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South Asia Earthquake Update

 

October 28, 2005

 

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

 

 

Table of Contents:

 

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

India .....................................page 14

 

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 55,000 with 36,000 deaths in Pck and around 18,000 in NWFP, officials estimate the death toll to climb as more areas become accessible. Quake has left over 78,000 people injured and an estimated 3.3 million displaced or homeless. 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.

 

UN Emergency Response Team manager Andrew Macleod on Tuesday (Oct-18) said logistical challenges are worse than last yearÕs Indian Ocean tsunami disaster due to dramatic elevations and a larger geographic area. (Oct-18, Reuters) Shelter and logistics remain top priorities. (Oct-24, DFID) 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. 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 winterization tents for some four million affected people. (Oct-12, Reuters, OCHA) WFP-led survey recommends assistance to urban areas for next two months and in rural areas until the end of February. (Oct-28, WFP)

 

International donors and representatives from some 60 nations around the world on Wednesday (October 26) pledged US$580 million at a donorÕs conference at United Nations (UN) headquarters Geneva on October 26. Ahead of the conference, the UN had revised its consolidated flash appeal yesterday from US$312 million to a little over US$549 million for the first six months of the emergency phase. However, UN has received a total of only US$122 million in pledges, of which US$67.8 million is in firm commitments - 80 percent short. (Oct-26, Reuters, BBC)

 

GOP has accepted NATOÕs offer for the deployment of a NATO Response Force (NRF), consisting of a reinforced engineering battalion of around 1,000 personnel. It will provide assistance in reconstruction of infrastructure, the provision of medical care and aerial movement of supplies. (Oct-23, DT) Mobile headquarters of NATO became fully operational on Thursday (October 27). Vice Admiral John Stufflebeem, commander of mission, said NATO is Òsolely focused on supporting Pakistani authorities and those bringing relief supplies and aid capabilities to the affected regionÉthis is a short-term relief mission.Ó (Oct-28, Dawn) Local critics have criticized Musharraf for not seeking parliamentary approval for NATOÕs deployment in the country – its first substantial presence in South Asia. (Oct-28, Reuters) However, NATO is providing badly-needed air support and relief.

 

Asian Development Bank and the World Bank will jointly begin an assessment of the quake-affected areas in Pakistan to determine needs and reconstruction costs. The team is expected to submit its report by mid-November. (Oct-21, Reuters) Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan will host international conference on November 18-19 to raise funds for reconstruction. He said so far, US$1.7 billion has been pledged or committed by world for quake relief, while US$15.2 Pakistani Rs were pledged domestically. (Oct-28, The News)Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has approved 2 billion Pakistani Rs (US$33.3 million) for reconstruction of homes, at a meeting of the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA). Priority will be given to rebuilding infrastructure in the first phase. (Oct-28, AP)

 

Total contribution towards humanitarian effort in Pakistan (including bilateral, NGOs, UN agencies, etc): US$251 million committed; US$1.05 billion pledged. Total: US$1.3 billion. (Oct-27, DFID) Pakistan yesterday (Thursday, October 28) circulated a draft resolution calling on the UN General Assembly to urge world to Òswiftly deliverÓ pledged funds for relief and rehabilitation – action expected on November 14. (Oct-28, The News)

 

Logistics and access to affected areas continue to be the biggest challenge for relief operations. Most mountain communities traditionally have thousands of tons of food trucked up to them before the winter each year. Lack of roads now mean helicopters are the primary means of delivery (Oct-28, Reuters) Estimated 80 helicopters operational and another 19 are in the pipeline. GOP says it needs more than 100 helicopters to deliver aid in a significant way to remote, inaccessible areas. (Oct-21, Reuters) Heavy snow, likely to begin in about three weeks, would limit the use of these helicopters. (Oct-17, OCHA). The WFP said the UN could only keep its helicopter fleet running for another week, while US$50 million is needed immediately to keep them flying. (Oct-28, Reuters)

 

