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South Asia Earthquake Update

 

March 9, 2006

 

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

 

 

 

Table of Contents:

 

Pakistan

Overview.....................................page 2

SectorsÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉpage 4

 

 


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 75,000 in Pck and in NWFP. Over 79,000 people injured and estimated 3.5 million displaced or homeless, with approximately 2.5 million in temporary camps.

 

UN said on Wednesday, March 8 that a second wave of deaths has been averted. UN Deputy Humanitarian Aid Coordinator Jamie McGoldrick said the worst of the winter season had also passed without a large exodus of people from the mountains, severe food shortage or epidemic outbreaks. Special UN envoy for the South Asian earthquake, former US President George W. Bush, is shortly expected to launch ÒAction Plan for Relief to RecoveryÓ in New York. The UNÕs one-year transition plan, starting in April, would encourage survivorsÕ return to their places of origin through livelihood programs, provide support to vulnerable groups and strengthen the local social infrastructure. McGoldrick said helicopters continued to airlift up to 400 tons of supplies a day so survivors would not have to leave home communities. ÒThere were no glaring issues of people not receiving assistance, food, shelter and water sanitation, and as a result of that, there were no outbreaks of any illnesses,Ó said Goldrick, adding that health and nutritional assessments indicate they are at the same levels in the affected areas as before the earthquake struck. He commended effective coordination between aid agencies, and the Pakistani military and government for the good response.

 

Preparation of relief-to-recovery action plans are underway in most clusters, although short time frame for planning makes full participation difficult, particularly those in the field. Priority given for planning for return of between 90,000 and 230,000 IDPs by the GOP deadline. (Mar-02, DFID) Existing cluster arrangements will be changed to reflect new structures within FRC and EERA, as well as provide temporary solutions for those unwilling, or unable to return home. (Feb-24, OCHA) Transition from relief to reconstruction to be headed by ERRA. Participants of transition cell will include the FRC, provincial/state governments, UN, USAID and DFID. (Feb-27, GOP)   

 

Main priorities have been identified), ahead of March 31 deadline by GOP to close camps: 1) Mitigate impact of cold weather for remaining winter period; 2) Improve sanitation to prevent disease outbreaks in the spring; 3) Prepare for voluntary return for displaced families. Some relief efforts have to be maintained beyond the winter, throughout the year. (Feb-23, UNCT) Relief operations are expected to continue beyond next harvesting season, i.e. September. (Feb-27, OCHA) Currently, there is a total of 54 international and 74 national staff deployed in the affected area. There are 59 mobile teams (24 – technical, 34 – camp management). (Mar-2, UNHCR)

 

ERRA will launch a 4.5 billion Pakistani Rs livelihood support program from April to provide sustainable sustenance, which includes livestock replacement, feed supply, and agricultural tools supply. Each family will be paid 3,000 Rs from April to September 2006. (Mar-02, GOP) 10.5 billion Pakistani Rs have been distributed among affectees in PcK so far, according to Advisor to PcK President Abdul Hafeez. (Mar-01, GOP) So far 22 billion Pakistani Rs have been distributed as compensation to survivors. (Feb-16, DFID)  

 

Up to 500 unregistered Afghan migrant workers living in Muzaffarabad (PcK) have been missing out on aid, according to local WomenÕs Development Department, because they lack identity cards. Many were working on construction sites, but since the quake have been living in poor shelters, not camps. They are not entitled to government compensation and their children do not go to school. (Mar-06, IRIN)

 

So far, the UN has gained about US$376 million of its six-month US$552 million emergency appeal, which ends in April. Donor countries in November pledged US$6.2 million for quake relief and reconstruction. (Mar-08, AFP)

 

A helicopter run by the ICRC crashed while ferrying food to survivors in IcK, injuring two South African crew members. The helicopter was one of six ICRC helicopters participating in relief. In January, a helicopter chartered by the ICRC went missing over Afghanistan, with seven people aboard, while returning to Turkmenistan. Last October, six Pakistani soldiers were killed when a PakMil helicopter crashed during relief operations. (Mar-09, AFP)Helicopters are also expected to continue to deliver supplies until late September due to anticipated landslides. (Mar-08, IRIN) UNJLC reports that majority of roads that were accessible prior to the earthquake are currently open. Once roads are fully accessible, majority of relief transported by air will be moved by ground. (Feb-24, USAID)

