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South Asia Earthquake Update

January 26, 2006

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 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.

This week has seen most dry and slightly foggy weather, however, inclement weather is expected to return on Friday (January 27), with rain and snow in altitudes above 7,000 feet through Tuesday (January 31). (Jan-24, UK Met Office) Cold weather continues to hamper relief work in all major sectors since arrival of subzero temperatures earlier this month. DFID reports that sectors of most concern are shelter, camp management and water/sanitation. (Jan-12, DFID) Relief agencies say weather in the coming weeks is likely to worsen until spring arrives in April.

UN’s US$550 million flash appeal has so far received US$335 million (Jan-25, DPA). UN and partner agencies need US$2 million a day to keep aid operations running. GOP has reached understanding with donors, including DFID, USAID, Japan, the EU, UNDP, World Bank and ADB to monitor utilization of quake aid. (Jan-21, DPA) GOP’s newly established Relief Committee reports that it has almost completed compensation payments to quake survivors. Committee comprises civil and military officials. (Jan-23, GOP)

Following request from FRC on January 18, OCHA attempting to stimulate formation of joint “Strategic Information Cell” (SIC) comprising four main partners in information management, FRC, Clusters, UNJLC and HIC. (Jan-23, UN) Mountain Rapid Assessment Teams (Quake-jumpers and M-RATs) now coordinated through OCHA, with support of NRC. (Jan-13, OCHA) Civilian authorities in NWFP and PcK will be responsible for food delivery by March 31. Camp management has transitioned back from civilian to military authorities in NWFP due to inclement weather. (Jan-12, DFID) FRC and ERRA have created a transition team to begin transition from relief to reconstruction – FRC has requested particular attention to urban infrastructure. (Jan-20, OCHA)

NATO forces on Monday (January 23) scaled down their search for a missing Turkmen relief helicopter that crashed on Friday (January 20) after it wrapped up relief work in quake-hit northern Pakistan. The chopper was chartered by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). It disappeared as it left Pakistan airspace to enter Afghanistan on its way to its home base in Turkmenistan. Seven Turkmen crew were on board, with no ICRC staff. US-led coalition forces based in Afghanistan have also dispatched aircraft to join the search. The ICRC said that the search will be resumed on Tuesday (January 24). Six Pakistani soldiers were killed when a Pakistani army helicopter crashed in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK), while a UN helicopter heading for the quake zone crashed in Azerbaijan, killing four, in October last year. There have also been several reports of deadly landslides and accidents due to treacherous road conditions since the quake struck in October.

Official UN system for humanitarian supply management, Logistics Support System (LSS), now expanded from all WHO warehouses, Ministry of Health warehouses to UNJLC. (Jan-14, WHO) UN Shelter Cluster requesting 25 helicopter sorties/day (50 metric tons) until February in addition to supplies moved by road (Jan-25, UNJLC). Although flights deliver to approximately 380,000 people (40%), land routes bring food and supplies to about 500,000 (60%) of the 1 million being fed by the WFP. On January 18, the Pakistani military said that roads into Neelum and Jhelum valleys were blocked, stranding thousands of people. Roads into some areas of Allai and Kaghan valleys, and Muzaffarabad remained closed as well. (Jan-20, OCHA) The military said that road repairs and snow clearing with heavy machinery would take days to repair in many areas. Some officials have reportedly expressed frustration as many repairs have repeatedly taken place in the same spots as harsh weather continues. Geologist working with UN reports that it will take several months beyond April to clear main roads for limited traffic, up to five years to clear roads completely. Damaged secondary roads could take up to two years. Landslide risk to increase dramatically in March/April due to snowmelt and rains. (Jan-17, WFP) All foreign individuals and NGOs need to obtain proper visa before entering the country. (Jan-12, 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) UNJLC publishing daily road status report and map available by mailing list and http://www.unjlc.org/pakistan/land