WFP said preliminary findings of assessment carried out with UNICEF and Oxfam found 2.5 million living in makeshift shelters. Based on findings, WFP raised the number of people who need food for the winter from 1 million to 2.3 million. (Oct-28, WFP)

 

The UN said there were no reports of epidemics, but said the health infrastructure in affected areas had virtually collapsed. The biggest health concern are untreated injuries due to gangrene and major infections. Health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), said 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. Currently 52 field hospitals are in place (Oct-27, OCHA). Aid agencies warn of second wave of deaths due to cold weather and exposure. (Oct-24, DFID) GOP, with the help of WHO, has set up an Early Warning and Response Network (EWARN) to identify and respond to any disease outbreaks in quake-affected areas. (Oct-23, DPA)

 

Some aid workers say muted response, compared to other disasters, may be due to less effective response by local media – many local media personnel were injured/killed in region, while logistical challenges are obstacles. (Oct-28, Reuters)

GOP has awarded four emergency broadcast licenses to setup FM stations at various locations in PcK to improve communication with the local public. Some 100,000 radio sets would be distributed among the local public upon funding. (Oct-26, IRIN)

 

Some 50,000 Pakistani troops in PcK are now being deployed every few kilometers to coordinate relief. Pakistan Army has opened 3 more military basses in Dhamial, Peshawar and Tarbela for relief operations, in addition to six forward bases in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot, Balakot, Battagram and Mansehra. Presently, Chaklala air force base (Islamabad) is central hub of air-supported relief. (Oct-27, DPA) The Pakistan military transporting relief goods into 45 local hubs in the quake-affected zone. (Oct-25, Dawn) Main roads into Muzaffarabad have been cleared, and there are now efforts to reach Neelam, Jhelum and Leepa valleys in PcK. The roads between Mansehra – Balakot, Mansehra – Muzaffarabad, and Mansehra – Batgram are now open for the transportation of relief goods. However, most areas beyond these points remain inaccessible due to damage caused by landslides. In Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK), access most difficult up the Neelum Valley. Army engineers say it will take months to clear roads up the valley, which is home to about 150,000 in the winter. (Oct-28, Reuters) 30 percent of areas still inaccessible. (Oct-28, UNHCR)

 

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. The nighttime temperature in the affected areas can drop to zero degrees Celsius in October and minus 6 degrees Celsius in November. (Oct-18, Alertnet). The UNÕs World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said initial reports indicate this winter is going to be unseasonably cold with snowfall Òexpected to considerably exceed the normal range.Ó Temperatures could reach minus 20 Celsius (minus 68 Fahrenheit), meaning that day temperatures would be subzero. (Oct-28, Reuters) Thousands of people could possibly get cut off in the coming three weeks due to snowfall. (Oct-17, Reuters)

 

UN Emergency Response Team manager in Islamabad, Andrew Macleod, said there continues to be an acute shortage of tents. Between 337,000 to 541,000 tents estimated needed. Total of 122,000 have been delivered/distributed, including 62,000 winterized tents from international community and 60,000 from GOP. (Oct-25, DFID) GOP and aid agencies encouraging improvisation and repair of shelter with wood, tin sheets and other items. (Oct-24, USAID) Education for residents not used to tents needed to prevent smoke inhalation, fire, and other hazards. (Oct-24, AFP) WFP survey says less than 10 percent of affected population had left communities, preferring to stay close to homes and livestock – larger movements expected as winter sets in. (Oct-28, WFP)

 

Muzaffarabad has 3 camps with capacities for 3,000 to 6,000 people each – 3 more camps planned for between 1,000 to 1,500 tents. In Mansehra, approximately 25 tents are being established with capacities between few to 300 tents. Two relief camps in Balakot, including Ghari Habibullah – home to 1,400 people. (Oct-27, UNHCR) UNHCR set up three new tent sites in Jhelum Valley with capacity for 24,000 people. (Oct-28, CNN) Main goals: improving conditions in many of unofficial, spontaneous camps that have sprung up, identifying areas with military to establish formal camps and creating camps away from the main centers so people from higher elevations will not have to travel far.

