creating huge lakes which could endanger up to 12,000 people. (Dec-6, Reuters)
Coordination	The Punjab government will set up registration offices at Muzaffarabad and Mansehra for the registration of earthquake-affected people under a family support program. Data will be computerized and made available to the people. (Dec-7, GOP) 90-day ‘Winter Plan’ created to outline UN-led Cluster response. Priorities are: 1) Ensure continued assistance for estimated 350,000-380,000 who are expected to remain in high-elevation locations for the winter; 2) Support potential camp population of 250,000 in planned and spontaneous camps at lower elevations; 3) Ensure protection and meet needs of vulnerable population including women, children, elderly and disabled; 4) Continuous assessment of changing situation to meet emerging needs. (Dec-2, OCHA) FRC began plans to hand over disaster response activities to provincial authorities of NWFP and PcK. Target date is December 31, 2004. (Nov-28, UN) Data collection is handled at central level by Cluster Information Manager in Islamabad (shelterinfo@iom.int). (Nov-28, UN) GOP has established a “Prime Minister Relief Cell” in Islamabad for help in locating family members. Hotline Tel: (+9251) 9222666. “Earthquake Relief Cell” has been established in the Prime Minister’s House. The 24-hour hotlines will receive complaints from the earthquake-affected. (+9251) 9213891 or (+9251) 92229999. Field Cluster Coordinator in Mansehra is piloting a “sub-cluster” approach. Five sub-groups have been created in Balakot, Kaghan Valley, Battagram, Allai and the Serin Valley to support existing Field Coordination Offices. (Nov-28, UN) 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) Detailed cluster information (meeting minutes, contact information) is posted at: www.un.org.pk. (Nov-8, OCHA) Clusters are concept of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), and is new to the UN system. It is being trialed in this disaster. However, Cluster Coordination is expected to be separate from the ‘normative’ work of NGOs. (Nov-11, UN) 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) 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 Minister’s Inspection Commission, is chief. Humanitarian Information Centre (HIC) has been set up within the UNDAC/UN coordination centre. (Oct-14, UNOCHA) 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)
Logistics	Joint logistics agreement between the IFRC and ICRC will end mid-December, with ICRC reducing activities in Islamabad and Abottabad and concentrating in Muzaffarabad. (Dec-8, IFRC) UNHAS has urged all parties to ensure landing sites they are responsible for are drained, where possible fortified with gravel and ensure snow is either cleared or compressed. (Dec-5, UNJLC) UNJLC also reported that sling nets and de-icing equipment is now needed to ensure that helicopters can fly at daybreak. There are about 100 nets available/going to be available, but 400 are needed. (Dec-05, UNJLC) Two landslides reported along Neelum Valley road, which is open, but subject to continuous rockslides. Traffic limited to one-way in places in Kaghan Valley as well. (Dec-5, UNJLC) Road between Neelum Valley and Muzaffarabad has partially reopened, but there are restrictions on the movement of heavy cargo vehicles. (Dec-8, Islamic Relief) Road to Banna has re-opened – distributions delayed due to poor road conditions. Road to Panjkot mostly open, although it is closed off occasionally. Road limit is 2 tons. (Dec-6, SC) Islamic Relief has hired 20 large earthmoving vehicles for two months to clear landslides and roads in Neelum Valley. (Dec-8, Islamic Relief) Three British Chinooks provided by the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) for pre-winter operation in November have left, while three provided by Japan have left as well. Due to unpredictable weather, the UN Joint Logistics Center (UNJLC) is foreseeing that flying days will be reduced to 20 days per month. Meteorologists have predicted an unusually severe winter with higher snowfalls. In December, January and February, day temperatures are expected to be subzero, with temperatures reaching -20 degrees Celsius (- 4 F) in February. Further landslides and foggy weather are also expected. (Dec-2, 7, UNJLC) UNJLC and other partners are developing a comprehensive road map. The FRC reports 95% of roads in the affected areas have been cleared. (Dec-2, OCHA) NATO says that it will dispatch a team of 100 engineers to PcK this week to carry out rubble clearing. (Dec-3, DPA) Presently, 126 helicopters, including 89 from Pakistani military and 37 from foreign countries, are participating in relief operations. (Dec-2, GOP) GOP and GOI have set up five crossing points along the LoC at Nauser-Teethwal, Chakothi-Uri, Hajipur-Uri, Rawalakot-Poonch and Tattapni-Mendhar. All the crossing points are now open. However, presently only Nauser-Teethwal and Rawalakot-Poonch crossing points are open for limited civilian crossing. (Nov-21, TN)
