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South Asia Earthquake Update

December 19, 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) GOP reports there are 22 international and 18 domestic NGOs working in the affected areas and providing reconstruction assistance. (Dec-9, GOP) NWFP government will take control of all tent villages in the province. However, the military, especially the Engineering Corps, will be requested to continue relief activities. Provincial Relief Commissioner said separate village administrative unit, will be responsible for each tent village. (Dec-13, Dawn) However, FRC is concerned about capacity of provincial government at Union Council level to undertake relief operations – UN humanitarian hubs will also be giving feedback on Union Councils’ capacities. (Dec-16, OCHA) Strategic Information Center (SIC) established, comprising of JLC, HIC, FRC and some clusters, in an effort to clarify NFI (non-food items) data. (Dec-15, DFID)

Confirmed contributions and pledges to six-month UN Emergency Appeal stand at 42.2% out of the US$550 million requested, including about US$228 million committed and US$20 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. Vandermoortele said about US$50 million to US$60 million per month is needed, but donations since November have slowed down considerably. (Dec-13, Reuters, IRIN)

On a tour of Muzaffarabad camps, UN aid coordinator Jan Vandemoortele warned that harsh weather conditions and badly planned camps could result in unrest in camps. He was accompanied by Nafis Sadiq, special advisor to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Norway’s former Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland. (Dec-19, AP) Former US President George Bush appointed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan as special UN envoy for Pakistan earthquake relief on Wednesday (December 14). (Dec-15, DPA) 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 given to landlords without being passed on to tenants on their land. (Dec-12, Reuters)

Current ratio for UN cargo is 80% food and 20% NFI (reflecting lack of NFI applications). (Dec-15, DFID) WFP Logistics reports decrease in agencies that have booked helicopters for NFIs – cause for concern since NFIs and food have been prioritized for airlifting. (Dec-16, OCHA) 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)

NATO will wrap up earthquake relief operations when 90-day mandate expires on January 21. (Dec-1, TN, Reuters) NATO will remain operational until first of February. NATO Air Bridge with commercial charters is still ongoing. (Dec-14, UNJLC) NATO said massive relief operation has reached its peak. Italian engineer contingent had brought 136 trucks and heavy machinery. NATO also supporting Pakistan army in Operation Winter Race. (Dec-18, AP)

Camp Management Cluster reports number of arrivals into valleys continues to decrease. (Dec-16, OCHA) Little expectation of mass or sudden movement. (Dec-15, DFID) 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 (463 in NWFP and 39 in PcK) with 187,506 people in NWFP and PcK. UNHCR is helping GOP run 40 organized camps. (Dec-9, UNHCR) UNHCR has counted 333 camps (35 planned/ 284 spontaneous) for more than 183,000 people. Majority are in NWFP. (Dec-15, UNHCR) GOP has established 48 tent villages in PcK. (Dec-10, GOP) There are 22 tent camps run by the military for 28,085 people, while there are 428 camps run by various relief organizations holding 125,167 people in NWFP. (Dec-13, Dawn)

UNHCR now has 24 mobile teams, soon to increase to 60, on the ground to help Pakistan authorities to run camps. (Dec-9, UNHCR) UNHCR has 87 staff members, and a further 23 are being deployed. (Dec-7, UNHCR) Main challenge has not been size of camp population, but variety of camp situations across difficult terrain – requires different approach from UNHCR than that originally envisaged under cluster system. Mobile teams helping to meet requirement. (Dec-14, UNHCR) Main UNHCR operational priorities: Maintain database of all relief camps and population; Winterize camp; Improve delivery of services (water/san, health etc.); Contingency planning – additional 60,000 persons NWFP and over 20,000 in PcK. (Dec-14, UNHCR)

UN said focus of quake relief is now on approximately 2 million people below the snowline (5,000 feet or 1,524 m). IOM-led efforts by 43 agencies, to provide emergency shelter to high-altitude areas through “Operation Winter Race.” Operation appears to be almost complete – 35,000 shelter kits distributed. (Dec-12, OCHA) Shelter items have been distributed to about 400,000 people above 5,000 ft. (Dec-15, DFID) However, IOM reports that at least 2,500 families above 5,000 ft., still in need of CGIs – additional shipments expected to arrive within a week. (Dec-13, UNJLC)

UNHCR setting up new and improved camps in order to ease crowded conditions on existing camps, especially relocation, decongestion and closure. Biggest challenge is scarcity of appropriate terrain. The agency plans to regroup camps to ease delivery of services. (Dec-15, IRIN, Reuters) UNHCR aims to provide every tent with minimum of two plastic sheets, four mattresses, a shovel 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)

