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South Asia Earthquake Update

December 23, 2005

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

Table of Contents:

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

India .....................................page 13

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 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) UNJLC reports that feedback from Pakistani military units on the ground is critically needed by UN agencies in order to identify needs. UNJLC looking to source information. (Dec-21, 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) WFP Direct Response Teams (‘Quake Jumpers”) currently doing rapid assessments and call forwards for Non-Food Items (NFIs) and food. Resources from Direct Response, Winter Race and Shelter Cluster pooled for call forwards. IOM will also send teams to join WFP teams. Other organizations have shown interest in using the system. Information management system being established to guarantee follow up on generated data and targeting. (Dec-21, OCHA)

UN Foundation has established South Asia Earthquake Response Fund to enable private-sector donors to support the UN’s relief and rehabilitation efforts. Initial contribution of US$ 1 million has been made. (Dec-21, Reuters) 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)

Lt.-Gen Javier Arregui, NATO Commander of the Land Component Command (LCC), NATO Response Force visited Bagh district and met with Air Commodore Andrew Walton, NATO Disaster Relief Team (NDRT) (Dec-22, Dawn). 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)

OCHA says the implementation of the winterization campaign is in progress. Aim is to provide each family in need in prioritized camps (more than 50 tents) with one tent, 2 pieces plastic sheeting, 4 mattresses, 1 stove and 3 blankets per person. (Dec-23, OCHA) Pakistan Army has distributed over 100,000 tents, 550,000 blankets, 77.4 tons of medicines and 1,125 tons of other relief goods in NWFP. (Dec-20, GOP) Refugees International (RI) reports that government compensation for housing is at 175,000 Pakistani Rs (US$3,100), next of kin for deaths is 100,000 Pakistani Rs (US$1,760), compensation for injures is 15,000 to 50,000 Pakistani Rs. Some problems: Those who moved to camps did not receive compensation, some victims live in remote areas where checks cannot be cashed, landlords are collecting compensation instead of their tenants. (Dec-20, RI)

GOP has waived customs duty and other taxes on goods imported for relief operation for period of three months. (Dec-16, UNJLC) Procurement of emergency supplies far from complete, will delay supplies needed for reconstruction due to competition for transport space. (Dec-20, RI) 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 priorities: Sling nets to reduce turn around times for helicopters and de-icing equipment. (Dec-9, UNJLC) UNHAS using alternative solutions to keep helicopter operations running. (Dec-21, UNJLC) Difficult road conditions continue to hamper travel. More than 50 people have been killed in several road accidents in the area since the quake. (Dec-20, AP)

NATO will wrap up earthquake relief operations when 90-day mandate expires on January 21. (Dec-1, TN, Reuters) NATO 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) Currently, it is not planned to leave NATO assets in the country after February 1. (Dec-21, OCHA) German Defense Minister Franz-Josef said Thursday, December 22 that German troops and two helicopters would stay in Pakistan a month longer than NATO-led forces in order to continue relief and rehabilitation. (Dec-22, DPA)

Camp Management Cluster reports number of arrivals into valleys continues to decrease. (Dec-16, 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 (463 in NWFP and 39 in PcK) with 187,506 people in NWFP and PcK. UNHCR is helping GOP run 36 organized camps. (Dec-22, UNHCR) Spontaneous camp defined as self-settlement consisting of 50 tents or less; houses families outside area of origin; will remain accessible by road through winter. 1,200 such camps estimated. (Dec-21, Emergency Shelter Cluster)

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)

