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South Asia Earthquake Update

 

October 17, 2005

 

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

 

 

Table of Contents:

 

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

India .....................................page 20

 

Pakistan

 

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, has risen to over 39,000, officials estimate the death toll to climb significantly as more areas become accessible and more bodies are pulled out of rubble. The death toll in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) alone has now reportedly climbed to over 13,000 with the districts of Mansehra, Battagram, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Shangla and Swat among the worst affected. The quake has left over 62,000 people injured and an estimated 3.3 million displaced or homeless. Nearly half of the four million affected people are in PcK and another 1.3 million in NWFP. Buildings and public infrastructure have suffered serious damage. Over 80 percent of the structures have been destroyed in the affected areas, while continuing aftershocks are threatening the structures that are still standing. The Government of Pakistan (GOP) estimates the cost to rebuild the quake-affected areas to cost US$5 billion. UN estimates the cost of rebuilding the affected areas could run into the billions of dollars over a 5-10 year period.

 

Search and rescue efforts have officially ended as focus is now quickly shifting to reach out and provide relief to over 3.3 million people that have been displaced or left homeless. With the onset of winter and continuing rains and thunderstorms, concerns are mounting for survivors, many of whom are without shelter, medical care, winter clothes and food. (Oct-14, AP).

 

The Government of Pakistan (GOP) has called for international assistance to cope with the catastrophic event. GOP has requested helicopters, field hospitals, medicines including typhoid drugs and antibiotics (in syrup form for infants), fracture treatment kits, surgical equipment, disinfectants (for dead bodies), water purification kits and tables, ready-to-eat meals and 50,000 winterization tents for some four million affected people. (Oct-12, Reuters, OCHA)

 

The United Nations has launched a consolidated flash appeal for US$272 million dollars for Pakistan to cover the relief needs of affected population for a six-month emergency phase (Oct-11, UNNS). The UN has already received US$6 million while another US$44 million have been pledged in response to the flash appeal. A donorŐs conference is scheduled for Monday (October 24) at the UN headquarters in Geneva to raise additional funding. (Oct-17, HT)

 

Logistics and access to affected areas continue to be the biggest challenge for relief operations. The need for more helicopters remains the most urgent priority. There are an estimated 60 helicopters operational and another 19 are in the pipeline. Heavy snow, that is likely to begin in about four weeks, would limit the use of these helicopters. (Oct-17, OCHA)

 

The UN said there were no reports of epidemics, but said the health infrastructure in affected areas had virtually collapsed. Health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have said that disease could break out among survivors because of the crowded conditions, bad weather and the lack of clean water, including cholera, pneumonia and measles, which is endemic in the region. Malaria, gangrene and gastroenteritis are also reported by provincial health officials and aid workers. (Oct-13, AP)

 

Jan Egeland, UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator who arrived in quake-affected areas in northern Pakistan on Thursday (October 13) is stressing the need for coordination between humanitarian players to effectively help the victims. He has called for more international assistance and says the UN flash appeal should be revised upward of US$272 million. (Oct-14, FT)

 

GOP is sending civil administrators and a police force from Islamabad and other cities in Punjab to reestablish law enforcement and governance as the quake has claimed the lives of most civil administrators and police in Muzaffarabad (Oct-13, Jang)

 

Some 50,000 Pakistani troops in PcK are now being deployed every few kilometers to coordinate relief. The main roads into Muzaffarabad have reportedly been cleared, and there are now efforts to reach Neelam, Jhelum and Leepa valleys in PcK. Relief teams have reportedly arrived in Balakot in North West Frontier Province (NWFP), in Bisham town in Kaghan Valley (Mansehra area), as well as Bagh, Dher Kot and Kahuta areas. (Oct-13, Reuters)

 

The roads between Mansehra Đ Balakot, Mansehra Đ Muzaffarabad, and Mansehra Đ Batgram are now open for the transportation of relief goods. However, most areas beyond these points remain inaccessible due to damage caused by landslides. Officials fear that continued rainstorms could cause further landslides blocking the roads that have just been opened. Considering the enormous volume of aid being moved risks of bottlenecks and congestion remain high. Large numbers of volunteer groups from across the country are already contributing to traffic jams and road congestion. (Oct-17, OCHA)

 

Only 30 percent of the 900 remote villages in the affected area are accessible by road. (Oct-15, IRIN)

 

Authorities are now concerned about the onset of winter, which usually begins mid- to late October, prompting the need for heavy tents, blankets, heating equipment and food. Night-time temperatures are already dropping to 43-36 degrees Fahrenheit (6-7 degrees Celsius), and are expected to decrease further this week. Isolated rains are forecasted for today throughout the disputed Kashmir region and eastern NWFP. Remainder of the week should remain sunny. However, weather conditions can change instantaneously in these areas. Humanitarian aid organizations running out of time, as thousands of people could possibly get cut off in the coming three weeks due to snowfall. (Oct-17, Reuters)

 

UNHCR is in the process of airlifting 20,000 tents, most of which are winterized, from Turkey with airlift from NATO. (Oct-16, VOSOCC)

 

Although the Pakistan military has been largely in charge of rescue and relief operations, coordination mechanisms with humanitarian relief organizations are beginning to take shape. The Pakistani military, in conjunction with NGOs, has reportedly set up a distribution center outside of the town of Batagram from where relief supplies would be flown via helicopters to villages inaccessible by road. (Oct-14, ACT). Information sharing with international humanitarian organizations about national efforts and distribution needs to be strengthened. (Oct-17, OCHA)

 

The UN has decided to establish 3-5 humanitarian hubs in the quake-affected regions. The first three hubs are being established in Muzaffarabad, Mansehra and Bagh. These hubs will consist of common UN premises which will provide coordination and access to common services to the entire humanitarian community (Oct-15, OCHA)