 

GOP has allowed mobile phone companies to provide service in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. (Oct-18, Jang). Indian government has installed free telephone service in Srinagar, and the border towns of Uri and Tangdar in Indian-controlled Kashmir to allow people to contact their relatives in PcK. (Oct-19, Reuters) Pakistani and Indian officials are due to meet in Islamabad tomorrow (Saturday, October 29) for one-day meet to discuss the implementation of a surprise agreement last week to open the trans-Kashmir border. (Oct-28, AFP) Pakistan has opened three relief centers on Òvarious proposed points of movement across the Line of Control (LoC),Ó according to Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. He emphasized that aid would be two-way across the border. Earlier this week, India said that three relief centers on its side of the LoC were operational. Analysts say survivors trapped in the Neelum and Jhelum Valleys in PcK would benefit from more easily accessible camps in IcK before the onset of winter. (Oct-27, AFP)

 

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) Over 100 relief organizations in the country. (Oct-25, DFID)

 

International Response

 

á      Foreign Governments

 

More than 90 countries, regional and international organizations have pledged more than several hundred million dollars in aid contributions and monetary pledges to the ongoing relief and reconstruction efforts in the earthquake devastated areas of Pakistan. Some of the larger contributions have come from the United Nations South Asia Earthquake Consolidated Flash Appeal calling for US$ 312 million in pledges, the ICRC appeal calling for US$56.6 million, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and contributions made by individual nations directly to the Pakistani government. Some of the largest monetary contributions from individual nations are coming from Australia, Britain, Canada, China, the European Union, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. US Ambassador to Pakistan, Ryan Crocker, said that there is no time frame for US troops assisting in quake relief – may take several months. (Oct-26, Hindustan Times) The United Nations Emergency Response Pakistan website has posted several reports attempting to track the status and quantities of the incoming aid from a number of various governments, regional, and international organizations. In addition to these efforts, a number of NGOs have initiated their own appeals for their relief and reconstruction efforts in the earthquake-devastated areas.

 

Response to UNÕs US$550 million Emergency Consolidated Appeal:

 

WHO has received US$9.81 million out of its US$56 million emergency appeal to provide food support to one million people over next six months from Saudi Arabia, Japan, Denmark, Australia, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. (Oct-27, WFP)

 

WHO has received US$9.8 million out of its US$100 million separate appeal for air support from Canada, the US, the UK and Switzerland. (Oct-27, WFP)

 

 

Sector Status

Affected Population

4 million people affected; estimated 3.3 million displaced or homeless. (Oct-13, Reuters) Nearly half of the four million affected people are in PcK and another 1.3 million in NWFP.

 

UNICEF estimates some 50-60 percent of the dead victims are children and some 32,000 young people had died while another 42,000 were injured. (Oct-18, Reuters)

 

Death toll is at 54,000 with 36,000 deaths in Pck and around 18,000 in NWFP

Coordination

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 will coordinate rescue and relief operations. Major General Muhammad Farooq Javed, Chairman of the Prime MinisterÕs Inspection Commission will head the Commission.

 

Ten sectoral coordination clusters were established to bring together the government, UN agencies, NGOs, IOs, militaries, and donors. (Oct-22, UNOCHA)

 

A mobile NATO headquarters became operational Thursday (October 27). The Deployed Joint Task Force (DJTF) is coordinating NATO relief activities with Pakistani officials. (Oct-27, Dawn)

 

Pakistani army has opened three more military bases at Dhamial, Peshawar and Tarbela to assist in the relief operations. Army is operating six forward bases in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalkot, Balakot, Batgram and Mansehra. The army has also set up three main reporting and information centers at Havelian, Mansehra, and Gahri Habibullah for better security and effective execution of relief, rescue and rehabilitation operations in NWFP, the GOP says. (Oct-27, DPA)

