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South Asia Earthquake Update

 

December 30, 2005

 

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

 

 

 

Table of Contents:

 

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

India .....................................page 12

 


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 the unconfirmed death toll has climbed to over 86,000. (Nov-8, AP, Dawn) 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.

 

Pakistani military has announced that all earthquake-affected areas have been assessed. (Dec-30, OCHA) DFID concerned at absence of effective NGO coordinating role at both Islamabad and field level, particularly for pipeline information. UNJLC deploying Islamabad-based NGO Coordination Officer to partially address this problem for coming months. (Dec-21, UNJLC) An Emergency Coordination Center is in the process of being established by OCHA with assistance of UNJLC. (Dec-29, UNJLC) WFP Direct Response Teams (ÔQuake JumpersÓ) currently doing rapid assessments and call forwards for Non-Food Items (NFIs) and food. Information management system being established to guarantee follow up on generated data and targeting. (Dec-21, OCHA)

 

GOP has decided to set up a Federal Disaster Relief Management Agency (FEDREMA) for better coordination in disasters. (Dec-27, Dawn) Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said that federal government has released 22 billion Pakistani Rs (US$370 billion) so far - 9.2 billion Rs to PcK, 8.3 billion Rs to NWFP, and 5.6 billion Rs directly to various departments. (Dec-27, GOP) GOP is offering 175,000 Pakistani Rs (US$3,000) to each household in three installments. First installment of 25,000 Pakistani Rs has already been distributed. Next installment of 75,000 Pakistani Rs would be given in February-March 2006, and final installment of 75,000 Pakistani Rs would be given upon certain level of completion of houses. (Dec-28, Dawn)

 

GOP reports Pakistan has received US$305 million in cash of the US$6.2 billion for rehabilitation and reconstruction. GOP documenting detailed reconstruction plan that it will share with the Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA) to implement development programs. (Dec-28, Dawn)

 

Former US President George Bush appointed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan as special UN envoy for Pakistan earthquake relief on December 14. (Dec-15, DPA) Two missions from Geneva will visit Pakistan from January 5 to 9; and from January 25 to 29 for cluster review and assessment. One concern is that a lot of international staff that was involved in initial phases of relief have left Pakistan and some current staff will be leaving in first or second week of January, making some information inconsistent. (Dec-26, OCHA)

 

New UNJLC transport coordination database has been created to facilitate the overview of cargo movement and waiting list of cargo through UNJLC-UNHAS-IOM-Atlas Alliance. UNJLC Logs Supply System (LSSW) to monitor NFI supply begins in Islamabad. (Dec-29, UNJLC) UNHAS will only be able to keep up its activities at its current rate until February 10. During Eid holiday (January 10-11), less transport capacity will be available. (Dec-30, OCHA) Process of visa waivers for foreign aid workers entering Pakistan for up to three months currently being reviewed. All individuals and foreign NGOs are advised to obtain proper visa before entering the country. Those already in-country will still be waived. (Dec-21, UNJLC) GOP has waived customs duty and other taxes on goods imported for relief operation for period of three months, but not for reconstruction goods. (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) UNHAS planning to build its own de-icing equipment which will be ready in approximately three weeks. (Dec-30, OCHA)

 

NATO Civil Military Cooperation teams (CIMIC) currently entering final phase of relief operations – aiding Pakistani military and other NGOs in building shelter, repairing infrastructure and delivering relief. (Dec-27, NATO) NATO will wrap up earthquake relief operations when 90-day mandate expires on January 21. (Dec-1, TN, Reuters) GOP has officially requested to NATO that fuel farm in Abbottabad, provided by France, and four German helicopters remain in country on bilateral basis after NATOÕs redeployment at end of January. (Dec-21, UNJLC) Two German helicopters will be available on a bilateral agreement past February 1. (Dec-28, OCHA) US Ambassador Ryan Crocker said that the over 1,000 US troops helping with relief efforts will leave Pakistan in March. (Dec-27, Dawn) With use of sling nets and US military helicopter operations expected to stay stable for at least another month - no capacity problems anticipated for now. (Dec-28, OCHA) Rear Admiral Michael LeFever of the Disaster Assistance Center Pakistan (DACP) says that US will continue to ensure availability of helicopters in an Òappropriate numberÓ in coordination with GOP. US helicopters have delivered more than 14 million pounds of relief goods. (Dec-29, DPA) US Disaster Assistance Center continues to maintain 12 US Chinook helicopters, along with four S70 Australian helicopters. Since helicopter operations began on October 10, it was suspended only three days by weather. (Dec-30, GOP)

 

UNHCR and GOP will soon launch household-level registration exercise to record profiles of IDPs in tented camps. Will also aid in early recovery phase. (Dec-28, IRIN) FRC reports 55 established tent villages, housing over 58,000 in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK), while another 23 have been established in NWFP housing over 35,000. (Dec-28, IRIN) 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 37 organized camps. (Dec-28, UNHCR) UNHCR also providing support to about 400 spontaneous camps in 3 districts in PcK and 5 districts in NWFP. (Dec-28, IRIN) 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) IOM reports over 1.9 million people are estimated to be living in 300,000 tents across affected areas. (Dec-28, IOM)