 

GOP has reportedly agreed to issue visas on arrival for one month for aid workers arriving in the country. UN has requested these visas to be good for a period of several months. (Oct-15, VOSOCC). Coordination and distribution of relief aid is likely to take the front seat as more aid arrives in the affected areas. (Oct-12, Dawn, Reuters)

 

The UN has begun a website to collate damage and relief information at: http://www.un.org.pk/earthquake05/ Currently, there are 1,558 foreign teams engaged in rescue and relief. (Oct-13, OCHA)

 

 

Sector Status

Affected Population

4 million people affected; estimated 3.3 million displaced or homeless. (Oct-13, Reuters)

Coordination

UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team (UNDAC) is establishing a reception center for relief commodities at the international airport in Islamabad as well as an On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC) in Muzaffarabad in PcK.

 

A Humanitarian Information Centre (HIC) has been set up within the UNDAC/UN coordination centre. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

The Rapid Village Assessment process has been launched by the HIC. The process is intended to provide humanitarians with a multi-sectoral overview of conditions and needs. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

A UN Joint Logistics Center (UNJLC) cell has been created within the UN Coordination Centre in Islamabad together with the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) antenna. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

The Emergency Response Centre in Islamabad says that the government has agreed with the suggestion by UN Humanitarian Coordinator Jan Egeland that aid workers should be given visas on arrival for a period of a few months. The GOP reportedly has agreed to do so for one month. (Oct-15, ERC)

 

The UN will create between 3-5 humanitarian hubs in NWFP and PcK which will consist of common UN premises to provide coordination and access to common services of the aid community. The first three will be established at Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Mansehra. (Oct-15, VOSOCC)

 

UNOCHA reports that while aid is beginning to trickle into the neediest areas, adequate distribution is not yet in place. UNOCHA says there is a need to mobilize implementing partners. UNOCHA reports that information sharing on national efforts and distribution needs to be strengthened. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

The UN Country Team will open five offices in Muzaffarabad, Mansehra, Bagh, Balakot and Batagram, which will serve as hubs for the humanitarian community. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

According to UNOCHA, the government is moving two divisions of the Pakistani army into NWFP and PcK and establishing five staging posts in Bagh, Muzaffarabad, Mansehra, Rajikot and Balakot. (Oct-13, UNOCHA)

 

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has launched a website to help people contact relatives. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

WFP plans to set up five base camps in the hardest hit locations to coordinate relief operations, with inter-agency telecommunications and logistical support.

Logistics

UNOCHA reports that logistics and access pose the biggest challenge of the relief operation. Additional helicopters remain the most urgent priority. There are an estimated 60 helicopters operational and another 19 in the pipeline. UNOCHA reports some aid agencies using donkeys and mules to deliver relief to inaccessible villages. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

On October 10 the Pakistani government established the Federal Relief Commission to coordinate rescue and relief operations. Major General Muhammad Farooq Javed, Chairman of the Prime MinisterŐs Inspection Commission will head the Commission.

 

UNJLC has established a Coordination Cell at the Chaklala airport at Islamabad which is reportedly clogged with incoming relief. (Octr-17, UNOCHA)

 

Only 30 percent of the 900 remote villages in the affected area are accessible by road. (Oct-15, IRIN)

 

Two of the six helipads in Muzzafarabad are out of use following an accident. Within a month, bad weather will limit helicopter use, UNOCHA reports. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

UNOCHA reports current challenges logistically are reaching remote villages outside of Muzaffarabad which are reportedly still not reachable by road. Also, the volume of aid being moved means that risks of bottlenecks remain high. The UN says that well-meaning members of the public are contributing to some of the gridlock as they seek to deliver relief supplies on their own. (Oct-14, UNOCHA, AlertNet)

 

NATO is establishing an air bridge useable by aid groups, between the US, Europe and Pakistan for the movement of goods. Requests for assistance will be received by the UNJLC. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

WFP is planning 5 base camps for 60 persons and is dispatching 5 storage tents, 650 MT capacity each. IOM is arranging 50 trucks to be made available to aid agencies, while IFRC is mobilizing 40 trucks for secondary transport. A Twin Otter plane is being mobilized for flights to Muzaffarabad. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have set up a joint logistics structure in Islamabad to support the operations of the Red Crescent Movement. A British Red Cross logistics Emergency Response Unit (ERU) is setting up an ICRC logistics operation in Abbottabad. (Oct-12, Reuters)

 

Eight US military helicopters (five CH-47 Chinooks and three UH-60 Blackhawks), in coordination with the Government of Pakistan (GOP), have already begun flying relief supplies to affected remote areas in Pakistan inaccessible by road. Two Navy H53s helicopters are due to arrive from Bahrain, while two Navy SH-60s are due to arrive in Pakistan by Thursday (October 13). Three-dozen additional US military helicopters from units around the world have been identified as available to send to Pakistan. These helicopters are likely to be transported to the region aboard military aircraft.

 

Two helicopters from the German Federal Army are assisting in dropping relief and evacuating wounded in the affected areas. (Oct-12, DPA)

 

Afghanistan has sent four Mi-17 helicopters.

 

WFP is bringing in 10 helicopters to assist with the relief operations. Two have already arrived. These will be managed by the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS). (Oct-12, OCHA)

 

WFP is deploying 4 15-tons trucks to Islamabad airport for local transfer and handling of goods. (Oct-12, OCHA)

 

IFRC is mobilizing 40 Norwegian Red Cross trucks. (Oct-12, IFRC)

 

United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is bringing in 5 double cab trucks to be managed by WFP and available for the humanitarian community. (Oct-12, OCHA)

International Financial Assistance

The UN has appealed for US$272 million for earthquake survivors in Pakistan.