 

President Pervez Musharraf said that there was a network of some 45 Army points in place Òto extend all-out help and guidance to volunteers for efficient supply of relief goods.Ó

There are six major points, three each in NWFP at Mansehra, Balakot and Batagram, and Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Rawalkot in PcK. (Oct-19, Jang)

 

A UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator will be based in Muzaffarabad as of October 21. (Oct-19, UNOCHA)

 

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

 

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

 

An Emergency Response Centre has been opened in Islamabad. (Oct-15, ERC)

 

The UN created three humanitarian hubs in Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Mansehra. (Oct-15, VOSOCC) UNOCHA says two additional hubs are being considered at Balakot and Batagram. (Oct-19, UNOCHA)

 

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is operating out of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK) while the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Society (IFRC) is working in the rest of the country. The ICRC has launched a website to help people contact relatives: http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/epi (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

Internews, an international media development organization, is dispatching a radio production unit with a team of 12 reporters to produce programs to disseminate information to quake-affected in local languages. (Oct-26, UNOCHA IRIN)

Logistics

UNOCHA says as much as 30 percent of affected areas remains inaccessible. (Oct-27, USAID)

 

UNHCR says it has set up a new relief supply line from Iran on Wednesday (October 26) from its Kermanshah warehouse near the border with Iraq. The first truck convoy will carry 10,000 blankets, 3,000 plastic tarps, 3,000 plastic mats, 1,000 mattresses and several tons of other non-food items. (Oct-27, UNHCR) There are more than 1,000 tons of relief supplies on the ground – UNHCR working the Pakistan military, UNJLC and other partners for distribution. (Oct-28, UNHCR)

 

UN warning it would be forced to ground its helicopters over next few days if its funding shortfall is not met quickly. WFP says it is facing a 90 percent shortfall in its air support operations and 84 percent gap in its appeal for emergency food aid funding. (Oct-27, OCHA)

 

According to the UNOCHA, there is only a three-week opportunity to deliver assistance to mountainous areas of Pakistan before the first snowfall. (Oct-24, UNOCHA) Unprecedented logistical challenges in some 30,000 square kilometers of high-altitude terrain remain.

 

Pakistan Army Engineers are racing to reopen roads so that aid may be delivered in sufficient quantities to an estimated 2,000 inaccessible villages. (Oct-26, Reuters)

 

About 100 helicopters are operating, with some 15 more expected. (Oct-25, Dawn) Pakistan Army has set up 24 more helipads to expedite relief into affected areas. (Oct-20, Indo-Asian News Service)

 

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 unit comprises 4 main cells: Logistics, Air, Civil Military Coordination and Information. (Oct-17, UNJLC)

 

A joint NATO-UNHCR airlift from Incirlik airbase in Turkey will ferry some 860 tons of aid from UNHCRÕs regional warehouse in Iskenderun. (Oct-19, UNHCR) NATO plans to send some 1,000 troops, including a 500-strong engineering battalion. (Oct-21, AFP) UNHCR will add a chartered Boeing 747 cargo jet to join in efforts. (Oct-25, Reuters)

 

US military will air drop food and relief supplies to remote villages and nearly double troop presence to over 1,000 troops by this week. Three dozen pieces of heavy engineering equipment will be ready to help move debris by October 27. (Oct-25, PTI)

 

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. (Oct-12, Reuters)

International Financial Assistance

Total contribution towards humanitarian effort in Pakistan (including bilateral, NGOs, UN agencies, etc): US$251 million committed; US$1.05 billion pledged. Total: US$1.3 billion. (Oct-27, DFID)

 

International donors and representatives from some 60 nations around the world pledged US$580 million at a donorÕs conference at United Nations (UN) headquarters in the Swiss capital Geneva on October 26.  Ahead of the conference, the UN had revised its consolidated flash appeal on October 25 from US$312 million to a little over US$549 million, following additional field assessments of the affected areas.  However, UN officials say only US$15.8 million of the new money was pledged to its emergency flash appeal, aimed at providing food and shelter to over 2 million homeless people exposed to severe winter weather.  Most of the pledges are earmarked for reconstruction.  The UN is seeking the US$549.5 million to cover immediate life-saving and early recovery needs for the first six months of the emergency phase and says it has received some US$122 million in pledges of which US$67.8 million is in firm commitments.  The UN says it is currently 80 percent short of needed funds.