 

Overall winter conditions are mild, comparing favorably with last yearÕs snowfall. (Jan-27, DFID) Forecast for the weekend has mostly dry weather from Friday (March 10) to Saturday (March 11). Isolated rains expected on Sunday (March 12), which will continue for one or two more days; but no significant rain expected after that for next seven days. (Mar-08, PMD)

 

Managing returns a priority before March 31 camp closure deadline. (Feb-16, DFID) Aid officials say food security, healthcare, landownership and infrastructure reconstruction are major challenges for sustainable returns. (Mar-08, IRIN)

OCHA is the lead agency for returns. (Feb-16, DFID) DCO (District Coordinating Officer) will be implementing authority for returns. (Feb-16, OCHA) OCHA estimates nearly 80 percent of 120,000 affected people in PcK will return to places of origin by late March and early April, in time for the spring planting season, which begins in April. (Mar-3, USAID) UNHCR and RRC asking partners to assist returning families with food, NFIs and transportation. Recent UNHCR survey has identified 1,500 vulnerable households that will need special assistance. (Feb-27, OCHA) Some returns have already started in both PcK and NWFP, taking their tents with them. Few camps also relocated in PcK and NWFP due to heavy rains and landslide risks. (Mar-2, UNHCR)

 

GOP presented returns police for NWFP to all partners on February 23 – indicating that two to three camps will remain open for those with legitimate reasons not to return. (Mar-02, DFID) GOP officials said that only vulnerable people, such as widows and orphans, will be looked after for one year, as well as people belonging to areas that are assessed as prone to landslides. Army and other agencies created a plan for the relocation of 175,000 people living in 370 camps. (Feb-27, Dawn) Each affected family will get a one-month food ration. Free transport, as well as free education and health facilities will be provided in home villages. (Feb-27, Dawn) The government plans to close relief camps housing more than 200,000 by the end of March. There are about 2 million other survivors staying in tents elsewhere, and about 400,000 are in temporary tin shelters at higher elevations. (Mar-08, UN, AFP) UNHCR emphasized need for health, wat/san and education facilities at places of origins. Returnees will be entitled to keep all NFIs distributed to them. USAID/DART reports that three categories of returnees have been identified: Individuals who will remain in camps past March 2006; Individuals en route to home villages; and individuals that have already returned. (Feb-24, USAID)

 

NGOs working to provide survivors with sustainable living as local agrarian economy has been badly hit, though micro-credit and cash-for-work programs. IOM says that about 324,000 people in the region are unemployed, about 29 percent of the population. There is a need for jobs, shelters and infrastructure construction in home communities. FRC has requested donor agencies, including USAID, DFID, WFP, IUCN, ILO, UNDP, CIDA and JICA to support the livelihood programs. ERRA will be extending micro-credit and other loan facilities for restarting small businesses. (Feb-27, GOP) WFP has launched a two-year food-for-work project that will begin in April that includes repair of community infrastructure and livelihood training. (Mar-05, WFP) SC also starting livelihood projects for women as well. (Feb-23, SC)  IOM has already begun several pilot projects to provide survivors with sustainable livelihoods. (Feb-15, IOM) World Vision has begun a Cash-for Work pilot Project in Siran Valley. (Feb-16, WV). Relief International (RI) providing micro-credit programs for widows and female-headed households. (Feb-21, RI)

 

Due to fluidity in population movement, number of camps fluctuates between 27-31 planned, 121-127 spontaneous camps in NWFP and PcK. (Feb-24, OCHA) Estimated 157,000 people are in large camps (planned and spontaneous) at present. About 120,000 people are in spontaneous camps of under 50 tents – these populations are considered more vulnerable and unwilling to go home. (Mar-02, DFID) The UNHCR has been supporting the GOP in assisting about 145,000 survivors in 150 camps, out of an estimated total of 600 camps in the affected area. (Feb-13, Reuters) Emergency Shelter Cluster estimated between 60 to 85% intend to return home by March 31 – leaving between 60,500 and 188,000 remaining in camps. (Mar-2, DFID)

 

Distributions of emergency shelter materials now in final phase, to end by early March. (Feb-24, OCHA) ESC will be redefined as the Emergency Shelter and Housing Cluster, with active UN Habitat involvement. (Jan-27, DFID)

 

 


                                                               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. 