Most of affected population are exposed to freezing temperatures and are at risk of hypothermia, respiratory disease and injures from fire accidents inside tents. (Dec-7, WHO) There are 74 field hospitals, including 47 international field hospitals and 9 mental health teams, operating in the region. (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)

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) A moderate intensity earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale occurred today (Monday, December 19) in northern Pakistan. (Dec-19, PTI)

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. Estimated 35% of schools in higher altitudes will close on December 22 for winter vacation, until end of February 2006. Rest will remain open until end of regular school year in April/May. (Dec-15, DFID) Up to 10,000 children lost at least one parent, and about 800,000 women between the age of 15 and 49 were affected. (Dec-15, CWS) About 18,095 students and 853 teachers and educational staff died in the earthquake in NWFP and PcK. (Dec-15, CWS) UNICEF estimates some 1.6 million to 2.2 million children were affected by the earthquake. (Oct-31, AFP) 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) 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. 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	Following December 13 earthquake, with epicenter in Afghanistan, roads to Neelum Valley have been closed. Closure of Thakot-Bana road in Battagram and the Korakarum Highway seriously hampering relief operations in Allai Valley and Kohistan. (Dec-16, OCHA) As of December 14, four new Chinook cargo helicopters have been operating in Muzaffarabad with total capacity of 1,000 MTs. UNHAS will have 4 additional helicopters expected to be operational within 2 weeks, bringing total assets to 23. (Dec-16, OCHA) US military looking into alternative delivery methods, such as cargo bags and copter boxes, which permit supplies to be parachuted down from helicopters. (Dec-14, UNJLC) Helicopter landing zones need reinforcing for winter (already being done in Abbottabad, Chatterplain and Gari Habibullah). Winterization includes covering pad with gravel and digging channels to ensure there is no water buildup. (Dec-14, UNJLC) Onset of winter rains may severely hamper road access in most of mountainous areas in Neelum and Kaghan Valley in next two weeks. (Dec-14, UNJLC) UNHAS expects four additional helicopters bringing total of UNHAS assets to 23. (Dec-14, UNJLC) Muzaffarabad-Lepa road includes dangerous areas with landslides. Road expected to be inaccessible from January (or first heavy snowfall) to March. Muzaffarabad-Chakothi (Jhelum Valley) generally secure. (Dec-14, UNJLC) Pakistani Army Engineers have opened 620 km of roads blocked by heavy landslides in NWFP. Army engineers also continue to build shelter and clear debris from several areas. (Dec-15, GOP) 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) 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) 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	EC has doubled relief assistance from 48.6 million euros to 98.6 million euros. (Dec-16, EC) World Bank has approved US$400 million Emergency Recovery Credit (ERC) to support recovery and reconstruction over three-year period. (Dec-15, WB) Pakistan has completed negotiations with multilateral agencies for US$1.47 billion loans out of the US$3.94 billion pledges and asked them to recommend experts for reconstruction and rehabilitation. Dr. Shah said that total international financial pledges total about US$6.3 billion and more offers were arriving. (Dec-13, Dawn)
Food	World Vision food aid has reached more than 12,150 people, including 6,607 children, since distribution in Siran Valley began nearly two weeks ago. Some villages have received five to six inches of snow. (Dec-16, WVI) World Vision has a revised agreement with the WFP to provide some 36,000 survivors with food assistance until April 2006. (Dec-13, WVI) WFP Country Office currently preparing Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) and several assessment missions are taking place. Shifting of Cooperating Partners to new areas of cooperation continued, with many partners ready to start distributions. WFP focusing on difficult to reach areas. (Dec-7-13, WFP) 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) 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) 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. Another 3 million will receive food assistance from the government, and 150,000 from the Red Cross. (Dec-05, Reuters)
Water and Sanitation	Due to population density, lack of sufficient latrines and implementing partners in camps, solid waste not being properly managed. Three-month awareness campaign has been launched. (Dec-15, UNICEF) 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) 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)
Public Health/Medical	UNICEF began training first 40 of 500 Pakistani health workers to run 31 medical centers and distribute emergency kits. Program to reach full strength over next two months. Campaign to immunize 600,000 children almost complete. (Dec-19, AP) Church World Service (CWS) psychosocial care program plans to assist 700 families in Shohal Najaf tent village in Mansehra. (Dec-19, CWS) Re-establishment of health facilities using winterized or prefabricated structures has begun. (Dec-7, WHO) Measles campaign continues in order to continue sufficient coverage. Plan being developed to phase out field hospitals over coming weeks. (Dec-15, DFID) Approximately 1.6 to 2.2 million children at particular risk of cold, malnutrition and disease. UN estimates that 40,000 pregnant women were affected. (Dec-15, CWS) 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) 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) WHO has set up a website to facilitate information exchange between health partners at www.whopak.org. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)
Shelter	UNHCR will have enough NFIs to support 180,000 in camps and has contingency stock for 80,000 people. GOP has contingency stock of 25,000 stock. Sites for more camps still being identified by GOP and UNHCR. (Dec-19, OCHA) Arrivals into valleys continue to decrease. Until recently, Battagram was exception with 800 people/day in Meira valley, however, it was related to termination of compensation payments in Allai area. No significant population movements in Bagh and Muzaffarabad. Anecdotal evidence that some are even returning home. (Dec-16, OCHA) UN HABITAT proposes emergency shelter program with materials that can be reused for construction of housing in spring; technical and police support to the GOP’s ERRA; Larger participatory self-help rural shelter reconstruction program. (Dec-15, UN HABITAT) Conditions in unplanned or spontaneous camps are of special concern to aid agencies due to the lack of proper hygienic and water/sanitation facilities from poor planning. UNHCR says there are about 30 spontaneous camps around Muzaffarabad hosting about 50,000 survivors, 20 camps in Jhelum Valley hosting about 16,00 people and up to five camps in Neelum Valley. Local authorities are also setting up several camps in rural areas, with UNHCR assistance in Jhelum and Neelum, so survivors will be closer to villages and will find it easier to rebuild homes. (Dec-15, IRIN) UNHCR deployed six Quick Impact Technical Mobile Teams (QIT) and 10 Camp Management Mobile Teams (CMTs) in coordination with implementing partners BEST, InterSOS and THW. Negotiations with other possible partners ongoing. (Dec-7, UNHCR) Emergency response units in field hubs responsible for cleanup and decongesting have been established. (Dec-12, OCHA) 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) Acquisition of CGIs should not be problem in terms of customs procedures – only relief shipments from India is more difficult. (Dec-14, UNJLC) A survey of the affected area by 210 teams from 11 UN agencies, IOM, GOP 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. 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) 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 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) 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)
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) 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	NWFP government insists on police escorts for international staff in the province. Security instructions do not allow movement outside Battagram town without police escort. (Dec-7-13, WFP) Several NGOs have indicated they will discontinue operations in Battagram if restrictions continue. (Dec-14, UNJLC) Local police now accompanies distributions to places with no military presence due to security concerns in Bagh. (Dec-16, OCHA) Travel restrictions for road to Banna remain in place – local commercial operations also reluctant to use road. (Dec-14, UNJLC) 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) Save the Children says that a total of some 44 “safe play” areas are in affected areas. (Dec-13, STC) 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)