 

UNOCHA reports confirmed contributions stands at US$6,121,527, making the appeal only 2% funded. (Oct-17, UNOCHA) The UN has already received US$6 million while another US$44 million have been pledged in response to the flash appeal. A donorŐs conference is scheduled for Monday (October 24) at the UN headquarters in Geneva to raise additional funding. (Oct-17, HT)

 

Some 42 countries, as well as the UN, World Bank and ADB have committed some US$400 million. (Oct-14, DPA)

 

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has increased its preliminary appeal to more than US$54.4 million to provide assistance in the form of tents, food, blankets, cooking sets and healthcare to some 150,000 families. (Oct-12, IFRC)

Food

Pakistani government says high energy biscuits or high energy food needed

 

An estimated 439,000 people have received rations. UNOCHA says food rations have been sufficient to cover needs for only several days and that an estimated 50-60% of the food insecure population is yet to be reached. Coverage is expected to improve over the next few days with the arrival of additional trucks and helicopters. WFP using mules and horses to circumvent landslides in Muzaffarabad. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

The WFP says it is planning on providing ready-to-eat food for 1 million people for one month.

 

ICRC will provide initial food assistance to some 30,000 families for three months.

Water and Sanitation

Pakistani government says water purification tablets are needed (Oct-12- UNOCHA)

 

CARE International, Intersos, Tearfund, International Medical Committee, Alisei, American Rescue Committee, ACTED, JEN and Merlin are assessing and coordinating in this sector. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

THW has installed two water treatment plants in Muzaffarabad and Balakot which are producing 250,000 liters a day, to supply 17,000 people. IFRC will bring two more plants for Balakot and Batagram. The GOP and UNICEF, is transporting 4 plants to Muzzafarabad. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

WHO continues to appeal for chlorination kits, bottled water and portable water treatment facilities. (Oct-14, WHO)

 

UNICEF will set up two field offices to oversee coordination of WATSAN in Mansehra and Muzaffarabad. UNICEF and Islamic Relief are planning to run a water filtration and emergency sanitation project for Muzaffarabad and are aiming to reestablish the entire water system in the town. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

UNICEF has received 250,000 sachets of pure water disinfectant, while a further 1 million sachets have been ordered. USAID is bringing two water treatment plants and so is the NGO, THW (Technische Hilsfwerk). Oxfam has a plane arriving with WATSAN supplies. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

UNOCHA reports that sporadic situation assessments seem to indicate widespread damage to water systems. What little amount of water is available is mostly contaminated. (Oct-12, UNOCHA)

 

Two water and sanitation units, from Austrian, German, and Swedish Red Cross Societies are being mobilized as well as 40 Norwegian Red Cross trucks. (Oct-12, IFRC)

 

UNOCHA reports that Mercy Corps says that it is planning to work in the Balakot area and have the capacity, through local NGOs, to reach some 400,000 people. Oxfam is planning on working in 8 areas in 3 districts in conjunction with local NGOs.

 

UNICEF has air lifted filters from Karachi to NWFP. UNICEF has dispatched by truck from Karachi: 4,800 jerry cans, 385 70 litre containers for household water storage, 100 10 litre containers for household use, 3,600 bars of toilet soap and 3,975 bars of washing soap. (Oct-12, UNOCHA)

 

The German Federal Agency for Technical Relief is airlifting mobile units for Balakot.

 

Two water and sanitation units, from Austrian, German, and Swedish Red Cross Societies are being mobilized.

Public Health/Medical

Pakistan has made an urgent appeal to the international community for field hospitals, antibiotics, anti-typhoid medicines, fracture treatment kits, surgical equipment and other supplies, UNOCHA says. Pakistani health officials have dispatched hundreds of medical experts and paramedics to the region to begin spraying decaying bodies amid fears of epidemics from water-borne diseases. Disinfectant for body disposal is needed, the government says.

 

Health Minister Mohammad Naseer Khan says that the GOP had deployed 200 doctors, 34 international medical teams were operating in affected areas and 17 field hospitals had been set up. (Oct-17, Reuters)

 

A joint WHO/Ministry of Health operations center has been established in Islamabad to coordinate health efforts. (Oct-12, WHO)

 

The Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC), run jointly by the Ministry of Health and WHO at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad will coordinate all healthĐrelated activity. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

WHO is setting up an Early Warning and Response Surveillance System, starting with Muzaffarabad. WHO is also doing an inventory and mapping of a large number of groups setting up field hospitals, trauma teams, and Primary Health Care facilities in affected areas. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

UNOCHA reports that the large number of injured is overwhelming current capacity. If many are not treated in time, it would result in further deaths and disabilities. At least 65,000 are estimated to have been injured thus far. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

UNOCHA says reports of gangrene and hypothermia continue. No reports of outbreaks but lack of clean drinking water and sanitation facilities are creating health threats such as diarrhea, and waterborne diseases. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

Three vaccination centers and mobile teams have been established in Muzzafarabad. WHO has set up a website to facilitate information exchange between health partners at www.whopak.org. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

Generators are needed to ensure the cold chain system for vaccines.

 

WHO is supporting the MOH in the mobilization of 40 teams of surgeons and public health/environmental specialists. An additional 40 national public health experts have been recruited to visit affected regions next Monday (Oct-17, UNOCHA).

 

WHO has so far sent enough basic medical supplies for 270,000 people for one month. (Oct-14, WHO)

 

Some 40,000 pregnant women in affected areas are in need of nutritional and medical care. (Oct-13, AlertNet)

 

The WHO has deployed 17 medical teams or some 60 staff and has provided a one-month supply of medicines and supplies for 210,000 people as well as enough equipment for 1,000 surgeries.