 

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)

 

Nearly one-third of affected children have been enrolled in 952 schools. A Welcome-to-School campaign will run from March 6, 2006 to March 31, 2007, according to OCHA. (Mar-02, DFID)

 

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) 

 

USAID says affected population includes orphaned children, widows who are now heads of households, elderly, and those handicapped by the earthquake. This group includes approximately 5,000 who will need support with housing, wat/san, food, and income-general activities. UNHCR and local authorities identifying resettlement sites for this population. (Mar-03, USAID)

 

UNFPA leads gender taskforce to ensure gender concerns are integrated in recovery phase. (Mar-08, OCHA)

Coordination

UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator (DHC), Jamie Goldrick, says issues of food assistance beyond March, provision of health care, utilities, education, land ownership, rubble removal, urban/rural planning, special support to vulnerable groups and informed return process being discussed with ERRA and partner organizations. ERRA has agreed to continue to work with cluster systems, with technical working groups in four areas of housing, education, health and livelihoods. (Mar-08, OCHA)

 

ÔAction Plan from Relief to RecoveryÕ being prepared as UNCT/IASC document as a guideline for donors to identify how and where to expend donations (Feb-27, OCHA) Document meant to prevent gap between end of relief phase and start of reconstruction, and will cover relief, return and early recovery over the next 12 months, from April 2006. (Feb-23, UNCT) UNÕs transition plan, ÔAction Plan from Relief to Recovery, Õ identified transitional shelter, livelihood restoration, institutional and legislative capacity to handle land and property management, psycho-social support, protection of vulnerable groups and return of IDPs. (Feb-27, IRIN) OCHA says relief operations may continue beyond next harvesting season in September and many survivors are likely to remain dependent on food assistance.  (Feb-27, OCHA)

 

Sustainable Return Taskforce (SRT) now in full swing. OCHA is lead agency. (Feb-16, UNHCR) UNHCR, Oxfam, IOM and NRC also involved.  SRT covers issues of IDPs, protection and advocacy. (Feb-17, OCHA) SRTF was created by heads of the clusters in Islamabad to support development of a sustainable returns strategy through the cluster approach.  The SRTF will cover issues of IDPs and utilizes operations/logistics advisors from OCHA, UNHCR, Oxfam and IOM and on a protection officer from NRC.  (Feb-17, OCHA)

 

UN-led cluster breakdown is as follows: Shelter – IOM; Food and Nutrition – WFP; Health – WHO; Wat/san – UNICEF; Logistics – WFP; Protection and Education – UNICEF. (Feb-22, UNHCR)

 

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)

 

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. 

 

Federal Relief Commission coordinates rescue and relief operations.  Major General Farooq Ahmed Khan, is the Federal Relief Commissioner. 

Logistics

In the past two weeks alone, the region has had more than 50 landslides, some of them fatal, leaving roads in poor or impassable condition. (Mar-03, Reuters)

 

CARE reported last Thursday (March 2) that three days of heavy rainfall led to landslides and flooding across affected areas. Road access to Jhelum and Nellum in NWFP was cut off and will take some days to restore. (Mar-2, DFID)

 

Helicopter operations will reduce significantly by April 1. (Mar-2, DFID)

 

WFP said it needs US$24 million to keep helicopter operations going through the end of August. Helicopter fleet peaked at 20 in February and has been scaled back this month to 17. Helicopters will fall to 13 by March 23 without fresh funds. (Mar-09, Reuters) WFP said that the UN organizations, aid agencies and FRC had asked WFP to keep its helicopters flying until December 2006 to facilitate reconstruction due to road network damage. (Feb-1, Reuters)

 

There is a total number of 37 vehicles being used for relief transport. (Mar-2, UNHCR)

 

UNHAS mandate has been extended to August 31, but with reductions in fleet and flying hours from March 1 due to funding shortfalls.  (Feb-16, DFID) Passenger services will cease.  (Feb-16, DFID, UNHAS)

 

Experts are warning that landslides represent a very serious threat, and action is urgently needed to pre-empt further disasters ahead of the summer rains, expected to being in July. Other dangerous conditions include aftershocks, which still continue to trigger landslides in the area, helping to create what the report described as Ònear perfectÓ conditions for slides and renewed floods.  (Feb-13, Reuters)