 

UN said focus of quake relief is now on approximately 2 million people below the snowline (5,000 feet or 1,524 m). Second phase of IOM-led Operation Winter Race will be required from mid-December to end of January 2006, focusing on lower-level areas. UNJLC has coordinated plan for IOMÕs ÒWinter RaceÓ workers to combine efforts with WFPÕs ÒQuakejumpersÓ to evaluate need for both NFIs and food, and distribution. (Dec-27, UNJLC) UNHCR reports that 85 percent of shelters in planned camps are winterized. (Dec-30, USAID) 271,500 non-winterized tents need to be replaced or winterized by end January 2006. (Dec-19, UNCT)

 

Relief agencies increasingly concerned over social unrest in transitional shelters, according to IOM, due to close proximity, cultural differences, difficulties in cooking and sanitation arrangements, loss of livelihood, inadequate shelter and boredom. Literacy and other outreach classes in established camps helping to mitigate unrest. (Dec-28, IRIN)

 

UN shelter cluster distributing flyer explaining fire safety and winterization techniques. (Dec-30, USAID) IOM is supplementing tent safety information distributed by other NGOs, through radio public service announcement, Shelter Cluster technical advisor and distribution of fire safety pamphlets. (Dec-20, IOM) IOM reports some 50 tent fires have been recorded since earthquake with loss of life and destruction of property. About two-thirds of families have constructed home-built stoves within tents for cooking and heating, while remainder use open fires. (Dec-28, IRIN)

 

FRC says that Pakistan has requested all countries who have established hospitals and water filtration plants in relief camps to leave behind and donate their facilities upon completion of their task. (Dec-24, 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) Outbreaks of rain (and snow above 5,000 ft) forecasted for Saturday (December 31) with slight to moderate accumulations of snow. Widespread rain (and snow above 5,000 ft) forecasted for Sunday (January 1) and Monday (January 2) with moderate to heavy accumulations of snow. Isolated showers (and snow above 5,000 ft) forecasted for Tuesday (January 3) and Wednesday (January 4). (Dec-30, UK Met Office)

 

Aftershock-triggered avalanche kills at least 24 workers digging for gemstones in Kohistan district of North West Frontier Province (NWFP). (Dec-30, Reuters)

 

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) UNICEF estimates almost 1 million schoolchildren need support, of which some 450,000 are of primary school age. (Dec-28, Reuters)

 

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

Coordination

According to OCHA, the Pakistani military has announced that all affected areas have been assessed. (Dec-30, OCHA)

 

UNJLC says that an Emergency Coordination Center is in the process of being established by OCHA with assistance of UNJLC. According to UNJLC, it will consolidate information from the coordinating bodies and will act as a central briefing point and information center on the emergency, with the goal to set up a structure to help plan for future operations. It will be located in OCHAÕs new offices and will be operational by January 4, 2006. (Dec-29, UNJLC)

 

A Save the Children field office has been built in Siran Valley to coordinate relief activities in surrounding high-altitude villages. (Dec-29, SC)

 

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)

 

ÒJoint Operations CenterÓ established to task UNHAS; Pakistan military; NATO and US Military air assets. (Dec-2, OCHA)

 

90-day ÔWinter PlanÕ 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)

 

GOP has established a ÒPrime Minister Relief CellÓ in Islamabad for help in locating family members. Hotline Tel: (+9251) 9222666. ÒEarthquake Relief CellÓ has been established in the Prime MinisterÕs 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. (Nov-11, UN)

 

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

Under current funding, UNHAS will only be able to keep up activities at current rate until Feb. 10, OCHA says. Does not include 4 helicopters funded by DFID until May 3. (Dec-30, OCHA)

 

UNJLC says that a new transport coordination database has been created to facilitate the overview of cargo movement. (Dec-29, UNJLC)

 

A chart of available warehouse space is published on the UNJLC webpage. The table is designed to give all agencies and NGOs in need of storage a precise overview of existing warehouse capacity. (Dec-29, UNJLC) http://www.unjlc.org/pakistan

 

UNJLC says that it is also in the process of updating and expanding its map catalog in order to provide readily available information to the relief community. UNJLC says that for printed copies and requests, email unjlcmapping@gmail.com. Maps can also be downloaded from the UNJLC website. (Dec-29, UNJLC)

 

GOP and Pakistani military will try to ensure that important roads stay open where possible. It might be possible to keep roads leading into Neelum Valley open throughout winter. (Dec-28, OCHA)

 

UNJLC map of revised UNHAS passenger service flight schedule now available to relief community at http://www.unjlc.org/pakistan/maps/UNHASPaxroutes/. (Dec-21, UNJLC)

 

UNJLC reports three major customs problems: Goods not clearly marked for relief (eg. Radio equipment); Goods mistaken for reconstruction materials, which are not eligible for customs waiver; Goods originating in India. (Dec-21, UNJLC)

 

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)

 

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)

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)

 