Official registration of camps in both PcK and North West Frontier Province (NWFP) are expected to be finalized next week. The registration did not include spontaneous camps with less than 50 tents, which UNICEF and UNFPA will register. OCHA has decided to assist the less-than-50 settlements in a winterizing shelter campaign similar to Operation Winter Race, which targeted high-altitude communities in November and December. Meanwhile, UNHCR has decided that emergency operations will continue in camps until the end of winter in March, although some are expected to stay until late-2006. Preparations will be made for the transition period for survivors to voluntarily return to their homes when the reconstruction and recovery process begins in April. UNHCR aims to: 1.) Have as many persons as possible return voluntarily to places of origin; 2.) Handover camp management to regional PcK and NWFP authorities. (Jan-19, UNHCR) UNHCR and partners concerned with potential premature closure of military-run camps by March 31, 2006, as announced by PakMil. (Jan-20, OCHA)

No major reports of flooding in camps due to reinforcement of camps (deeper drainage, plastic sheeting) after initial precipitation earlier this month. (Jan-20, OCHA) IOM reports some 50 tent fires have been recorded since earthquake with loss of life and destruction of property. (Dec-28, IRIN) About 1.9 million survivors are living independently below the snowline, 250,000 are in organized camps, and another 400,000 are in temporary shelters above the snowline. All but 10 percent of the tents have been adequately winterized. Although influx of survivors occurred after inclement weather arrived earlier this month, no further influxes are expected – sporadic reports of movement down, as well as movement up due to reinforced shelter at higher altitudes. (Jan-23, UN)

Emergency shelter distribution now in final phase. Inputs expected to peak in mid-February and finish by early March. (Jan-23, UN) Shelter Cluster confident that key needs for tents have been met – focus should be on winterization, rather than on wholesale distribution. (Jan-20, OCHA) Priorities of humanitarian agencies remain: 1.) Keeping survivors warm and dry; 2.) Providing winterization of tents and corrugated iron sheets (CGIs); 3.) Providing heating in family/communal tents as in school tents and hospitals. (Jan-20, OCHA) Both the military and the government have asked the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which is spearheading the UN’s camp management cluster, to provide stoves and kerosene for individual tents, along with firesafety equipment. Previously, authorities banned individual stoves and had insisted on communal heating. Organizations such as World Vision, IOM and WHO, are also currently working to provide donated kerosene heaters as well. IOM reports that Rapid Response Teams have been formed in order to rapidly improve shelter conditions during periods of clear weather. The teams have been organized involving the municipal water/sanitation departments, IOM, Christian Relief Foundation and Trust for Voluntary Organization.

Wat/san conditions need to be improved before water table is increased by rains and/or thawing of snow in mountains. (Jan-20, OCHA) USAID reported access to drinking water in remote areas remains limited. IOM plans to educate communities on using solar technologies to melt snow. (Jan-13, USAID). Lack of female health workers continue to be a major concern. (Jan-20, OCHA) Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) continue to be leading cause of concern. Total of 13,484 ARI cases and 8 related deaths have been reported. (Jan-14, WHO) LSS instrumental in sorting out inappropriate or expired donated medications. (Jan-18, IASC)

NATO continued to downgrade its presence in the quake-affected area as a 110-Spanish-led multinational engineer battalion left on Wednesday (January 25). A 170-member NATO contingent, including light engineers and paramedics, left last Thursday (January 19), days after 130 medical personnel left a hospital in PcK. (Jan-25, DPA) The move was part of preparations to withdraw at the end of NATO’s 90-day mandate, which expires in the middle of February. About 600 NATO troops are currently left, which will return to their countries at the end of the mandate. Last two MI-8 helicopters expected by UNHAS have arrived – final aircraft to be brought in for relief use. (Jan-18, UNJLC) There are about 870 US troops that will stay until March. (Jan-10, GOUSA)

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has sent mountain experts to the country to help train hundreds of national and international humanitarian staff in the region to protect themselves against safety and health conditions caused by the cold weather.