International Financial Assistance	UN Flash Appeal is currently US$160.6 million (29%) committed and US$65.5 million pledged against a requested US$550 million. Total contributions and pledges is US$226.1 million (41% of requested amount) (Dec-2, DFID) International donors pledged more than US$5.8 billion in assistance to quake-affected Pakistan at donor’s conference on November 19. Some US$3.9 billion would be in the form of soft loans, while the remaining US$1.9 billion is comprised of grants. (Nov-19, UNOCHA). The World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on November 12 released a preliminary assessment report saying that Pakistan needs at least US$5.2 billion for effective relief, recovery and reconstruction in areas affected by the earthquake.
Food	Provincial government now providing food to category of IDPs living with host families – has provided 20,000 tons of wheat flour. WFP previously provided food. (Dec-8, UN) Islamic Relief distributing food to 180,000 people (in agreement with WFP) in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot and Neelum Valley for six months. (Dec-8, IR) The UNHAS is preparing for requests of up to 6,500 MT of food and 1,500 MT of Non-food Items (NFIs) per month to be transported by air. Currently, the air transport priority for food and NFIs is at 70% and 30% respectively. (Dec-2, 7, UNJLC) WFP says that it needs about US$70 million out of its US$185 million appeal in order to carry food distributions till the end of April - end of the winter season. Currently, agency only has enough to fund deliveries through end of January. (Dec-05, Reuters) WFP has doubled the previous target figure of those who can be reached only by air from 200,000 to 400,000 people. WFP chief says that the food agency can guarantee winter food supplies for hundreds of thousands in remote high-altitude villages. (Dec-3, WFP) WFP would be responsible for delivering food to about 1.3 million people, including 400,000 that can be reached by land, 600,000 that can be reached by air (including 250,000 in camps), 150,000 children in tented schools and 150,000 women and children under a nutrition program. Another 3 million will receive food assistance from the government, and 150,000 from the Red Cross. (Dec-05, Reuters) World Vision has signed an agreement with WFP to distribute food supplies to an estimated 46,610 people (4,412 MT) in five high altitude villages in Seron valley in NWFP. (Dec-2, WVI) UN says food is now the priority, and is granting more than 50 percent of the total cargo it transports to food, with some 40 percent granted to shelter and other items. (Dec-2, WVI) The FAO estimates that more than 30 percent of the rice crop and almost 75 percent of the maize crop are lost from the disaster. (Dec-2, WVI) Some 2.3 million people will require food assistance at least through April 2006, according to assessments by WFP, UNICEF and Oxfam. (Nov-22, WFP)
Water and Sanitation	IFRC plans to expand wat/san services in NWFP – there have been about 39,000 beneficiaries. (Dec-08, IFRC) Between 20 to 70 percent of camp populations defecating in the open due to lack of latrines. (Dec-8, USAID) UN reports that hundreds of villages are still without water necessitating the need to collect water from outside the village. The UN warns that the journey to collect water from outside villages will be longer and much more dangerous as heavy snowfall beings. (Dec-8, IRIN) UNICEF teaming with Pakistan Ministry of Environment to launch series of radio programs to promote health and hygiene awareness – progress on restoration and maintenance of water supply systems in major urban and populated areas very slow. Three month project to start on December 10. (Dec-7, IRIN) Islamic Relief have installed latrines and water tanks in 50 camps (23,000 people) in Muzaffarabad and Bagh – work for another 2,000 families