 

Measles are endemic in the region and only some 60 percent of children are protected. WHO says that at least 90 percent coverage is needed to prevent an epidemic. WHO says it will soon gather vaccines for a mass immunization program.

UNICEF says it is sending Vitamin A to the region to boost immune systems of children, who are more vulnerable to measles if weakened by malnutrition and exposure. (Oct-14, AP)

 

WHO says that a total of 23 hospitals and 3 tuberculosis hospitals have been completely destroyed in the affected areas. Of the more than 600 primary health care centers, many have been destroyed or completely damaged. (Oct-12, WHO) According to IRIN, a damage assessment team made up of NGOs has identified medical aid with drugs, vaccines and bandages as a top priority. Additionally, many health workers may have been killed in the disaster or are dealing with the deaths of relatives or friends.

 

WHO says that 6 field hospitals have been established by the Pakistani army and an additional 4 donated by the Spanish, French, Italian and Belgium governments. Seventeen surgical teams have been deployed. (Oct-12, WHO) UNOCHA says that a 250-bed field hospital is needed in addition to one being provided by the ICRC and Russia. In addition to field hospitals already deployed in Mansehra, Muzaffarabad and Bagh, A light field hospital from Belgium arrived today and will be deployed. A 15-person medical team from Estonia arrived. German and Russian medical teams were deployed Tuesday. (Oct-12, UNOCHA)

 

The Pakistani Red Crescent Society has mobilized hundreds of volunteers and conducted needs assessments in Manshera, Balakot, and Batagram in the North West Frontier Provinces (NWFP) as well as in Rawalakot and Bagh in PcK. The PRCS is continuing emergency operations in affected areas; deploying a dozen medical teams; evacuating injured to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. (Oct-12, IFRC)

 

Two additional basic health care units, provided by the French and Spanish Red Cross Societies are being deployed to Pakistan. (Oct-12, IFRC)

 

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is sending a 100-bed field hospital to Muzzaffarabad along with a mobile ICRC first aid station which can perform emergency surgery and other medical services while the field hospital is being set up. The German and Japanese Red Cross societies have mobilized two basic health care emergency response units (ERUs) for Muzzafarabad area. ICRC says the ERUs will avoid overcrowding of the field hospital and provide outpatient consultations. The ICRC has also hired three helicopters to transport relief supplies and evacuate wounded.

Shelter

At a meeting at the UN Resident CoordinatorŐs Office in Islamabad last Wednesday, emergency needs indicated by the government are: Winterized tents (20,000 for NWFP and 30,000 for PcK)

 

UNOCHA says thousands more tents are required, although exact estimates are ongoing. Rough estimates say 350,000 are needed. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

Some 20,000 tents have already been distributed and some 120,000-150,000 are in the pipeline. The GOP has supplied some 100,000 tents thus far and donors are pledging additional tents. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

UNHCR is in the process of airlifting 20,000 tents, most of which are winterized, from Turkey with airlift from NATO. (Oct-16, VOSOCC)

 

Common shelter standards are being developed. Donors are urged to contact emergencyresponse@un.org.pk all donated and purchased blankets to ensure adequate tracking. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

 

ICRC is sending some 30,000 family tents

 

The International Red Cross says it will work to provide emergency food and shelter to 120,000 vulnerable people stranded in the cold weather conditions.

Infrastructure

According to UNOCHAŐs Integrated Regional information Networks (IRIN), the earthquake has destroyed more than 80 percent of structures and buildings in parts of northern Pakistan. Many cities and villages in PcK and NWFP have been totally wiped out.

 

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz says that about US$5 billion in damages was caused by the earthquake. (Oct-15, Reuters)

 

An Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) has been established to rebuild infrastructure. Lt. Gen Muhammad Zubair, engineer-in-chief of the Pakistani Army has been appointed chair. (Oct-17, Dawn)

 

UNICEF says that approximately 140,000 primary and secondary schools have been destroyed. (Oct-17, UNOCHA)

Security

ICRC is taking the lead on protection in Muzaffarabad. 50 staff are on the ground, of which 25 are in Muzaffarabad. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

Two divisions of army troops were moved into Pakistan-controlled Kashmir on Wednesday after survivors disrupted the distribution of relief goods. The Pakistani government is in the process of setting up aid staging posts at Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalkot, Mansehra and Balakot for relief and security.

 

UNICEF is creating field offices in Mansehra and Muzaffarabad to coordinate emergency response for child protection. (Oct-14, UNOCHA) A UNICEF child protection and education assessment mission to Abbotabad has been dispatched to assess the Manshera and Batagram districts. (Oct-12, UNOCHA)

 

 

Domestic Response

 

á      Local Government

 

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz announced that the government had given Rs 500 million each to Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK) and the North West Frontier Provinces (NWFP) governments. The PresidentŐs Relief fund has raised about US$16.6 million in aid. (Oct-12, Hindustan)

 

Pakistan missions abroad have been tasked with mobilizing assistance from host governments and the Pakistani community abroad.

 

á      Local Organizations

International Response

 

á      Foreign Governments

 

The Australian government has pledged US$10 million in aid, of which US$3 million will be allocated to the IFRC, US$2.5 million to the WHO, US$2.5 to UNICEF, and US$2 million to Australian NGOs. In addition, an Australian search and rescue operation is underway in the earthquake-affected areas. (Oct-13, UN Pakistan ER)

 

Belgium is sending a five member rescue team and relief goods.

