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)

Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) registering affected population, including those residing in and outside camps. (Dec-8, UN)

Coordination

“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)

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

Access to affected areas will be hampered as winter conditions worsen. OCHA says overall logistics planning assumption is that there will be a loss of one third of flying days due to adverse weather conditions. (Dec-9, OCHA)

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. (Nov-27, UNJLC)

UNJLC and various partners developing comprehensive road map, which will be updated regularly. (Dec-2, OCHA)

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)

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)

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)

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

Oxfam has been providing materials for livestock shelter; providing cash for those unable to work, and giving opportunities to those who can work. (Dec-9, Oxfam)

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

OCHA says just over 2.5 million in need of food assistance — 1 million will be covered by WFP, 1.5 million by GOP and 150,000 by ICRC. (Dec-9, OCHA)

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)

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

Oxfam says it is focusing its work on promoting safe hygiene practices. Distributing hygiene kits and carrying out surveys to ensure people are happy with items distributed. (Dec-9, Oxfam)

IFRC plans to expand wat/san services in NWFP – there have been about 39,000 beneficiaries. (Dec-08, IFRC)

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)

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

World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the arrival of winter in Pakistan has led to an increase in the risk of respiratory infections and hypothermia because of the cold and cramped living conditions. (Dec-12, WHO)

OCHA says that the greatest threat to general health situation is the poor sanitation situation in spontaneous camps. FRC has tasked Minister of Health to improve conditions in the camps. (Dec-9, OCHA)

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)

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)

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

Shelter

OCHA says that it is estimated that there is a minimum of some 2.5 million people living in tents or in emergency/transitional shelters below 5,000 ft. Another 350,000-400,000 people in “risk areas” in higher elevations. FRC estimates that fewer than 100,000 will move to lower elevations. (Dec-9, OCHA)

According to GOP, there are 502 camps in NWFP and PcK with a total population of some 187,506. 30 of these are planned and have a population of some 36,000 people. (Dec-9, OCHA)

Oxfam and its partner, Sunghi, have distributed over 14,000 tents and 67,000 blankets in Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottbad, Shangla, Dhirkot, and Muzaffarabad. (Dec-9, Oxfam)

USAID says that it has brought in plastic sheeting to winterize the shelters of another 17,500 families. USAID has delivered a total of 45,000 blankets, 1,570 winterized tents, and 6,150 rolls of plastic sheeting to help winterize shelters for some 215,250 people. (Dec-12, AFP, AP)

Provision of Corrugated Iron Sheets (CGI) remains a priority OCHA reports. (Dec-9, OCHA)

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)

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 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)

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. (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

US Embassy in Pakistan says that a team of American experts has arrived in the country to advise on quake rebuilding to help prevent any repeat of the massive loss of life. The team, from the US National Academy of Scientists comprises leading structural engineers and urban planning specialists. (Dec-12, AFP)

A roundtable meeting was held on November 28 in Islamabad to discuss the implications of Earthquake on People and Ecosystems. It was jointly organized by the Pakistan Committee of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and IUCN Pakistan Program. (Dec-9, IUCN)

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)

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

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)