in progress. (Dec-8, IR) UNICEF says 10 percent of camp inhabitants not receiving enough water to meet Sphere humanitarian guidelines of 15 liters a day. (Dec-1, USAID) With 2,500 latrines installed out of 4,000 needed (40% gap) due to: 1) Insufficient quality slabs; 2) Lack of digging capacity; 3) Scarcity land and difficult soil; 4) Maintenance and cleaning problems. UNICEF and the Ministry of Environment mark a new partnership with a memorandum of understanding and a website (www.pakquakecommunication.org) to spread awareness in affected areas about hygiene, safe drinking water, sanitation, and waste management. (Dec-5, GOP) Almost 90% of water needs are covered in planned camps, according to OCHA. (Dec-2, OCHA) UNICEF and PcK government have jointly launched US$8.2 million project to rehabilitate rural water supply systems and improve sanitation in Muzaffarabad and Bagh. About 200 rural water supply systems will be created, providing drinking water to about 150,000 people. 50,000 latrines in schools, mosques, health centers and homes will also be constructed. (Nov-29, Reuters)
Public Health/Medical	Ministry of health, with WHO’s assistance, has deployed 32 mental health teams in affected areas. (Dec-9, GOP) A total of 22 ambulances have been distributed by Ministry of Health to affected areas (NWFP and PcK), donated by UNICEF, WHO and UNFPA). (Dec-9, GOP) About 3,120 female health workers continue to provide medical services in camps in NWFP and PcK. (Dec-9, GoP) IFRC plans to expand health services in northeastern Pakistan – has provided services to more than 64,000 people. (Dec-8, IFRC) Bomb explosion was reported in South Waziristan, on the border with Afghanistan, yesterday (December 8), killing at least 12 people. Earlier this week, four soldiers and a journalist were kidnapped. Bodies of two soliders were found. Clashes between militants and bandits also claimed the lives of at least 20 people in neighboring North Waziristan. (Dec-9, Reuters, AFP) Glaxo Smithkline has donated some 345,000 doses of Hepatitis A vaccine to earthquake survivors. (Dec-6, GOP) Federal Health Secretary Syed Anwar Mehmood said Tuesday (December 6) that around 70 percent of people have been vaccinated against measles, polio, tetanus, typhoid, cholera and other diseases, but a new campaign will aim to cover those who have come down from higher elevations because of the snowfall. (Dec-6, GOP) Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education launched a long-time program for the rehabilitation of some 600 paraplegic patients. (Dec-7, GOP) Nearly 500,000 children vaccinated specifically against measles, with 200,000 given extra polio vaccine. To date, 14 cases of measles have been reported near Muzaffarabad. (Dec-07, UNICEF) Main cause of consultations during Disease Early Warning System (DEWS)’s first week as injuries (20%), followed by Acute Respiratory Infection (14%), Acute Water Diarrhoea (8%) and Fever of Unexplained Origin (4%). Fifteen deaths reported, one from Muzaffarabad, 14 in Balakot. Disease Early Warning System (DEWS) has 124 reporting units and six mobile teams to investigate reported disease outbreaks. (Dec-9, IRIN) UNICEF has so far provided 60 New Emergency Health Kits (NEHK). Each kit contains drugs, medical supplies and equipment necessary for the needs of 10,000 people for three months. (Dec-2, UNICEF) Officials say that so far some 700,000 children had been vaccinated against measles, polio, tetanus, typhoid and cholera, in affected areas. Officials have ruled out outbreaks of measles in camps, according to the Dawn. Some 270 mobile teams have been deployed by WHO, UNICEF and the GOP. (Dec-5, Dawn) WHO says surveillance activities and the disease early warning system has been established in Rawalakot, Bagh and Batagram. (Nov-29, WHO) Number of diarrhea cases have decreased according to OCHA and no deaths reported, however, there is an increase in reported Acute Respiratory Infection cases. (Dec-2, OCHA) At least eight people have died from cold-related illnesses due to the increasingly cold weather. Hospitals in the affected region have reported treating more than 700 people suffering from pneumonia, hypothermia and other illnesses. Yesterday, reports said that the number of people seeking treatment in hospitals tripled to more than 1,000 per day. (Dec-1, Dawn, Reuters) Singapore will set up three primary health care units in Muzaffarabad. Each unit can treat some 500 people. (Dec-6, GOP) WHO has set up a website to facilitate information exchange between health partners at www.whopak.org. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)