Emergency Shelter Cluster reports total coverage of distribution of emergency shelter kits above 5,000 ft is at 90% - figure considered 80% accurate. Does not include transitional shelters built by Pakistan military nor tents (of which 47,000 have been distributed above 5,000 ft.) However, village-level assessments by alpine monitoring teams indicate gaps remain. (Dec-18, UN said focus of quake relief is now on approximately 2 million people below the snowline (5,000 feet or 1,524 m). First phase of IOM-led Operation Winter Race completed on December 15. Second phase will be required from mid-December to end of January 2006, focusing on lower-level areas. Assessment by Emergency Shelter Cluster became available on the HIC website on December 20. Outstanding shelter needs remain high. However, there are enough tents in the pipeline to cover 30,000 tents needed. Taking into account those already in pipeline, 1.7 million blankets and 118,000 plastic sheets are needed. (Dec-18, Emergency Shelter Cluster) 271,500 non-winterized tents need to be replaced or winterized by end January 2006. (Dec-19, UNCT)

Camp management cluster preparing for individual registration in all the camps in early January. Starting from December 20, 11 camps in Muzaffarabad will be closed or decongested. (Dec-19, OCHA)

IOM is supplementing tent safety information distributed by other NGOs, through radio public service announcement, tour by Shelter Cluster technical advisor and distribution of fire safety pamphlets to camp staff. (Dec-20, IOM) UNHCR will provide training on fire-safety to camp residents, before distributing fire stoves. (Dec-22, PTI) Several techniques used for better and safer winterization: Afghan refugees helping to create an “Afghan fireplace” for heating; UNHCR recommends pitching tent two feet deep and insulation. Every military-run camp has several “fire stops,” information on fire prevention and extinguishers. (Dec-22, UNHCR)

Disease Early Warning System (DEWS) says 112 of 154 reporting units (73%) reported total of 65,486 consultations, including five deaths. ARI continues to increase. (Dec-14, WHO) ARIs reported to be on increase in children in quake-affected areas. (ARIs account for 20-30% of the consultations among children under the age of five in the earthquake-affected areas. (Dec-22, UNICEF) UNJLC reports that lack of female health personnel continues to hamper medical services to women and children as part of one-day health clinics conducted during Operation Winter Race. Assessing availability from UN agencies, NGOs, Pakistani military units. (Dec-21, UNJLC)

