PACIFIC DISASTER MANAGEMENT INFORMATION NETWORK (PDMIN)
1 Jarrett White Road MCPA-DM, Tripler AMC, HI 96859-5000
Telephone: 808.433.7035 · PDMIN@coe-dmha.org · http://www.coe-dmha.org

South Asia Earthquake Update

December 14, 2005

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

Table of Contents:

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

India .....................................page 17

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) GOP reports there are 22 international and 18 domestic NGOs working in the affected areas and providing reconstruction assistance. (Dec-9, GOP) FRC said army will soon hand over relief work to areas below 5,000 feet to civil administration soon. (Dec-12, GOP) Government will start encouraging people to return to homes from March 31, 2006. (Dec-7, CWS)

Confirmed contributions and pledges to six-month UN Emergency Appeal stand at 42.2% out of the US$550 million requested, including about US$160 million committed and US$224 million pledged. (Dec-12, Reuters) But only 25% is actually funded, with 15% locked in commitments. (Dec-9, Reuters) UN Chief Coordinator Jan Vandermoortele said shift of relief focus to communities in lower altitudes would cost about US$45 million, repeating calls for more aid to UN US$550 emergency appeal. Vandermoortele said that about US$50 million to US$60 million per month is needed, but donations since November have slowed down considerably. (Dec-13, Reuters, IRIN) Oxfam said UN’s emergency operations remain under-funded and under-resourced, leading to lack of experienced professionals to guide relief efforts on the ground. (Dec-09, Oxfam)

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Economic Affairs, Dr. Salman shah on Tuesday (December 13) held a meeting with representatives from World Bank, ADB, DFID-UK, USAID, JBIC Japan and UNDP, as well as other government officials. The Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA) chaired the meeting. Meeting decided to prepare document listing all projects to be launched in coming months to cover education, health, housing, infrastructure, water/sanitation. (Dec-14, GOP) FRC says about 13 billion Pakistani Rs have been distributed to victims, including compensation for deceased and damaged homes. (Dec-10, GOP) Criticisms continue of government compensation given on per house basis – many times money is given to landlords without being passed on to tenants on their land. (Dec-12, Reuters)

Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has allowed payment of duty drawback on raw materials for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction by organization including UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, WFP, CRC, GOAL, CARE and Euron Aid. (Dec-13, CWS)

UNJLC reports about 93 helicopters in operation (down from 100), however, there is no direct impact on availability of cargo capacity. Priorities: Sling nets to reduce turn around times for helicopters and de-icing equipment for dawn-time operations. (Dec-9, UNJLC)

Frontier Works Organization working to remove debris, provide drinking water and reconstruction as well. (Dec-12, GOP)

US Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan C. Crocker expressed concern that banned militant groups, like Jamaatud Daawa are involved in earthquake relief work. A number of militants groups have been involved with relief and are even working alongside international agencies. (Dec-13, TN) NATO will wrap up earthquake relief operations when 90-day mandate expires on January 21. (Dec-1, TN, Reuters) NATO has been largest aid airlifter – transported about 2,700 tons of relief supplies. (Dec-08, AFP) NATO is currently flying up to 67 tons of relief daily to remote mountain villages. (Dec-8, NATO)

Shelter Cluster reports no trend of mass migration. (Dec-8, UN) Shelter cluster preparing for additional 30,000 arrivals in camps in best case scenario, 150,000 in worst case. (Dec-12, OCHA) Between 350,000 to 380,000 people estimated to remain at high elevations (5,000 to 7,000 ft). (Dec-8, USAID) GOP reports total of 502 camps with 187,506 people in NWFP and PcK. UNHCR is helping GOP run 40 organized camps. (Dec-9, UNHCR) GOP has established 48 tent villages in PcK, accommodating 31,570 people, and 17 villages in NWFP for 74,447. There are 446 tent villages for 106,353 people. (Dec-10, GOP) UNHCR has counted 333 spontaneous camps for more than 183,000 people. (Dec-13, UNHCR)

UNHCR now has 24 mobile teams, soon to increase to 60, on the ground to help Pakistan authorities to run camps. (Dec-9, 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) Emergency response units in field hubs responsible for cleanup and decongesting have been established. (Dec-12, OCHA) Senate standing committee on textile industry has constituted sub-committee to probe alleged non-observance of quality in manufacture of tents. (Dec-11, Khaleej Times)