 

The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) reports it is using 25 expert local mountain guides from Hunza to conduct assessments in Allai Valley, Neelum Valley and Bagh.  (Mar-2, IRIN)

 

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)

 

International Financial Assistance

So far, the UN has gained about US$376 million of its six-month US$552 million emergency appeal, which ends in April. Donor countries in November pledged US$6.2 million for quake relief and reconstruction. However, Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said yesterday (Tuesday, March 7) that the government may not take the full donor amount as some terms did not suit Pakistan. (Mar-08, AFP, GOP) UNCT reports that contrary to some perception, international response has been above average. Expenditure rate is also above average, exceeding 55 percent of contributions so far. (Feb-23, UNCT)

 

Pak-Turk Foundation is spending US$20 million on different reconstruction projects, including building of schools and provision of medical services. (Mar-06, GOP)

 

US troops providing aid plan to depart the country by March 31, and will overturn activities to the Pakistani military. (Feb-28, US DOS) US Rear Admiral Michael LeFever, says that the phased withdrawal would begin in mid-February of the some 1,200 troops and by the end of March, the remaining 750 troops and 12 Chinook helicopters would leave.  (Feb-4, GOP) 

 

Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), said that it would allocate an additional US$20 million that will be distributed through UNICEF, UN Habitat and FAO.  (Feb-22, CIDA)

 

The UNÕs Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) cluster coordinator has said that there is a need for a new Relief to Recovery Appeal as the UN Flash Appeal is due to end on April 8.

Food

Food distribution was severely disrupted by protests against Prophet Mohammad cartoons and rain in late February and early March, but WFP has now reached over 85% of allotted beneficiaries. (Mar-02, DFID)

 

About a quarter of livestock was destroyed, while a third of standing crops were not harvested last October. Significant food and seed supplies were also lost in the quake. (Mar-8, WFP).

 

NGOs said return of IDPs to places without sufficient land is problematic, as some land was destroyed by the earthquake. Average plot size in the area is said to be only about 1.4 hectares, only half of which is under cultivation. However, agriculture makes up nearly half the household income in the region. (Mar-09, IRIN)

 

WFP announced food-for-work project for survivors living in, or returning to remote highland valleys. Two-year operation will cover 670,000 affected people in NWFP and PcK. Initially, about 82,000 families would receive family rations in exchange for help in repairing community infrastructure. Second phase would include training 32,600 men and women in livelihood and agriculture skills, as well as reconstruction. (Mar-05, DPA)

 

Culls are underway at two farms in NWFP, following discovery of mild strain of avian flu in poultry. Tests are underway to confirm diagnosis and poultry prices have dropped 10%, according to Reuters. (Mar-02, DFID)

 

Many survivors likely to remain dependent upon food assistance at least until next harvest in September/October. (Feb-23, UNCT) FRC has in reserve 2,800 tons of food items to provide to people before their departure from camps. (Feb-27, Dawn)

 

USAID will distribute vouchers worth US$1 million to help stimulate the local economy. (Feb-6, AFP, Feb-8, USAID, Feb-7, IOM)

 

Save the Children, with financial support from USAID, has begun livestock support project in NWFP, which aims to replenish livestock as well as provide for surviving ones. (Feb-23, IRIN)

 

According to recent livelihood assessment by Save the Children (SC), 40 percent of agricultural land has been lost to landslides, and a third of livestock killed. About 99 percent of survivors not working due to lost land or livestock. Between 30-40 percent of income in PcK generated from family remittances sent from abroad. Based on November FAO assessment, nearly all livestock in worst-affected areas were killed. Effects are hardest on poorest survivors – farmers that now have to depend on shopkeepers for credit. Prices of food have risen between 120 to 200 percent, and transportation to around 180 percent in most areas. (Feb-27, IRIN)

 

Save the Children with financial support from USAID has begun a livestock support program at the Mehra relief camp in Allai valley in NWFP.  (Feb-23, IRIN)

 

Water and Sanitation

DFID Field team currently visiting NWFP to assess reports of outstanding needs for wat/san. (Mar-02, DFID)

 