Shelter	IFRC has distributed NFI shelter items to some 200,000 people in affected areas of Balakot, Battagram, Garhi Habibullah and Mansehra – another 17,000 winterized tents to be distributed in coming three weeks. IFRC to develop programs to provide shelter kits and psychological assistance over winter. (Dec-9, IFRC) UNHCR plans to bring another 30,000 stoves, and 250,000 blankets in addition to 600,000 already distributed. UNHCR has distributed some 341,000 blankets, 20,000 tents, 72,000 plastic sheets and 27,000 jerry cans. (Dec-9, Reuters) In NWFP, the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees (CAR) has taken over camp management, while remaining services continue to be provided by same organizations/authorities. (Dec-8, UN) Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) registering affected population, including those residing in and outside camps. (Dec-8, UN) Safety measures for tents in camps include provision of fire extinguishers to prevent fire from heating methods. (Dec-8, UN) UNHCR and Pakistan State Oil have decided to provide 15 liters of kerosene per family, per month, based on UNHCR’s Afghan experience. (Dec-8, UN) GOP says that army engineers and NGOs have finished constructing around 16,000 shelters in some 277 villages high altitude affected areas of NWFP (Batgram, Balakot, Shinkiari, and Garhi Habibullah). Work on another 5000 more shelters are reportedly near completion. (Dec-7, GOP) UN Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT) says that it will provide immediate technical assistance to the UN Country Team and the GOP and help formulate an integrated recovery and reconstruction program. (Dec-8, UNHABITAT) More than 1,100 Pakistanis employed to build 6,000 winter shelters to accommodate 50,000 in next several weeks as part of cash-for-work program. (Dec-7, Mercy Corps) Lt. General Muhammad Zubair, head of the Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (EERA), says that some 400,153 houses need to be built in northern Pakistan for those left homeless by the quake. He says the GOP plans to provide 175,000 rupees to replace each house destroyed or damaged. Zubair said the GOP would encourage people to use wood, corrugated iron sheets, and mild steel that could resist earthquakes versus concrete. (Dec-7, Reuters) UNICEF said Wednesday that it had started distributing winter kits with warm clothing to young victims to help them survive the winter. Around 54,000 kits have arrived thus far, with 30,000 being distributed in the town of Bagh and 20,000 in the Muzaffarabad region. (Dec-7, AP) GOP registering private camps (set up by local, political, or commercial organizations) to ensure they will provide continued services of necessary quality. Two major challenges, according to IFRC: Lack of knowledge of military’s plans and absorption capacity of local communities. (Nov-30, IFRC) Teams comprised of Pakistani army and elected local officials and civil administrators have disbursed some Rs. 5252.1 million (US$88 million) among those affected. Rs. 1831.1 million (US$30.6 million) were paid to next of kin of dead and injured, while Rs. 3421 million (US$57 million) were disbursed to those whose houses were damaged in the disaster. (Dec-6, GOP) UNHCR has 19 mobile teams, with 43 by the end of the week, on the ground providing technical advice and assistance to the army and GOP in 30 organized camps and scores of spontaneous camps. UNHCR says its main priority is to assist with the “winterization” of camps. (Dec-6, UNHCR) Pakistani military says there are 139,451 people living in camps in PcK and NWFP as of December 2. OCHA says that if the FRC figures for Punjab and Islamabad are added, the camp population is some 206,500. (Dec-2, OCHA) OCHA says that over the last week, the main camps in Batagram and Kohistan districts have accommodated some 2,440 new arrivals. Batagram 1 camp, which is hosting some 3,000 people, has been closed for new arrivals because it was recently flooded. (Dec-2, OCHA) GOP officials say that soldiers are constructing some 5,000 shelters a day for survivors. Army has constructed some 30,000 shelters out of corrugated iron sheets thus far. (Dec-4, AP) Concern has started distributions of alternative shelter kits in