Food

WFP says that latest assessments say that 2.3 million people may require food aid to get through the winter. (Oct-28, WFP)

 

Nearly 500,000 people have received WFP high-energy food rations, however, over 1 million people need food. Affected communities have some food stocks for the winter, but these will deteriorate without proper shelter. (Oct-24, UNOCHA)

 

According to the USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) there is no acute food security crisis in affected areas. (Oct-24, USAID)

Water and Sanitation

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)

 

In Muzaffarabad and Bagh, the pipe network was damaged, ceasing all water distribution. Safe water and sanitation have been restored in some parts. (Oct-23, 25, UNOCHA)

 

There is a shortage of prefabricated latrine slabs according to UNICEF. OXFAM supplying 1,000 plastic slabs and UNICEF has contracted the construction of 1,000 metal latrine slabs at a rate of 100 a day. (Oct-24, USAID)

 

NATO will send 3 water purification plants. (Oct-21, NATO)

THW has installed two water treatment plants in Muzaffarabad and Balakot which are producing 250,000 liters a day, to supply 17,000 people. (Oct-17, UNOCHA) Six plants will be set up n Batagram, Balakot, and other areas. (Oct-22, UNOCHA)

Public Health/Medical

WHO says that latest assessments show 291 health facilities destroyed and 74 partially damaged out of a total of 564. Less than half continue to operate according to WHO. WHO is appealing for US$27.57 as part of the revised UN appeal. So far US$11 million has been pledged. (Oct-28, WHO)

 

Emergency evacuation of serious patients down to very low levels. Injuries and wounds at main hospitals declining, but antibiotics needs remain high. (Oct-27, WHO)

 

USAID DART reports WHO measles campaign progressing well in Muzaffarabad. WHO has deployed 19 two-person teams to expand campaign to rural areas. On Oct 26th WHO confirmed 14 cases of measles in Batagram and Balakot. (Oct-27, USAID) WHO says at least 1 person has died of measles, and a total of 30 cases have been reported in the quake zone. WHO says measles and cholera are the main health risks. (Oct-27, WHO)

 

A lack of clean water is creating problems with people showing up with skin diseases like scabies at all health centers in affected areas. (Oct-27, IRIN)

 

Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) warns that homeless survivors are at risk of dying from hypothermia and pneumonia unless they find shelter before winter arrives. WHO reports increased instances of acute respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia in highlands areas, with children reportedly being most affected. MSF says that it may have a suspected case of haemorrhagic fever. (Oct-26, Reuters)

 

WHO field offices are operational in five of the most affected locations: Bagh, Balakot, Mansehra, Muzaffarabad, and Rawalkot. Mental health activities have begun in Muzaffarabad and Mansehra. (Oct-25, USAID) WHO says there is a need to establish a coordination cell in Muzaffarabad. (Oct-26, WHO)

 

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), is located at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

WHO and the Ministry of Health have set up an Early Warning and Response Network (EWARN), starting with Muzaffarabad, to quickly identify and respond to outbreaks. (Oct-21, GOP)

 

Around 200 medical facilities are operational in the affected area, including 16 in PcK, with the rest in NWFP. There are some 52 field hospitals in place. (Oct-27, OCHA) UAE will expand and add 70 more beds to 100-bed field hospital in Balakot. (Oct-26, Khaleej Times) WHO says that Bagh urgently needs a 40-60 bed field hospital that can provide services for up to 6-12 months and can survive the winter season. (Oct-26, WHO) IRIN reports some 99 percent of all first aid posts have been destroyed. (Oct-28, IRIN)