Increased emphasis on sanitation before onset of spring, which is expected to bring disease outbreaks, according to OCHA. (Mar-02, DFID)

 

Between 50% to 100% of irrigation structures and water systems were damaged and buried in some areas. (Mar-8, WFP) Landslides have also blocked or damaged access to water sources. NGOs say water access is major priority in areas such as Bagh and Muzaffarabad. (Feb-28, IRIN)

 

Mercy Corps has built 355 latrines and repaired water systems in 16 villages in Siran and Konsh valleys. Helping to deliver wat/san for 30,000 people in camps in Muzaffarabad. (Mar-07, MC)

 

UNICEF as lead agency for water and sanitation in northern Pakistan, and with other aid agencies, is compiling a water and sanitation strategy for the transition period from relief to recovery from April 2006-April 2007.  (Feb-28, IRIN)

 

Wat/San needs largely met in official camps, but less consistent in unofficial camps. (Feb-17, USAID)

 

UNICEF and the Ministry of Environment mark a new partnership with a memorandum of understanding and a website (www.pakquakecommunication.org) to spread awareness in affected areas about hygiene, safe drinking water, sanitation, and waste management.  (Dec-5, GOP)

Public Health/Medical

Over 250 health workers have now been trained and are improving affected womenÕs access to healthcare, according to WHO. (Mar-02, DFID)

 

Communication plan for better awareness and coordination of health issues, wat/san and child protection drafted by three GOP ministries, UNICEF, WHO and others. (Mar-02, DFID)

 

Five Mercy Corps medical facilities continue to treat quake-related conditions, about 3,000 people a week are treated. (Mar-07, MC)

 

IOM conducting mental trauma relief in PcK. (Mar-09, IOM)

 

CWS psychosocial team has been assisting displaced women with income-generation projects. (Mar-07, CWS)

 

UNHCR met with new implementing partner, International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) for psycho-social counseling through livelihood training for both men and women. (Mar-2, UNHCR)

 

According to WHO, for the past month of February, 29% of consultations are due to acute respiratory infections (ARIs), 6% acute diarrhea, 4% Unexplained fever and 4% injuries.  Since the start of the Disease Early Warning System, 191 deaths have been reported: 31% are ARI related, which illustrates a sharp decrease since two weeks, WHO reports.  (Feb-28, WHO)

 

US Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan Crocker said that the US would spend some US$200 million over the next few years to supplement GOPÕs efforts to revive health and educational facilities in affected areas. (Feb-22, GOP)

 

Medecins du Monde (MDM) reportedly found 41 measles cases within 3 days.  A WHO investigation revealed that almost all camps have reported measles cases.  A mass immunization campaign covering target population of 4,425 was initiated.  (Feb-17, OCHA)

 

WHO says there are 37 national and international field hospitals but no plan yet on closure of the hospitals.  (Feb-9, DFID)

 

According to the Health Cluster, WHO, UNFPA, and UNICEF will provide 113 basic Health Units, 29 Rural Health Centers and 2 Tehsil Headquarter (THQs), including equipment, supplies, staff accommodation and training.  (Feb-9, DFID)

 

WHO has set up a website to facilitate information exchange between health partners at www.whopak.org.  (Oct-17, UNOCHA) 

Shelter

After three days of heavy rain last week, there are some unconfirmed reports of flooding in camps located on riverbeds, which is prompting some voluntary relocation of residents to better-serviced camps. IOM and DFID assessed rain damage and found it less serious than anticipated. (Mar-02, DFID)

 

GOP responsible for settlements of less than 50 tents, but UNHCR has been providing assistance to these populations. (Feb-22, UNHCR)

 

Mercy Corps finishing last of more than 6,000 cold-weather shelters, including Cash-for-Work program that employed 9,000 people for construction. Daily shelter distributions continuing. (Mar-07, MC)

 

As of March 2, there are a total of 153 camps (96 – PcK; 57 – NWFP), comprising 147,291 people (86,257 - PcK; 147,291 – NWFP). (Mar-02, UNHCR)

 

Some returns have already started in both PcK and NWFP, taking their tents with them. UNHCR conducting visits in Siran Valley to discuss returns. Few camps also relocated in PcK and NWFP due to heavy rains and landslide risks. 87 families were moved in Muzaffarabad on February 26 due to increased water levels in Neelum River. (Mar-2, UNHCR)