Balakot. Targets providing some 20,000 families with shelter and blankets. (Dec-2, Concern) Capital Development Authority has shut down several temporary hospitals and shelters in Islambad as number of Kashmiri IDPs has reduced from 25,000 to about 12,000. Currently, the Capital Development Authority is sheltering the remaining at tent cities – concerns over “fake” quake survivors. (Dec-2, TN) IOM-coordinated IASC Emergency Shelter Cluster is beginning “Shelter Security” survey to assess shelter viability for communities above 5,000 feet that have received aid and shelter supplies, over the winter. (Dec-2, IOM) Over 206,000 displaced are estimated to be in official and self-settled camps in PcK and NWFP. (Dec-2, DFID) Camp cluster says shelter assistance above 5,000 ft and adequate food predicted to prevent migration to lower areas. (Dec-2, DFID)
Infrastructure	GOP to construct more than 400,000 homes – work to begin in April, following seismic survey from China and Turkey. (Dec-7, Reuters) Two streams into Jhelum River blocked by landslides still pose a threat to Hattian village downstream, with population 12,000. Village leader says newly created lakes rising at two feet per day. Pakistan military says there is no immediate danger, but problem can worsen in coming months – is working on building roads to area and safely diverting water away. (Dec-08, IANS) GOP said that it has decided in principle that its rehabilitation plan for PcK would not involve any relocation and those who lost their homes would receive shelters in their areas. (Dec-3, Dawn) The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank estimate that the quake damaged some 2,385 miles (3,837 kilometers) of roads; 2,366 km (1470 miles) in PcK and 1,471 km (914 miles) of roads in NWFP were damaged. Out of US$5.2 billion estimated for reconstruction needs, World Bank and ADB estimates about US$1.092 billion needed 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. (Nov-15, Reuters, ADB)
Security	Security concerns not significantly hindering relief, but there are still individual issues on escorts for international staff in Battagram and theft of relief supplies from trucks. (Dec-5, UNJLC) UNICEF has expressed fears that child survivors of the earthquake are forced to look for work to help support their families. Although child labor is common in Pakistan, enrollment of children in school in the affected region was higher than the national average before the disaster. (Dec-6, Reuters) GOP has set up a “sanctuary” at Hattian in Punjab province for vulnerable populations. Similar facilities in NWFP and PcK will be set up. (Dec-5, Reuters) IOM says GOP and aid agencies are working together to warn survivors against falling prey to traffickers. (Nov-20, Reuters)

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.

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. Local state agencies, social, religious and political organizations, and NGOs also assisting in relief and rehabilitation. International and domestic aid agencies have to contend with frequent security checks and roadblocks sometimes delaying much needed relief operations. EFICOR (Evangelical Fellowship of India Commission on Relief) says that it is uncertain what the long-term role of NGOs in the region will be, as the military controls relief. Government plans are not clear and there is no decision on EFICOR’s future plans of intervention. (Dec-1, EFICOR) NGOs and agencies working in IcK: CARE (Relief and shelter); CRS (Relief and Shelter); Prime Minister’s Relief Fund (Emergency Relief); SC/UK (Relief and shelter); World Vision (Relief and shelter) and USAID/India (Emergency Relief). (Dec-8, USAID)

Head of India’s ruling UPA (United Progressive Alliance), Sonia Gandhi, scheduled to visit quake-affected areas December 9-10 – her second visit since earthquake struck. (Dec-05, Kashmir Times)

EFICOR made last NFI and shelter distribution in Srinagar before the winter. NGO reports that it had to distribute relief to villages as assigned by the government, because others were being assisted by other NGOs. However, there are concerns that some villages may have been passed up altogether as some villagers from omitted areas had approached aid workers for relief. A total of 2,150 families in 10 villages have been assisted. (Dec-1, EFICOR)