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-14, USAID) 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)

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)

Save Our Souls (SOS) NGO has identified 100 affected widows with 325 children. SOS is currently providing relief, support, child centers and education to these survivors in Uri. (Dec-16, 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) Survivors in Poonch district blocked Jammu-Poonch highway for over six hours over alleged wrong assessments of home and building damage by government –appointed survey teams. (Dec-16, Kashmir Times) The government set up a grievances department, where people can lodge complaints on relief distribution. (Nov-8, Daily Excelsior) A 28^th court session given for quake victims suing corrupt relief officials convened in Bonyar, Uri. Compensation of 2.3 million Indian Rs was awarded to 150 victims, while 23 cases were rejected. A total of 110 million Indian Rs were awarded so far through these the courts, which are given free of charge. (Dec-14, Kashmir Times)

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) Victims still have contend with loss of livestock. More than 8,000 livestock were lost in Uri and Tangdhar. (Dec-16, Kashmir Times)

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)

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)

At least 43 people have been killed in a cold wave that has struck northern India. The affected states include Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK), Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, where 37 people have been killed alone. The temperatures, at about 2 to 4 degrees below normal, are reportedly the lowest in six years. In New Delhi, the minimum temperature reached 3.4 degrees Celsius (38 F), while the lowest temperature was recorded in Srinagar, IcK, with minus 5.6 degrees Celsius (22 F). Heavy fog also resulted in railway and traffic delays. Weather officials say that the cold wave is likely to continue in Punjab and parts of Haryana for the next two days with frost expected at night, before abating. (Dec-19, PTI, Reuters, IMD)