 

NRC and Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) providing legal and protection advice for returnees. (Mar-02, UNHCR)

 

According to ERRA, many rural residents require transitional shelter for up to three years. USAID/DART says urban residents may need it for five or more years. USAID/DART working on transitional shelters. (Feb-24, USAID) Construction of permanent homes will begin in April, but it may be impossible to rebuild the 400,000 houses needed before the start of next winter. Main priority is to move people out of tents into temporary shelter, which need to be sturdy and insulated enough to withstand another winter. (Feb-23, Christian Aid)

 

USAID providing shelter kits to those populations in higher elevations (over 5,000 feet).  The kits include CGI sheets, wire mesh, tool kits, insulation and bed rolls.  (Feb-27, The News)

 

According to GOP, USAID has helped more than 9,000 families in Mansehra district to have earthquake-resistant shelters with wooden walls and tin roofs.  Partner NGO Mercy Corps provided building materials to more than 6,200 houses in the Siran and Konch valleys and paid families 4,200 rupees each for their labor. Another partner, ACTED, provided shelter supplies and household items to 3,000 families in Kaghan Valley and paid families 800 rupees if they constructed adequate sanitation facilities. (Feb-24, GOP)

 

According to the Jang, Pakistan has lifted a ban on tent exports following the completion of a supply of 300,000 tents to the affected population.  The ban was put in effect following the October 8 quake and local industry was given a goal of producing some 300,000 tents for those affected.  (Mar-1, Jang)

 

OCHA reports the overall situation in camps is relatively stable in planned and spontaneous camps administered by the camp management cluster.  Number of camps fluctuates between 27-31 planned and 121-127 spontaneous camps.  (Feb-17, OCHA)

 

OCHA reports 388,245 temporary transitional shelters have been constructed of which some 247,176 have been constructed by the PAKMIL.  Additionally, some 3.1 million CGI sheets have been distributed.  (Feb-17, OCHA)

 

The Emergency Shelter Cluster and DFID field team suggest that needs have been generally met, with sufficient non-food items in the pipeline to fill remaining needs.  GOP reports some 80% of affected population has been covered by heating items. (Feb-16, DFID)

 

Divisional Relief Commissioner Hazara (NWFP) Sahibzada Muhammad Nees said that around 22 tent villages (all tented camps) from across NWFP will be shut down by the end of March. Around 80,000 survivors will be shifted to their native areas. The commissioner said that the temporary shelters were being closed in a bid to expedite the survivorsÕ permanent rehabilitation. (Feb-8,9 GOP, DFID) 

 

Infrastructure

Islamabad-based NGO, Center of Philantrophy, said GOP has made special building codes obligatory in order to receive government compensation. However, building codes are yet unavailable, delaying construction. (Mar-08, DPA)

 

CWS has begun construction livelihoods training center in Mansehra. (Mar-07, CWS)

 

GOAL began cash-for-work programs aimed at clearing rubble and reconstruction. (Feb-20, GOAL)

 

FRC Khan says that affected people of Balakot have received compensation for 57,988 houses damaged while a total of 276,000 affected families from NWFP have received compensation (Feb-27, GOP)

 

USAID will spend some US$200 million for the reconstruction of Health and Education sectors in PcK and NWFP, Regional Director Lisa Chiles said.  Some 200 schools and 140 health facilities would be reconstructed.  She said that some US$100 million was earmarked for relief, US$200 million for reconstruction, while some US$70 million had already been provided in humanitarian assistance.  (Mar-1, Dawn)

 

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)

 

According to ERRA estimates, of the more than 400,000 houses in the area, 51 percent were totally destroyed, while the rest were repariable. (Mar-08, DPA)

 

GOP estimates that 6,700 schools were destroyed in NWFP and 1,300 in PcK.  (Dec-28, Reuters)  The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank estimate that the quake damaged some 2,385 miles (3,837 kilometers) of roads; 2,366 km (1470 miles) in PcK and 1,471 km (914 miles) of roads in NWFP were damaged. 

 

Security

SOS ChildrenÕs Villages Òsearch and rescueÓ team continues to identify unaccompanied and orphaned children. (Feb-24, SOS-Kinderdorf International)