 

Britain dispatched a 15-member team to assist local relief workers at Margella Towers in Islamabad. Britain dispatched a group of 88, broken into smaller teams and sent to Muzaffarabad, the capital of PcK, for rescue and relief operations. Meanwhile. BritainŐs Department for International Development (DFID) has pledged an initial US$1.7 million in assistance. In response to the UN flash appeal, Britain pledged an additional US$17.4 million dollars in aid for the earthquake victims in Pakistan and neighboring countries. (Oct-12, AFP)

 

Canada has pledged US$20 million in aid to the earthquake-affected areas. (Oct-12, BBC)

 

China has sent a 50-member rescue team to Balakot. China has also donated 5 tons of aid goods as well as six sniffer dogs to assist in relief operations. China has pledged US$6.2 million in financial assistance.

 

Chinese, French and Arab aid teams are on the ground providing assistance in Balakot. (Oct-12, Reuters)

 

The Czech Republic has pledged US$1 million in aid as well as a small field hospital staffed by a team of 14 doctors.

 

The European Union (EU) has provided aid workers on the ground and has increased its initial allocation of US$4.4 million in aid to US$16.3 million in aid. (Oct-14, Reliefweb)

 

A 25-member relief team from France with earthquake related equipment departed on Monday (October 10) to Rawalakot in PcK to carry out relief work.

 

Germany has sent a flight carrying relief goods as well as a 15-member search and rescue team to be sent to Muzaffarabad. Germany has pledged US$3.6 million in aid to the earthquake-affected areas. (Oct-12, BBC)

 

Hungary has pledged US$95,000 in aid. (Oct-13, Alertnet)

 

Indonesia sent 12 MT of supplies including 50 military tents, 5,000 blankets, instant noodles, biscuits and medical supplies to Pakistan with a team of six health volunteers and seven journalist. The aid team will be in Pakistan for 10 days. (Oct-12, JP)

 

Today India sent 182 MT of relief supplies to Pakistan by train in addition to the 93 MT of supplies sent last week. (Oct-17, HT)

 

Iran has sent a special flight carrying a 13-member rescue team as well as oil, rice, and blankets, which has been sent to Mansehra in NWFP.

 

Ireland has pledged US$6.3 million in aid to Pakistan. (Oct-13, Reliefweb)

 

Italy has flown five plane loads of 160 MT of relief goods including a field hospital, with necessary staff and support of civil defense personnel. (Oct-16, Reliefweb)

 

Two rescue teams comprised of 70 specialists from Japan are headed to Batgram in NWFP. Japan has pledged US$219,000. In addition, on Tuesday (October 11) Japan offered another US$20 million in assistance as well as several transport helicopters and dozens of troops.

 

Kuwait has offered US$100 million in aid to be split between emergency relief and infrastructure repair projects.

 

Malaysia will be sending a 46-member search and rescue team including 18 medical officers and has pledged US$1 million in aid. On Monday (October 17) the Malaysian government announced it will send 40 medical specialists for a period of three months to help set up a field hospital. (Oct-17, Reliefweb)

 

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has contributed US$1 million in aid with US$600,000 allocated to Pakistan and US$200,000 each allocated to Afghanistan and India. (Oct-12, Reliefweb)

 

Nepal has offered US$50,000 in relief aid to Pakistan. (Oct-12, KO)

 

The Netherlands has increased its allocation of US$12.1 million in emergency aid for Pakistan to US$16.8 million. (Oct-17, Reliefweb)

 

Philippine National Red Cross has offered to send a team of doctors

 

A flight carrying a rescue team as well as relief goods from Russia is bound for Muzaffarabad. Another Russian team of 43 specialists with special vehicles and sniffer dogs is being sent to the PcK capital.

 

Saudi Arabia has pledged US$133 million to help Pakistan rebuild its infrastructure. Saudi ArabiaŐs Ambassador to Pakistan, Ali Awahd Asseri also announced that the current number of ten daily flights of relief aid would increase and a field hospital has also been dispatched to Mansehra. (Oct-15, Reliefweb)

 

South Africa has pledged to send 18 doctors, 10 paramedics, and 30 tons of aid.

 

South Korea has offered US$3 million in aid and will send rescue workers to Pakistan.

 

A 26-member Spanish team with six sniffer dogs is working in Bagh, PcK.

 

Sri Lanka has pledged US$100,000 in aid.

 

A Swiss rapid response team is headed to Abbottabad in PcK

 

Thailand has pledged US$100,000 in aid and offered 50 doctors and nurses.

 

Turkey has dispatched a 100-member rescue team with equipment headed for Muzaffarabad. Turkey has also sent two C-130Ős carrying relief goods from Jordan to Islamabad.

 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sent two flights carrying a 70-member rescue team as well as two sniffer dogs to be deployed to Mansehra in NWFP. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have offered US$100 million in aid to be split between emergency relief and infrastructure repair projects.

 

The United States has sent 10 emergency health kits scheduled to arrive in Pakistan today (Friday, October 14). Each kit serves 10,000 people for three months. On Wednesday (October 12) two C-17 aircraft, four C-130 aircraft, one Mi-8 aircraft, and one UC-35 aircraft arrived in Pakistan carrying medical supplies, relief supplies, water, cots, doctors and humanitarian assistance personnel. Among the US personnel that arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday (October 12) were eight members of the nine-person Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and a 23-member Contingency Support Group that will be involved in planning and logistics support. On Tuesday (October 11) the US Department of Defense announced that Navy Rear Admiral Michael Lefever will coordinate the Disaster Assistance Center, where US military relief efforts are coordinated in Islamabad, and two C-17s arrived carrying relief supplies. Meanwhile, heavy equipment, water purification systems, portable generators and medical support are being dispatched by the US Central Command. The US government has pledged up to US$50 million in humanitarian assistance. On Monday (October 10) USAID coordinated one relief airlift with 250 rolls of plastic sheeting, 5,000 blankets and 5,000 water containers for affected populations in Mansehra and Batagram Districts, NWFP. (Oct-12,-13,-14, USAID, USDOS Update, AFPS)

 

Yemen and Saudi Arabia have each pledged to send two flights of relief goods.