Weather forecasters say that snow will soon hit all affected areas in PcK and NWFP. Winter may last beyond the end of March in villages at higher altitudes. (Dec-22, UNICEF) Forecasters predict some rain and haze from December 21 to the weekend. (Dec-22, UK Met Office) 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. 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	NWFP government will take control of all tent villages in the province. However, the military will be requested to continue relief activities. (Dec-13, Dawn) 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) UNJLC proposed forming “field steering group” to help determine priorities. Suggested that cluster leads become leads of groups. (Dec-16, OCHA) A Strategic Information Cell (SIC) has been comprised of HIC, FRC, UNJLC and clusters which will act as a repository of information gathered. SIC will focus on data collection for the period between December 15 to January 31. (Dec-15, Clusters) “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 coordinates rescue and relief operations. Major General Farooq Ahmed Khan, is the Federal Relief Commissioner. 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	In Muzaffarabad, there are reports of minor population movements from higher altitudes. In Bagh, there are no reports of massive downward movement, while in Batagram there has been ongoing migration of people from higher elevations, into camps, according to OCHA. (Dec-23, OCHA) According to UNJLC, there is only a three-week window available to deliver all non-food items (NFIs) before the onset of winter. (Dec-23. OCHA) The number of helicopters has decreased slightly with foreign militaries leaving. Eight of the seventeen helicopters provided by foreign governments are leaving. However, 2 additional UNHAS and 2 more helicopters from NGOs have been provided. (Dec-23, OCHA) IOM will hire 20 vans and 3 jeeps to provide free transportation to people in Balakot and Kaghan and will soon launch a free bus service from Ghari Habibullah to Balakot, according to the Dawn. (Dec-19, Dawn) WFP Direct Response Teams comprised of experienced mountaineers are in the process of assessing the most remote areas in the upper valleys where relief may not have reached. The teams will set up local distribution structures and helicopter landing zones. Food is reportedly the priority. (Dec16, OCHA) 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) 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) 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) 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	As of December 23, commitments and contributions against the UN Flash Appeal stand at US$240.7 million (43.6% of overall requirements). Another US$19.3 million is pledged, bringing total coverage of flash appeal to some 47%. (Dec-23, OCHA) European Commission has approved a further US$30 million for survivors. (Dec-20, The News) World Bank has approved US$400 million Emergency Recovery Credit (ERC) to support recovery and reconstruction over three-year period. (Dec-15, WB)
Food	Pakistan Army has distributed about 1.5 million tons of food items in NWFP. (Dec-20, GOP) Shortage of wheat flour reported due to breaks in pipeline, which slowed down food deliveries to partners working with WFP. Breaks occurred due to uplift capacity problems at wheat loading sites – more loading centers requested to increase capacity. Loan of vegetable oil will be transported from Afghanistan to address pipeline-break in vegetable oil. (Dec-20, WFP) 1 million people are food-aid dependent in snowbound and inaccessible areas according to joint meeting between camp management and emergency shelter. (Dec-15, Cluster meeting) 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)
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	According to the latest reports, issued jointly by the Pakistan government and World Health Organization (WHO), Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) account for 20-30% of the consultations among children under the age of five in the earthquake-affected areas. (Dec-22, UNICEF) Red Cross/Red Crescent health program has expanded beyond Balakot, Garhi Habibullah and Battagram, with mobile teams reaching Shangla district. To date, over 108,000 people have received medical assistance. (Dec-22, IFRC) Ministry of Health has launched special vaccination campaign in relief camps in PcK and NWFP for tetanus, diphtheria and meningitis. About 70 percent of people have been vaccinated, but campaign will cover those who recently arrived from high mountain areas. Increase in cases of pneumonia and respiratory diseases in northern Pakistan. (Dec-22, IFRC) 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) UNICEF on Monday (December 19) launched third phase of immunization campaign to prevent spread of communicable diseases in camps. First two phases targeted measles, which was mostly successful. (Dec-19, IRIN) UNICEF says it has distributed some 35,000 hygiene kits and is teaching people who lived in isolated villages how to improve hygiene habits. (Dec-19, UNICEF) OCHA reports that the Health Ministry has identified 100 basic healthcare units (BHU) to set up in prefabricated structures. (Dec-16, OCHA) The mission of WHO Director-General which concluded on December 11 concluded that there are no major threats of epidemics as the situation is under control and immunization plans are under way. Mission reported that cold and cramped living conditions were contributing to risk of respiratory infections and hypothermia. (Dec-16, OCHA) National Task Force on Psycho-social Trauma has been formed by the prime minister and led by the Ministry of Health with the support of WHO and other partners. UNICEF is assisting with training of community-based workers, volunteers and teachers while WHO is lead on training of health staff and setting up of referral teams. Task force is also supporting training of social workers by Ministry of Social Welfare. (Dec-16, OCHA) Health officials supported by UNICEF, on Monday (Dec-19) launched the third phase of an immunization campaign to help prevent outbreaks in camps. Campaign will last until December 24. Types of vaccinations include meningitis, hepatitis and measles. (Dec-19, IRIN, OCHA) 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. (Dec-19, AP) 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 has set up a website to facilitate information exchange between health partners at www.whopak.org. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)
Shelter	According to rapid assessment by UN, some one tenth of tents are too thin to withstand the winter. Some 75 percent of households require extra protection to get through winter. Some 1 million blankets or half a million quilts still needed, UNICEF says. (Dec-22, UNICEF) Emergency Shelter Cluster is urging the international community to provide plastic sheeting. (Dec-23, OCHA) Oxfam currently working in 161 camps in NWFP and PcK. Has provided 127,000 people, distributed 16,000 winterized tents and 765 traditional shelter called “bandis.” (Dec-22, TN) Along with shelter supplies, GOAL has commenced voucher system. Each household receives 60 vouchers of 100 Pakistani Rs each (US$100), which can be redeemed at local shops for two days. GOAL will pay shopkeepers on receipt of vouchers, to stimulate local economy. (Dec-20, GOAL) GOAL distributing CGI to 7,500 families in Bagh over 10 days. (Dec-20, GOAL) Emergency Shelter Cluster) 98,605 shelter kits delivered (730,000 beneficiaries), of which 54,529 delivered above 5,000 ft.; 55,000 transitional shelters constructed (407,000 beneficiaries); 610,000 tents delivered (283,806 by humanitarian community); 4.8 million blankets delivered (1.7 million by humanitarian community); 451,000 plastic sheets/tarpaulins delivered by humanitarian community. (Dec-19, UNCT) Since the launching of “Operation Winter Race” a total of 72,000 tents/shelter kits have been distributed by the humanitarian community while the military reported a total distribution of 82,000 tents. (Dec-19, OCHA) Camp Management cluster currently preparing for individual registration in all camps to be conducted in early January. (Dec-19, OCHA) IOM is starting a shelter assessment Wednesday (December 21) in Kohistan district of NWFP. Kohistan is reportedly one of five worst-hit districts of NWFP. It will be the first survey in the district since the earthquake struck. (Dec-20, IRIN) Pakistan’s FRC says that survivors need 2 million more blankets to cope with winter. (Dec-18, Xinhua) 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) 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) 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)
Infrastructure	Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has directed ERRA to ensure environmental friendliness and availability of playground facilities in reconstruction work of affected cities. Government wants master plan for Muzaffarabad to be finalized by June 2006. (Dec-20, GOP) According to a report by IRIN, the World Conservation Union, comprised of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and CARE, have expressed grave concern over widespread pollution as a result of poor sanitation, degradation of forests, landslides and inadequate solid waste management practices. (Dec-21, IRIN) 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	UNHAS will be making one flight a day to Bana to ease situation caused by closure of road from Battagram to Bana for security reasons. UN staff not allowed to stay overnight in Banna. If ban not lifted, relief operations will be hampered. Police escorts still required in Battagram and Bagh districts. (Dec-21, OHCA) According to OCHA, Ministry of Social Welfare is offering the most vulnerable groups who have been affected by the earthquake to be moved to an institution outside Islamabad. (Dec-19, OCHA) 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) Local police now accompanies distributions to places with no military presence due to security concerns in Bagh. (Dec-16, OCHA)