The border areas of Karnah in Baramullah, Gurez and Sadhna Pass, which connects Tangdhar with the rest of Kashmir, was hit by 2 feet of snow, cutting off villages for about five days. Road was cleared on December 4. Last year, the same area received more than 10 feet of snow. (Dec-05, ADEPT) The Zojila pass, the highest point on the Srinagar-Leh national highway was closed by authorities for six months on November 17. (Dec-5, Kashmir Times) ADEPT has issued an appeal for experienced mountain climbers to volunteer for the relief effort in the region, particularly in delivery of food and medical supplies to remote areas. So far, 50 experienced climbers have volunteered to help in assessment of quake-affected communities and training of medical community attendants. Teams will be able to operate unsupported for 72-hour period due to village requirements or harsh weather. ADEPT’s international climbing team still waiting for permission from the government to move in. (Dec-05, ADEPT)

Residents in several villages Uri district continue to report cases of political corruption, and the lack of proper relief distribution. (Nov-25, Kashmir Times) Widows and women with husbands in prison have been having problems collecting aid from relief distribution centers after being elbowed out by men. (Dec-4, Kashmir Times) The government set up a grievances department, where people can lodge complaints on relief distribution. (Nov-8, Daily Excelsior) The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has settled a record 3,000 relief distribution cases in Uri since October 16 due to free legal services given to quake survivors. (Nov-29, 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) IcK Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad extended until December 10 the deadline for quake survivors to complete construction of temporary shelters and earn 5,000 Indian Rs incentive (previous deadline was November 30). About 75 percent of shelters have been reportedly constructed. (Dec-4, Kashmir Times) However, others say they have not received incentive although they have completed construction. Residents say that snowfall and landslides continue to threaten construction of temporary shelters. (Dec-5, Kashmir Times) ADEPT reports that large number of sheets and shelter items need to be distributed, which is being hampered by logistical difficulties. Catholic Relief Services has completed about 28% of distribution of tin sheets. (Nov-30, ADEPT) SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) has completed work on 76 shelters and is working on 28 others in 15 villages in Poonch district. Intermittent rainfall and snow are affecting construction. (Dec-05, SEEDS)

GOI says they have constructed nearly 2,000 pre-fabricated shelters and over 12,000 tin sheds. (Nov-30, Reuters) Many survivors have opted to stay within their communities because they lack of written property titles. (Nov-30, ADEPT) Villagers in Uri report that there has been little or no government building of community shelters, despite availability of government land on public school grounds. (Dec-1, Kashmir Times) IcK Minister for Animal Husbandry Taj Mohi-ud-Din said on Sunday (December 4) that although “almost everyone” received 100,000 Indian Rs in Uri, there are still some 300 to 400 families without shelter. (Dec-5, Times Foundation)

ADEPT identified following causes of death which need to be addressed immediately: Respiratory infections, sepsis of wounds and injuries, malnutrition, poor personal care and hygiene. Will train and appoint one village as Community Health Attendant (CHA) who will care for villagers between team visits. (Dec-05, ADEPT) Help the Aged has sent three Mobile Medicare Units (MMU) to Uri – to date, over 300 people have been treated. Unit has visited remote villages by foot and has provided 100 to 200 blankets. (Nov-25, DEC)

Pakistan and India on October 29 made an unprecedented agreement to open the disputed Line of Control (LoC) to facilitate relief. All crossing points are now opened at Nauser-Teethwal, Chakothi-Uri, Hajipur-Uri, Rawalakot-Poonch and Tattapni-Mendhar. However, only Nauser-Teethwal and Rawalakot-Poonch crossing points are open for limited civilian crossing. (Nov-21, TN) Landmark trans-Kashmir bus service between Srinagar (IcK) and Muzaffarabad (PcK) resumed today, after being suspended by the earthquake. (Dec-1, Khaleej Times) Chakothi-Uri crossing was opened for civilians for second time on Monday, December 5. About 17 civilians crossed from PcK to IcK. (Dec-04, Daily Excelsior)