 

á      International Organizations

 

ActionAid is prioritizing the transport relief supplies and setting up relief camps in Pakistan. Four trucks carrying relief supplies arrived in Balakot on Tuesday (October 11) and by today (Friday, October 14) ten trucks carrying food, tents, blankets and medical supplies will reach Mansehra. (Oct-14, Alertnet)

 

In collaboration with the Pakistan Army, Action by Churches Together (ACT) was able to drop shelter kits in Allai village in Batagram district on Thursday (October 13) and plans to conduct additional shelter kits drops in the next few days. An ACT team remains in Batagram district assessing the situation and providing up to date information. (Oct-14, Reuters)

 

Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International will be providing food, blankets, beds, and tents and will be airlifting medical supplies to Islamabad. ADRA Germany is sending US$84,000 worth of antibiotics and antibacterial equipment. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

Action Against Hunger (also known as Action contre la faim or ACF) reports that it has sent an assessment team to Islamabad and has begun operations preparing to assist victims of the earthquake. ACF reports that it will send on Friday (October 13) 30 tons of aid, including food rations, tents, blankets, cooking equipment, and water provision supplies, in addition to a response team of water, sanitation, and food security experts.

 

The Asian Development Bank has offered US$10 million, reallocated from existing projects, for immediate assistance to the worst-affected areas.

 

Caritas Internationalis has provided assistance in the form of 700 winterized tents, 4,200 blankets, as well as monetary resources for the purchase of food and non-food items. In addition, an Emergency Response and Support Team has been dispatched to assist Caritas Pakistan with needs assessments and coordination in affected communities.

 

Caritas Pakistan is setting up medical relief camps in affected areas to provide health care for at least 3-4 days. Caritas Pakistan is distributing tents and relief supplies from its warehouse in Manshera to affected areas. (Oct-17, Reuters)

 

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has committed US$2 million in aid for emergency supplies for its relief efforts in Pakistan and India. In Pakistan, CRS has conducted needs assessments with local partners in Abbotabad, Hazara, Mansehra, Batagram, Mingora, Kohistan, and Changhla; has provided tarps, blankets and water-cans. CRS is working closely with Islamic Relief and Oxfam UK, and is in communication with the local Caritas to facilitate a coordinated response from the collective Caritas Internationalis community. (Oct-13, Reliefweb)

 

Direct Relief International has delivered an initial US$200,000 worth of emergency medical supplies to Islamabad. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

German medical agency humedicaŐs teams of volunteer doctors and coordinators have contributed emergency health kits for 3,000 people and are partnering with PAK Relief and Development Agency to set up a mobile health clinic in northern Pakistan. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

On Tuesday (October 11), an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) convoy of supplies including 10,000 blankets, 2,000 tarpaulins and other non-food items arrived in the town of Abbotabad. Tomorrow (Wednesday, October 12) these goods will be distributed in Muzaffarabad. (Oct-12, IFRC) On Thursday (October 13) the ICRC made its first distribution of blankets, tarpaulins, and shawls to more than 400 families in Muzaffarabad. The ICRC team then undertook an aerial survey of the damage in the villages and valleys beyond Muzaffarabad, with plans to return on Friday (October 14) to deliver aid, evacuate wounded and collect information on families that have lost contact with one another. The ICRC has more than 50 expatriate staff based in Muzaffarabad. The ICRC visited patients in Peshawar on Sunday (October 16) and conducting an assessment in the region of Abbotabad. (Oct-16, ICRC)

 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is working on the ground assessing the situation and distributing food, blankets and tents to survivors in the districts of Abottabad, Manshera, Shangla, and Batagram. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is providing medical care in urban centers and dispatching mobile medical teams to remote locations, such as Batagram district. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

A Medair assessment team went to Rawalakot, where there are reportedly no other NGOs operating. (Oct-13, Medair) Medair has tents, blankets, and groundsheets coming from Iran for its relief program run in alliance with ZOA Refugee Care. (Oct-15, Reliefweb)

 

Medecins du Monde France (MDM) sent 15 volunteers, comprising three medical teams, and 22 MT tons of medical, logistical, and surgical equipment. Five MDM staff were already in place in Islamabad and the Greek delegation of MDM sent an additional team of three doctors. (Oct-10, Reuters)

 

The Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is committing US$250,000 in aid to provide shelter and food for nearly 1,000 families in the affected areas in northern Pakistan. (Oct-11, Reliefweb)

 

Muslim Hands (MH) has allocated an initial amount of US$873,000. On the ground MH has more than 40 MH Pakistan staff as well as volunteers working in the areas of Bagh, Islamabad, Mansehra, Muzzaffarabad, and Rawalakot. MH has sent 1,600 tents to Muzzafarabad and has provided food, bedding, and basic medicines to 10,000 families while other teams are assisting in rescue operations and burial services.

Muslim Hands has four medical clinics and nine mobile ambulance units up and running.

 

Relief International has an emergency response team of eight international experts based out of Islamabad dispatching emergency medical aid and relief items to affected populations. (Oct-13, Alertnet)

 

Save the Children is supplying blankets, shelter and goods for 15,000 families. To date, 16 trucks loaded with essential aid including tents, blankets, plastic sheets, and food items have been distributed. Save the Children is working in the North West Frontier Province and will also be working in Muzaffarabad, Mansehra, and Bagh. Save the Children has set up a field hospital in Batagram in co-ordination with the local and Provincial health authorities, the DCO, WHO, and UNICEF. (Oct-13, Alertnet)

 

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is supporting the International Blue Crescent (IBC) to distribute some 50,000 blankets and providing food to 3,000 people in Muzaffarabad. UMCOR is also supporting the Church World Service (CWS), which is providing food items and other utilities to 1,600 families in Azid Kashmir and North West Frontier Province.