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.

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. (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) 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)

Save Our Souls (SOS) NGO has identified 100 affected widows with 325 children. SOS currently providing relief, support, child centers and education to these survivors in Uri. (Dec-16, 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) 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)

SEEDS has completed work on 315 shelters in 32 villages in Poonch district – 56 more shelters being built. After end of Interim Shelter program at end of this week, SEEDS planning final round of winter relief around last week of December. Materials have dispatched and workforce continues to grow. (Dec-20, SEEDS) GOAL working with long-term local partner, CINI, and provided emergency shelter, food, lanterns and stoves, and warm clothing to over 1,000 families in Tangdhar, Uri and Kupwara. (Dec-20, GOAL) Victims still have contend with loss of livestock. More than 8,000 livestock were lost in Uri and Tangdhar. (Dec-16, Kashmir Times)

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) India and Pakistan on Tuesday (December 20) began two days of talk on launching fourth cross-border bus service between Nankana Sahib (Pakistan) and Amritsar (India) in Lahore. (Dec-20, AFP)Agreement on Lahore-Amritsar bus service also expected to be signed, and service expected to begin within 10 to 12 days. (Dec-20, PTI)

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) Two border guards and three civilians were injured when militants hurled a hand grenade at a security patrol in Sopore town, about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Srinagar. The militants took refuge in a nearby government building – forcing evacuations of civilians. (Dec-22, AFP)

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. (Dec-19, PTI, Reuters, IMD) IMD says chilly weather could abate in next two days due to possibility of rain and snow in western Himalayas. Temperatures in the region remain below normal in some areas, including IcK. (Dec-20, IANS)