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

Food

Save the Children (SC) will now distribute WFP rations to 86,290 people in Allai Tehsil (Battagram) and about 35,000 people in Tehsil Kala Khaka (Mansehra). SC is amending agreement with WFP to accommodate these changes. (Dec-27, SC)

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)

 

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

International Medical Corps is expanding its mobile outreach efforts to remote areas including Shamori, Batora, Mori, Kamriala, Garlat, Banda Balola, Jaagir, Sarash, Saran and the Al-Husaani tent village. (Dec-27, IMC)

 

The Ministry of Health of PcK, UNICEF and the Qatar Charity Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide medical assistance to victims in five locations in PcK and NWFP. According to the country director of Qatar Charity, the collaboration aims at providing emergency medical services focusing on women and children by establishing, equipping and deploying 18 medical teams to select areas for 6 months. MOH will supply the teams, UNICEF will provide ÒEmergency Medical KitsÓ-- enough to cover the needs of 10,000 for 6 months, while the Qatar Charity will provide funds. (Dec-23, GOP)

 

IOM has deployed Mental Health and Psychosocial support teams to cities and camps. IOM found that after interviewing 1390 people, some 117 (8.4%) were diagnosed with various degrees of mental problems. Women and children were most affected. (Dec-27, IOM)

 

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)

 

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 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)

 

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, UNICEF and other partners. (Dec-16, OCHA)

 

Approximately 1.6 to 2.2 million children at particular risk of cold, malnutrition and disease. UN estimates that 40,000 pregnant women are 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

ICRC expecting 15,000 tents to arrive before January 1 – to be distributed by road. (Dec-28, OCHA)

 

Save the Children (SC) reports that fire safety guidelines are being written and radio broadcasted in Urdu and Pashto. No accidents have occurred in SC tents. (Dec-27, SC)

 

In PcK, UNICEF organizing the distribution of some 50,000 kits containing warm winter clothing and other winter items for children. (Dec-27, IRIN)

 

Several techniques used for better and safer winterization: Afghan refugees helping to create an ÒAfghan fireplaceÓ for heating; UNHCR recommends pitching tent two feet deep and insulation. Every military-run camp has several Òfire stops,Ó information on fire prevention and extinguishers. (Dec-22, UNHCR)

 

FRC says Pakistani Army and NGOs have provided over 200,000 shelters to survivors over 5000 ft. as of December 23. Total of 746,000 tents, 4.9 million blankets and quilts have been given to survivors. More than 443,000 CGI sheets have been delivered with more in the pipeline. (Dec-24, GOP)

 

There are some 55 tent villages in PcK which house over 58,000 people, with 23 tent villages in NWFP, housing over 35,000 people, according to the FRC. There are some 400 spontaneous tent villages housing over 100,000 people. (Dec-24, GOP)

 

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: 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)

 

Infrastructure

Agencies have been given a target of 400,000 quake-resistant homes to build before next winter season. (Dec-28, Dawn) PcK Minister Sardar Sikander Hayat Khan said that reconstruction and rehabilitation in PcK will begin on April 1, 2006. (Dec-28, Dawn)

 

GOP says that 95% of roads, 70% of water supply system, 85% of electrical supply and 96% of telecom facilities have been restored in quake-affected areas. (Dec-27, GOP)

 

GOP has approved a US$300 million project to rehabilitate and restore damaged and destroyed infrastructure. Private NGOs and civil society organizations will also be involved in rehabilitation. (Dec-27, GOP)

 

GOP estimates that 6,700 schools were destroyed in NWFP and 1,300 in PcK. (Dec-28, Reuters)

 

OCHA says that almost 500 schools have reopened, with over 32,200 children enrolled in the schools. In an effort to get an overall picture of the situation around Muzaffarabad, UNICEF and local officials are conducting a rapid assessment of more than 2,000 schools. Some 2,500 school tents are in the pipeline. UNICEF has distributed some 16,000 school-in-a-box sets for children in PcK. Each kit can provide supplies for 80 children and 2 teachers. (Dec-28, 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

OCHA says that the grace period for police escorts until Dec. 31, never materialized, hampering free movement for aid agencies. (Dec-30, UNJLC)

 

Save the Children has established 68 safe play spaces in NWFP and PcK – 11 new spaces were created this week. (Dec-27, SC)

 

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)

 

IcK plans Disaster Management Authority to help coordinate disaster response and relief in the state. So far, the GOI says it has given out 2.35 billion Indian Rs (US$52 million) in compensation. (Dec-27, Kashmir Times) Major NGOs and agencies working in IcK: CARE (Relief and shelter); CRS (Relief and Shelter); Prime MinisterÕs 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 womenÕs 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 womenÕs issues; Army Wives Welfare Association – working with women and children. (Dec-12, CASA)

 

GOI reports that nine villages in Tangdhar and six villages in Uri would be relocated due to extensive quake damage. About 24,000 structures are estimated to be fully or partially destroyed. (Dec-27, 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)

 

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) A policeman was killed and another injured when militants ambushed a police party in Poonch district today. (Dec-30, Kashmir Times)

 

Scattered rainfall/snowfall likely over western Himalayas until January 2. (Dec-30, IMD)