 

The UN Foundation Board has committed US$1 million in aid for immediate needs, including building critical infrastructure and communications. It has also established the South Asia Earthquake Response Fund for individual donations. (Oct-14, UN)

 

The World Bank announced that it would double its initial commitment of US$40 million in aid to Pakistan. (Oct-12, AFP)

 

World Emergency Relief (WER) global family has sent US$2.6 million of antibiotics and basic medicines to care for 100,000 people for one month. WER has also sent winterized tents to house 3,000 people.

 

India

 

Overview

 

The latest reported death toll reached more than 1,600 in Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) today (Wednesday, October 12) from a 7.6-magnitude earthquake that centered in neighboring northern Pakistan. The death toll rose after Indian army helicopters arrived in 45 remote Himalayan villages, and found more than 311 dead bodies yesterday (Sunday, October 16). (Oct-17, DPA) More than 5,000 others have reportedly been injured and 150,000 displaced, including up to 50,000 people were left homeless by the earthquake (Oct-17, AFP). The worst-hit areas are around Tangdhar and Uri towns in Kupwara and Baramulla districts respectively in IcK, along the disputed Line of Control (LoC). About 70% of homes have been severely damaged in the town of Uri, which has a population of 30,000. Most aid has reached Uri and its surrounding villages are thought to have been reached (Oct-14, Kashmir Times). However, aid is taking more time to reach Tangdhar, which is less accessible and more than five hours drive from Srinagar. (Oct-14, AP).

 

IcK Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said yesterday (October 13) that the biggest challenge now was to find a way to shelter the thousands of displaced, which may entail bringing them down from remote villages into relief camps at lower elevations. Aside from shelter, food is also an urgent need. According to a local doctor, most people in the area already suffer from malnutrition, making them especially vulnerable.

 

The Indian army is carrying out the bulk of relief operations, as the presence of foreign NGOs and aid workers is highly restricted in IcK. The Kashmir Times reported that 800 police personnel have also been deployed (Oct-14, Kashmir Times). The Indian military has about 500,000 to 700,000 troops deployed in the region to control a separatist insurgency. Army and government rescuers face landslides, difficult mountainous terrain and difficult weather in order to reach remote areas. According to officials, 45 villages in Karnah area of Kupwara district remained inaccessible. With many areas blocked off by landslides, porters were being hired to carry relief items. (Oct-17, AFP) As with relief operations in northern Pakistan, however, logistics and inclement weather remain obstacles.

 

India has not asked for international assistance, however, officials asked for more government and private aid, particularly shelter items for winter season, which usually arrives mid- to late October. Over the weekend, heavy rains and sleet were reported in affected areas. Although the rain has stopped, a cold wave was forecast for this week. However, military officials said snowfall in the higher regions around Tanghdar town in Kupwara have adversely affected relief operations, and weather officials have warned of an early winter in the region. (Oct-17, AFP)

 

Earlier this week, the government announced a US$150 million aid package. The state and federal government today agreed on a three-pronged rehabilitation strategy involving financial assistance, the short-term construction of community shelters and the long-term construction of quake-resistant infrastructure. (Oct-14, BBC News) Although the policemen and paramilitary are also carrying out relief operations, there were reports of sporadic and uneven distributions, especially in more remote areas in the north. The government has announced that it would start distributing US$1,116 to each affected family from this Sunday (October 23). There were other complaints that aid has been marked by self-interest and non-cooperation between local politicians and separatists in the restive region, with some relief items unaccounted for. NGOs and victims also said that despite daily relief distributions in Uri town, many of the old and weak were not receiving aid.

 

The government also said that it would send 1,000 heavy tents every day for the next five days. (Oct-14, PTI) Defense officials also said 470 tons of relief supplies have already been distributed. About 7 camps have been opened by the government in Uri town in Baramulla and Tangdhar, as well as Poonch district, however, there are only about 1,000 tents available in Uri and Tangdhar. Both aid workers and military officials said there is an acute shortage of tents. Other survivors continue to make hours long treks to find relief and food for other family members back home. (Oct-17, AFP)

 

According to reports, the involvement of local NGOs has not been very strong and information on them has been minimal (Oct-14, Kashmir Times). Most local assistance so far has been from IcK, unlike in last yearŐs Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. (Oct-14, Reuters) Private attempts at providing aid have mostly been unorganized. (Oct-14, BBC) Political separatist groups such as the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), and militant groups such as the Jamaat-I-Islami (JI), have also been providing assistance and setting up relief camps. (Oct-14, Reuters) The Indian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which already has a presence, today called for the provision of more shelters and the protection of the rights of victims. (Oct-14, Kashmir Times) Both the military and separatist militants in the region have been known to commit human rights abuses against civilians in the restive region.

 

The Indian army said today that it would take at least two months to repair the Indian side of a mountain highway crossing the disputed Line of Control (LoC) to Muzaffarabad, capital of PcK. India is also sending a third relief consignment to Pakistan as part of continuing goodwill between the two countries. (Oct-14, PTI)

 

Domestic Response

 

á      Local Government

 

The Indian military, which has about 500,000 to 700,000 troops deployed in IcK to control a separatist insurgency, has launched a large-scale relief and rescue operation called ŇOperation Imdad.Ó

 

The Indian government has released US$23.1 million dollars for immediate relief work in affected areas. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has announced 100,000 rupees (US$2,234) in aid to relatives of those killed. (Oct-12, Hindustan Times) Indian officials said 20 community halls would be built, each with the capacity for 3,000 people. In addition, each family will be given 100,000 Indian rupees (US$2,200) to reconstruct damaged homes. (Oct-14, BBC News)

 

The government has provided one free month of food and kerosene rations to each affected family in Poonch district. (Oct-14, Reuters)

 

The Indian army and air force as well as local volunteers are conducting rescue and relief operations assisting district administrators in affected areas.