UN Chief Coordinator Jan Vandermoortele said focus of quake relief is now on approximately 2 million people below the snowline (5,000 feet or 1,524 m). A survey of the affected area by 210 teams from 11 UN agencies, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Pakistani government and NGOs, found that about 2.4 million blankets or 1.2 million quilts, 170,000 heavy plastic sheets and 200,000 tarpaulins were needed. The survey also found that about 74 percent of the approximately 3,000 households surveyed had inadequate shelter. (Dec-13, Reuters) About three-quarters of households below 5,000 ft outside planned camps need additional shelter support. About 40 percent of tents have some form of plastic sheeting, and about 75% of tents are without adequate floor insulation. (Dec-13, OCHA) IOM-led efforts by 43 agencies, to provide emergency shelter to high-altitude areas through “Operation Winter Race.” Operation Winter Race appears to be 100% complete – 35,000 shelter kits distributed. (Dec-12, OCHA)

UNHCR aims to provide every tent with minimum of two plastic sheets, four mattresses, a shove and fuel, as well as three blankets for winterization. (Dec-08, UNHCR) Military says Pakistani army, helped by aid workers, has built 50,000 winterized shelters and distributed 611,161 tents, but only 15 percent have been winterized. (Dec-11, GOP)

Many local assessments have been accomplished by WFP staff, including storage capacities, roads, tented camps and union councils. Main purpose is to increase food distribution and allocate food after division of areas of distribution between WFP and government. (Dec-9, WFP)

Major General Abdul Malike, head of army’s medical relief operations, says Monday (December 12) there is no danger of an epidemic. There are 74 field hospitals, including 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) There are about 51 foreign medical teams, along with 233 Pakistani doctors. Pakistan military has nine forward treatment centers and 28 surgical and treatment teams of army doctors. (Dec-11, GOP) The Disease Early Warning System (DEWS) has 124 reporting units, however, only 55 of these sites (44%) have sent data on time during week of November 26 to December 2. (Dec-9, WHO)

Earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale (USGS) struck in eastern Afghanistan, near Pakistan border, at a depth of 143 miles (230 km). Landslides reported in Battagram and Balakot. No casualties as of latest reports. (Dec-12, USGS, Bloomberg) At least 3 people were injured from the earthquake, which was felt in central and northern Pakistan, as well as in northern India. (Dec-13, TN) Pakistan Meteorological office forecast harsher winter than usual, especially for levels above 8,000 feet. (Dec-6, GoP) 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) Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) registering affected population, including those residing in and outside camps. (Dec-8, UN) UN chief coordinator Jan Vandemoortele says that some 1.9 million people that live below the snowline will now become the focus of relief efforts, now that most of those at high altitudes have been assisted. The focus now on supplying blankets, plastic sheets to cover tents and ground sheets. A survey showed that 2.4 million blankets or 1.2 million quilts were needed. (Dec-13, Reuters)
Coordination	“Joint Operations Center” established to task UNHAS; Pakistan military; NATO and US Military air assets. (Dec-2, OCHA) 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) 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	Dr. Salman Shah, adviser to the PM on Finance and Economic Affairs, held a meeting with international donors and representatives from multilateral organizations including the World Bank, ADB, DFID (UK), USAID, JBIC (Japan), and UNDP on Tuesday (Dec-13, GOP). UN Flash Appeal faces a shortfall of some 60 percent. OCHA says that funds for the US$550 million appeal have reached US$209.2 million, or some 38 percent. Funding stands at 42 percent with US$22.7 million in pledges included. (Dec-13, UNNS) 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	World Vision has a revised agreement with the WFP to provide some 36,000 survivors with food assistance until April 2006. (Dec-13, WVI) 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	Forty percent of overall population and 90% of camp population receiving safe water. 4,000 latrines installed, 60,000 in the pipeline. (Dec-12, OCHA) 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) 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	WHO says 100 prefabricated basic health care units are under construction. WHO Director-General Dr. Lee Jong-wook cites need to train more women as health workers. (Dec-13, UNNS) Three cluster health partners have expressed willingness to work above 5,000 ft to provide health support throughout winter. (Dec-12, OCHA) Field hospitals reporter fewer cases of trauma and occupancy rate has dropped by 30%. However, survivors may not be able to access hospitals. Cases of ARIs are increased, as expected. (Dec-12, OCHA) 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) The threat of water-borne disease is present and diarrhea and dysentery pose a threat. (Dec-13, UNNS) 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	UNHCR says it has asked Afghan refugees to demonstrate winterization techniques in planned and spontaneous camps. UNHCR hopes to dispatch some 25,000 plastic sheets from Copenhagen and 25,000 plastic sheets from Afghanistan, while 13,000 stoves from Iran will be transported by land. UNHCR is in process of purchasing 200,000 blankets from India and 50,000 fleece blankets from China. (Dec-13, UNHCR) USAID says it will provide additional plastic sheets to help winterize shelters for some 17,500 families. (Dec-14, GOP) Catholic Relief Services (CRS) says it is distributing some 500-600 transitional shelter kits a day. (Dec-13, CRS) In response to UN Flash Appeal, China has decided to donate 1,000 winterized tents. (Nov-29, UNDP) A recent rapid assessment by the UN and NGOs among 3,000 affected households below the 5,000 ft snowline concludes that 75 percent are in need of support in terms of structural and/or thermal protection. 3,000 tents will need structural support or be replaced completely. More blankets, quilts, plastic sheets and tarp are needed for survivors. (Dec-13, UNNS) UNHCR supporting GOP and NGOs in 40 planned camps housing some 55,000 people. UNHCR says it has counted at least another 333 self-settled camps. UNHCR says more than 183,000 believed to be living in camps. (Dec-13, UNHCR) 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) Provision of Corrugated Iron Sheets (CGI) remains a priority OCHA reports. (Dec-9, OCHA) 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) 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) 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)
Infrastructure	The National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) in collaboration with UNICEF will open some 500 transition schools to educate up to 100,000 students of Mansehra in NWFP. (Dec-14, GOP) Church World Service reports that the earthquake caused some Rs. 9.14 billion (US$153 million) in damage. (Dec-13, CWS) GOP to construct more than 400,000 homes – work to begin in April, following seismic survey from China and Turkey. (Dec-7, Reuters) 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	Save the Children says that a total of some 44 “safe play” areas are in affected areas. (Dec-13, STC) WFP says no immediate security threat, but as relief operations continue to face looting, theft, and armed robberies, all distribution will be conducted under armed military. All travel by internationals within NWFP requires a police escort, the UNDSS says. (Dec-6, WFP) 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. At first, aid agencies were not allowed access into areas, but late response of civil administration prompted GOI to allow NGOs to work in the area. (Dec-12, CASA)