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. PcK government said that it is near completion of the registration of survivors in the camps in a bid to make sure that all were getting enough support and relief goods. (Jan-18, Dawn) UNHCR says that it is supporting the ongoing registration which has covered more than 80 camps in NWFP and PcK and is expected to be completed this month. (Jan-18, UNHCR) 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) Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) registering affected population, including those residing in and outside camps. (Dec-8, UN) According to DFID, the Pakistani military says that some 120,000-200,000 people are expected to descend from villages to camps in the coming weeks. (Jan-19, DFID)
Coordination	According to OCHA, FRC and ERRA have created a transition team to help with transition from relief to reconstruction. (Jan-20, OCHA) NWFP Senior Minister, Siraj-ul-Haq on Wednesday (January 25) informed the provincial assembly that the government has so far distributed Rs. 9318 million as compensation among affected people. (Jan-25, GOP) DFID reports unconfirmed reports that some NGOs are unhappy with cluster approach. (Jan-19, DFID) UNDP and UN Volunteers program have launched a UN Volunteers scheme to enlist people for earthquake recovery and rehabilitation efforts. (Jan-19, UNV) A National Disaster Management Agency will be set up to provide an institutional response to emergencies. (Jan-19, DFID) Under an MoU, 50,000 children and adolescents will be mobilized among survivors to become “Rahbers” or tent-to-tent communicators, to raise awareness about hygiene, safe drinking water and health and child protection issues. (Jan-20, GOP) 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. It will be located in OCHA’s new offices and will be operational by January 4, 2006. (Dec-29, UNJLC) 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) 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. (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)
Logistics	UNJLC reports a bridge out at Ghanol, located 15km NE of Balakot due to bad weather. The bridge will not be repaired for at least 4 to 6 weeks. UJLC says that as a result, the Kagan Valley road is inaccessible and helicopters will be the only way for access. (Jan-19, UNJLC) IOM has deployed around 10 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) in Muzaffarabad, capital of PcK to respond to an emergency assistance hotline established at a local FM radio. IOM reports some 1,200 requests thus far. (Jan-18, IRIN) UNJLC has established an emergency team in Muzaffarabad for quick response during times of inclement weather. (Jan-11, UNJLC) 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. UNJLC says that for printed copies and requests, email unjlcmapping@gmail.com. Maps can also be downloaded from the UNJLC website. (Dec-29, UNJLC) 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) GOP and GOI have set up five crossing points along the LoC at Nauser-Teethwal, Chakothi-Uri, Hajipur-Uri, Rawalakot-Poonch and Tattapni-Mendhar. (Nov-21, TN)
International Financial Assistance	USAID will provide some US$66.6 million for affected areas. The first US$15 million was paid on January 21. US has pledged a total of US$510 million. (Jan-19, 21, GOP, Reuters) Saudi Arabia will provide US$573 million for reconstruction and rehabilitation. (Jan-24, DPA) Norway and Pakistan signed declaration of intent concerning a debt for development swap in which some US$20 million out of a total of US$45 million in debt will be cancelled. Funds will reportedly be funneled through the ADB’s Pakistan Earthquake Fund. (Jan-24, Govt of Norway) Commitments for the UN Flash Appeal stand at US$305 million (56% of overall requirements). (Jan-12, DFID) UN Foundation has established South Asia Earthquake Response Fund to enable private-sector donors to support the UN’s relief and rehabilitation efforts. Initial contribution of US$ 1 million has been made. (Dec-21, Reuters)
Food	The Dawn reports that 50,000 affected families will get Rs 3,000 annually through Pakistan’s Bait-ul-Mal’s “Food Support Program.” (Jan-23, Dawn) GOP reports that the President of PcK, Major General Sardar Muhammad Anwar Khan said that food reserves are in sufficient quantities for survivors living in high altitude areas. Brigadier Khalid Mehmood, who is in charge of the relief operations in Battagram and Kohistan districts, says that WFP has provided enough food for three months to people living in areas located 5000 feet above sea level. (Jan-17, GOP) According to the WFP and GOP, some 2.3 million people remain food insecure. (Jan-12, DFID) WFP has reportedly stockpiled sufficient food to last between 7-30 days at central locations throughout the affected region. (Jan-12, DFID)