 

á      Local Organizations

 

The Indian Red Cross is continuing distributions of food and other relief items. Its staff are involved in relief operations in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Uri. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

The ICRC New Dehli regional delegation is providing 49,000 blankets, 10,300 kitchen sets and 500 tents to the Jammu and Kashmir branch of the Indian Red Cross Society. A convoy carrying a consignment of 500 tents, 3,500 kitchen sets and 23,000 blankets arrived in Srinagar on Thursday (October 13) and are being distributed to earthquake survivors in the affected areas. In addition an ICRC vehicle with 150 first aid kits, 200 first aid jackets and other materials also arrived in Srinagar. An additional 6,000 blankets have been sent to Jammu. (Oct-13, ICRC)

 

The local chapter of the Indian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which already has a presence in IcK, plans to monitor the governmentŐs relief work to ensure fair distribution and prevent human rights violations. (Oct-12, Kashmir Times)

 

Volunteers from National Institute of Technology, Hazratbal (Srinagar), are assisting in relief operations in Baramulla, Kupwara, Srinagar, Jammu and Udhampur. (Oct-15, UNDP)

International Response

 

á      Foreign Governments

 

The Indian government has not requested any international assistance.

 

USAID/OFDA has committed US$100,000 in assistance to India. (Oct-12, USAID)

 

á      International Organizations

 

Action by Churches Together (ACT) member, ChurchŐs Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), is planning to undertake initial relief operations to assist 10,000 affected families through four local partners: Al-Bashir, CNI Hospital/Church, Hindustani Convent Church (HCC) and COVA network. (Oct-12, ACT)

 

ActionAid is conducting a survey of more than 25 villages in the remote areas of Uri and Baramulla to identify areas that have not yet received aid. The local administration will airlift 500 blankets and 200 family kits to these areas for ActionAid. ActionAid India is also providing counseling and giving support to earthquake survivors in India with an 80-strong team including 40 local people. ActionAid India is providing assistance to 3000 families in the form of waterproof tents, community tents, blankets and family kits containing 15 days of food, shoes and education materials for children, medicines and essentials for women. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

CARE International is preparing an airlift of blankets for distribution and water containers have been loaded on trucks and dispatched to Ahmedabad. (Oct-12, Alertnet)

 

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has committed US$2 million in aid for emergency supplies for its relief efforts in Pakistan and India. In India, CRS is working with local partner Caritas India and has sent a three-person assessment team to Srinagar. (Oct-13, Reliefweb)

 

Save the Children is expanding its response from the initial target of 5,000 families to 20,000 families across the four affected districts of Kupwara, Baramula, Poonch and Rajauri, with Air India flying food and other supplies from Delhi to Srinigar free of charge. Trucks loaded with essential aid reached six villages on Wednesday (October 12. (Oct-13, Alertnet)

 

UNICEF has sent four-member team to Srinagar to assess immediate requirements in health, education, nutrition, wat/san and psychosocial/child protection. (Oct-15, UNDP)

 

 

Sector Status

 

Sector Status

Affected Population

150,000 people displaced (Oct-13, AFP), about 90 percent of them remain homeless (Oct-17, AFP)

Coordination

No international assistance has been requested by the Indian government

 

The IcK government has set up a media center in Uri (Baramulla district) to provide information on relief operations in the area. (Oct-17, PTI)

 

UN Disaster Management Team (UNMT) met on October 11 in New Delhi to assess possible response. Held another meeting on October 14 on information-sharing with other agencies and NGO partners in the affected areas (Oct-15, AFP)

 

Singh today reportedly asked Indian Union Minister Nabi Azad to remain in IcK for the next week to coordinate relief measures between the federal and state government. (Oct-12, PTI)

 

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has a Control Room that is functioning around the clock and closely monitoring the situation.

 

A Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Home Affairs is in Srinagar to coordinate relief efforts with the IcK government.

 

A Inter-Ministerial Central Team arrived in IcK on October 11 and is making damage and relief needs assessments. (Oct-12, MHA)

 

The private aid foundation, the India Development and Relief Fund, Inc. (IDRF), is currently soliciting private donations. (Oct-14, IDRF)

Logistics

The Indian Army has cleared most of the roads into the hard-hit areas of Uri and Tangdhar (Baramulla and Kupwara districts). (Oct-13, PTI)

Food

The Jammu and Kashmir branches of the Indian Red Cross have distributed 5 MT of dried food rations. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

Water and Sanitation

Water and electricity supplies have been restored in the Hazratbal and Jamia Masjid areas of Srinagar. Restoration efforts ongoing in other towns. (Oct-15, UNDP)

 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has airlifted 51,200 liters of water to IcK. (Oct-14, PTI)

Public Health/Medical

Twelve hospitals in three Kashmir districts, including in Srinagar city, have started offering counseling to survivors. (Oct-15, AFP)

 

Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said it has recruited help to bolster counseling centers for mental trauma. (Oct-15, AFP)

 

WHO has provided Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with 2 tons of emergency surgical kits, which was shared with the Indian Army. (Oct-15, UNDP)

 

HelpAge International and its partner Help Age India have sent a mobile medical unit to the Indian city of Uri in Kashmir and two other mobile medical units to the outlying villages. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) teams are working on the towns of Baramullah, Uri, and Sringar and the Tangdar region in IcK. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

The Indian Directorate of Health is coordinating medical relief and has deployed 21 medical response teams to affected areas.

 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has airlifted 40 MT of medicine. (Oct-12, MHA)

Shelter