EFICOR (Evangelical Fellowship of India Commission on Relief) says long-term role of NGOs in the region is uncertain, as the military controls relief. (Dec-1, EFICOR) Major 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)

CASA partnered with NGO Coordination Federation, a network of 25 NGOs in IcK. Kashmir Rural Welfare Association – working on rural housing, income generation, handicraft works and women’s empowerment; Hindustani Covenant Church, CASA member; Confederation of Voluntary Associations, a voluntary action network of 15 organizations; Al Basheer, an NGO working in the field of adult education and women’s issues; Army Wives Welfare Association – working with women and children. (Dec-12, CASA)

Tangdhar region is about 8 hours from Srinagar. The road there is highly prone to snowfall and landslides. Initially, region not accessible to general public, but permission was granted by army. It takes between 12 to 15 hours for a six-ton truck to travel from Tangdhar to Srinagar. Protests over poor management of relief distribution has also led to traffic jams that held up relief. Landmines are also a concern. (Dec-12, CASA) 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. ADEPT’s international climbing team still waiting for permission from the government to move in. (Dec-05, ADEPT)

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)

GOI says they have constructed nearly 2,000 pre-fabricated shelters and over 12,000 tin sheds. (Nov-30, Reuters) SEEDS has completed work on 127 shelters in 16 villages in Poonch district – 27 more shelters being built. (Dec-12, SEEDS)

EFICOR 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 omitted. (Dec-1, EFICOR) In third phase of relief, CASA distributed shelter items to 2,900 families through its partners in late November. More relief operations planned. (Dec-12, CASA)

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)

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) First bus of new service between Indian city of Amristar and Pakistani city of Lahore crossed border on Sunday (Dec-12), linking two cities for first time in nearly six decades. Full service of one bus weekly in each direction to begin December 23 – called Punjab Express. (Dec-11, AP)

Security threats from militants an issue for NGOs because of proximity of some villages to the disputed Line of Control (LoC) and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK). (Dec-12, CASA) Indian soldiers shot dead six suspected militants in a clash in Budgam district in the highest toll in a single clash in IcK in weeks. Two militants were killed in separate clashes. (Dec-14, Reuters)

Three homeless people died in Uttar Pradesh state, bringing to 16 the death toll from near-freezing temperatures in northern India. Lowest temperature of -4 degrees Celsius recorded in Agra. Snowfall expected in upper reaches of Himalays over next 48 hours with dropping temperatures. (Dec-14, AP) Isolated rain and snow forecast over next five days. (Dec-13, IMD) 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck northern India, with epicenter in Chamoli district in northern Uttaranchal state, a day after 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan. No initial reports of damage or casualties. (Dec-14, Reuters)