 

The GOP says that the Pakistani Army was running some 8 field hospitals at full capacity. (Oct-18, GOP) US will send three field hospitals (Oct-20, Jang). The US Army 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) with more than 100 US soldiers arrived in Muzaffarabad. (Oct-24, AP)

 

MSF has a field hospital in Bagh and three clinics in nearby villages. BaghÕs hospital and 22 health clinics were destroyed. There are reportedly two makeshift civil hospitals and a military hospital in its place. (Oct-26, Reuters) UNICEF will establish at least 30 medical centers in Muzaffarabad, Rawalkot and Bagh to provide basic medical services. (Oct-18, IRIN)

 

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)

 

The Jang reports that at least 40 people have died of tetanus. (Oct-28, Jang) GOP and WHO have arranged for 200,000 doses of anti-tetanus serum (ATS) to be airlifted from Cairo to affected areas. Minister of Health, Nasir Khan says that 1.8 million additional doses would arrive over next few weeks. (Oct-21, GOP) Selected measles and tetanus vaccinations taking place in Rawalakot and Bagh. (Oct-27, WHO)

 

USAID said that 10 WHO emergency health kits have been airlifted. Each one has sufficient supplies to treat 10,000 people for three months. (Oct-21, USAID) Medical Assistance Programs International (MAP) says it has airlifted from Europe 3 Emergency Health Kits to serve the needs of 30,000 people for 90 days. (Oct-24, MAP)

 

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) Over 13,000 children have been immunized in Muzaffarabad. (Oct-24, UNOCHA)

 

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) opened a 100-bed field hospital in Muzaffrabad on October 21. (Oct-21, ICRC)

 

Nine UN Population Fund (UNFPA) mobile health units are serving over 2,000 patients a day in Muzaffarabad and Mansehra. (Oct-22, UNOCHA)

 

Ministry of Health and WHO last week brought together voluntary organizations and mental health professionals to develop national plan to provide mental health support. (Oct-27, WHO)

Shelter

The UN emergency shelter cluster says that Pakistan faces a shortfall of up to 200,000 shelters to accommodate the 3 million homeless. (Oct-28, IOM)

 

UN Humanitarian Coordinator Jan Vandermoortele says that some 50% of the terrain is unsuitable for tents. (Oct-22, UNDP)

 

UNHCRÕs emergency teams in Mansehra, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Batagram and Balakot are working with the army and others to identify sites for temporary camps at lower elevations. So far one dozen sites have been identified. (Oct-28, UNHCR) UNHCR has set up three new tent sites in Jhelum Valley, with a capacity for 24,000. Agency has yet to move into Neelum Valley, where road access remains difficult. (Oct-27, AP)

 

Rashid Kalikov, UN coordinator for humanitarian assistance in Muzaffarabad, said some 800,000 people have no shelter at all. (Oct-24, AP) Over 90,000 people require shelter in Batagram. (Oct-23, UNOCHA)

 

Some 62,000 tents have been delivered, around 200,000 will be in the country at the start of the winter, which will only shelter less than half the homeless families. NATO/UNHCR airlift will bring some 15,000 tents in the next couple of days. (Oct-25, UNOCHA) Up to 210,000 additional winterized tents are needed, along with an additional 2 million blankets and sleeping bags. (Oct-23, 24, UNOCHA)

 

USAID OFDA has donated some 5,000 rolls of plastic sheeting and 30,000 wool blankets. (Oct-27, USAID)

 

In Mansehra, local and provincial officials are creating 25 tent villages with capacities up to 300 tents (Oct-27, USAID)

 

UNHCR has set up 9 temporary camps with the GOP which have been established in and around Mansehra and Muzaffarabad and up north towards Balakot, ranging in size from 60-3,000 people. UNHCR says hundreds of spontaneous settlements have appeared as well and is surveying needs. (Oct-27, DFID)

 