Water and Sanitation	DFID says that OCHA reports that concern is mounting that poor access to water, latrines and bathing facilities in camps could trigger disease outbreaks. (Jan-19, DFID) 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	DFID reports Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) remain the number one health concern. ARIs have increased as weather gets colder. Lack of female medical staff still a concern. (Jan-19, DFID) The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) reports that cold weather and a lack of clothing remain the main health threat for the some 3 million affected. (Jan-18, IASC) GOP has started to rebuild some 61 basic health units and 7 rural health centers in Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley. (Jan-20, AFP) Health cluster says that the third phase of vaccination has been finalized in all camps in affected areas. (Jan-19, Health Emergency Operation Centre) OCHA reports the number of acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases is still highest among reported diseases, due to cold weather and lack of adequate shelter. Between December 10 and January 6, a total of 290,063 health events under surveillance was reported, of which 20% (58,865) were ARIs, 6% (16,989) were acute watery diarrhea (AWD) and 5% (16,018) were injuries. During the same period, 42 deaths were reported, of which 40% were ARIs, 10% injuries and 2% AWD-related. (Jan-13, OCHA) NATO has closed its medical hospital in PcK and its medical team has left the country. (Jan-19, IRNA) Local health officials say they have begun to rebuild some 61 basic health units and seven rural health centers with pre-fabricated materials in Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley. (Jan-19, Dawn) Major General Shaukat Sultan, Director General of the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) says that records show that for the time being, normal health related deaths are lower than even previous years. Medical camps established by foreign aid groups have brought good medical supplies and he says that “health conditions are improving in quake-hit areas.” (Jan-4, GOP) Khalid Saeed, a mental health coordinator with the World Health Organization (WHO) says that some 180,000 survivors have serious mental disorders, including psychosis, severe depression and anxiety. (Jan-4, Reuters) 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. (Dec-22, IFRC) 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) WHO has set up a website to facilitate information exchange between health partners at www.whopak.org. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)
Shelter	The Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA), Lt Gen Mohammad Zubair, says that President Musharraf has given the highest priority to reconstruction and rehabilitation in the housing sector. He said the reconstruction of houses in rural areas would be completed within two years and said that some 88 percent of the houses destroyed by the earthquake were in rural areas. (Jan-22, Dawn) ERRA says that it has finalized its strategy for launching reconstruction activities in affected areas from March. Around 60-66 percent of reconstruction expected to be complete this year, ERRA chair Lt. Gen. Muhamamd Zubair said. Over 40 billion rupees would be disbursed over the next 6 months. (Jan-23, GOP) The Special Assistant to Prime Minister Mohammad Ali Durani said last week that formal reconstruction of shock-resistant settlements in PcK would start in February. (Jan-21, GOP) Emergency Response Cells have been established in NWFP and PcK to provide immediate assistance when tents collapse. (Jan-19, DFID) DFID reports that the Pakistani military has approved the distribution of a modified stove that can be used in tents. (Jan-19, DFID) GOP says that so far some 386,000 CGI sheets have been distributed to survivors for self-construction. (Jan-15, GOP) GOP says that the Pakistani army has constructed some 155,000 shelters in PcK so far. (Jan-14, GOP) UNHCR is providing material and technical assistance to GOP officials and NGOs in 26 planned camps and 118 spontaneous camps hosting some 140,000 people in affected areas. (Jan-18, UNHCR) The chair of the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) Lt. General Muhammad Zubair said that the housing policy for the earthquake affected areas had been finalized. He told the BBC that under the policy, about 400,153 houses would be built, and the government would provide sheets and cement in bulk for construction. According to the GOP, he said that US$1 billion dollars would be required for the provision of health and education facilities, along with the construction of houses. (Jan-9, GOP) There is an estimated 137,008 people in 26 planned and 113 spontaneous camps across the region, according to the Camp Management Cluster. (Jan-12, DFID) Major General Shaukat Sultan, Director General of the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that permanent shelters prepared by the army can accommodate some 1.5 million survivors. He says that over 255,000 permanent shelters have been set up for people living over 5,000 feet. More than 30,000 winterized tents have been acquired from abroad, while 750,000 tents have been pitched inside the valleys. (Jan-4, GOP)
Infrastructure	GOP says at least Rs 200 billion will be used for rebuilding PcK starting from April within a period of two to three years. (Jan-24, GOP) USAID has provided a US$200 million grant for the construction of 460 schools and healthcare facilities including a secondary hospital, 4 rural health centers and 20 basic health units. Construction of the first school in Balakot will begin in February. (Jan-23, GOP) 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	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)

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.

Minimum temperatures have dropped to below 0 degrees Celsius since the beginning of January. The National Highway from Srinagar to Jammu reopened on Thursday (January 19) after being closed for more than four days last week due to heavy rain and snow. Many roads in remote areas around the Kashmir Valley have been blocked by snow. (Jan-8, Kashmir Times) Officials say high-altitude lakes have frozen in the region. (Jan-12, PTI) This week has seen most dry and slightly foggy weather, however, inclement weather is expected to return on Friday (January 27), with rain and snow in altitudes above 7,000 feet through Tuesday (January 31). (Jan-24, UK Met Office)

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)

NGOs attempting to form village- to state- level committees to help coordinate rehabilitation in quake-affected villages in Uri and Tangdhar. NGOs involved include Coordination of Voluntary Association (COVA) and the Voluntary Associations Network (VAN). NGOs are recruiting up to 2,000 volunteers for the project. (Jan-20, Kashmir Times) 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). (Jan-06, USAID)

Local relief workers report that temporary shelters built by quake survivors have begun to collapse from heavy snow and rain, especially those made of wood and plastic sheets, in Baramulla district. Local NGO AMAAN Public Charitable Trust says that many shelter materials distributed by the government are not structurally sufficient to withstand severe weather. About 15 people were reportedly injured due to collapsed tents. (Jan-16,19, Kashmir Times) Temporary tents reportedly continue to collapse and many survivors have turned to sheds. More problems are expected when the monsoon arrives around March. (Jan-19, Kashmir Times) SEEDS reports that insulated ceilings were most pressing need for temporary shelter – SEEDS is working to provide those in Poonch district by the end of this month. (Jan-24, SEEDS) Survivors in Uri, where 40 out of 150 villages were badly hit by the quake, have reported a general lack of heating devices. Local NGO, Human Aids Society, says at least 10,000 coal heaters are needed for those living in temporary shelters in Uri. However, relief officials in the district claim that adequate heating arrangements have been made. (Jan-12, Kashmir Times) Indian authorities have appealed for survivors to move into government-constructed community shelters, but many residents reportedly remain reluctant to leave their land and property. SEEDS has completed 405 shelters in Poonch, and its team has returned to New Delhi. (Jan-02, SEEDS)

Allegations of corruption by officials involved in relief work continue in Kupwara district. (Jan-23, Kashmir Times) A rally was held in Ladoora, Kupwara, on Friday (January 20) to protest the corruption. (Jan-20, Kashmir Times) Survivors in quake-affected areas in neighboring Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) reportedly attacked by beating and stone-throwing three senior government officials attempting to distribute aid in Uri, Baramulla district on Saturday (January 14), due to what they said was a delay in financial compensation, kerosene and rations for the winter. Some of the survivors, who were staging a sit-in protest before the attack, claim that they have yet to receive any aid at all. A government official was seriously injured. (Jan-15, AFP) Quake-affected areas in IcK have been wracked by repeated protests against government officials over lack of relief aid since the quake struck. IcK’s Chief Justice Bashir Khan ordered IcK officials to provide food and kerosene to survivors in Uri and Tangdhar for January. A slew of lawsuits since November had also forced government relief officials to disburse relief funds that rightfully belonged to quake survivors. (Jan-5, AFP)

Local NGO AMAAN Public Charitible Trust reports growing cases of respiratory disease among survivors in Baramulla district due to inadequate heating in temporary shelters. (Jan-16, Kashmir Times) Doctors in Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) report growing cases of frost bite, pneumonia and other cold-related diseases due to the arrival of subzero temperatures to the region. Directorate of Health Services will initiate long term medical program to provide psycho-social assistance to survivors in Uri and Tangdhar. Directorate has treated patients, launched training programs and distributed medical supplies as part of assistance. (Jan-20, Kashmir Times) SEEDS reports that communities in Poonch appear to have strong coping skills, perhaps due to militant activities and proximity to India-Pakistan border. (Jan-24, SEEDS)

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 strike called by Muslim separatists shut down Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, on India’s Republic Day on Thursday (January 26). Although some violent incidents were reported since the weekend, as security forces said they were increasing search operations and patrols, no untoward incidents were reported on Republic Day itself. (PTI, Reuters, Jan-26)