The GOP plans to house 5,000 families in Bassian camp and 3,000 families in Ghari Habibullah. A third camp in Batagram, for 5,000 families has also been planned. Another three camp sites have been confirmed in Muzaffarabad, UNHCR says. (Oct-21, UNHCR)

 

Outside urban areas, villagers will be given 25,000 Pakistani Rs (Us$420) per household by the GOP to help rebuild their homes, even if they have to use items from their destroyed homes. (Oct-28, Reuters)

 

Infrastructure

USAID says almost 90 percent of schools destroyed. USAID working with UNICEF to restart schools. (Oct-27, USAID)

 

In Nheelum Valley, almost 90-100% of buildings were destroyed. (Oct-27, UNOCHA)

 

According to UNOCHAÕs 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)

 

90% of the structures in Bagh have totally collapsed, almost 100 percent of structures in Nasera district in Jhelum Valley have collapsed. (Oct-23, 25UNOCHA)

 

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

 

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have reallocated aboutUS$20 million from existing projects for immediate reconstruction start-up. (Oct-18, UNERP)

 

World Bank yesterday (Oct-25) announced a US$470 million package to help the GOP in the reconstruction of quake-devastated areas. The package includes US$100 for highway reconstruction, US$130 million financing of community infrastructure and US$200 million in quick disbursement credits from the BankÕs concessional International Development Agency (IDA). An additional US$40 million in IDA funding was announced last week. (Oct-25, WB)

 

Security

The first Child Friendly Space was expected to be launched Friday (Oct-28) at the edge of Balakot city. (Oct-28, WVI) World Vision is focusing on child protection and plans to establish 20 Child Friendly Spaces to support three camps in the area that are expected to host some 253,000 people. (Oct-21, WVI)

 

UNICEF has asked the GOP to appoint Òchild protection officersÓ in all major hospitals. (Oct-19, PTI) UNICEF is creating field offices in Mansehra and Muzaffarabad to coordinate emergency response for child protection. (Oct-14, UNOCHA)

 

The Pakistani government is in the process of setting up aid staging posts at Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalkot, Mansehra and Balakot for relief and security. Troops being deployed every 10 km to provide security, search for survivors and provide relief in most affected areas. (Oct-19, GOP)

 

 

 

 

 

 

India

 

Overview

 

The latest reported death toll remains at 1,400 in Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) from a 7.6-magnitude earthquake that centered in neighboring northern Pakistan. More than 7,000 reportedly injured and 150,000 displaced (Oct-17, AFP). Worst-hit areas are around Tangdhar and Uri towns in Kupwara and Baramulla districts respectively in IcK, along the disputed Line of Control (LoC). Third worst-hit area is Poonch district. The governmentÕs main priority right now is provision of shelter through tents, repair of homes, reconstruction of homes and community shelters to last through the winter.

 

GovernmentÕs distribution of cash relief from the Natural Calamity Relief Fund (NCRF) began in Uri and Tangdhar on October 19. Relatives of each casualty receiving 100,000 Indian rupees (US$2,200), while 60,000 Indian rupees (US$1,333) are offered for the rebuilding of destroyed homes. Government financial compensation being disbursed through mobile banks in remote areas. (Oct-26, AFP) IcK Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said houses with minor or partial damage would be given Indian Rs30,000 (US$670) each, instead of earlier Rs10,000 (US$222). Additional monetary assistance of Indian Rs31,000 (US$ 690) per family given for construction of temporary tin and timber shelters before onset of winter. In addition to government relief, Jammu and Kashmir Bank will also provide soft loans for home reconstruction. (Oct-27, PTI)

 

IcK government says cash relief worth 90 million Indian rupees (US$2 million) have been distributed in quake-hit areas of IcK. (Oct-24, PTI) Minister of State of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Transport Raman Bhalla said that state has distributed Indian Rs1.08 million (US$241,000) in Poonch district. Relief worth Indian Rs40.5 million (US$902,000) also distributed to 14 villages in Kupwara. (Oct-27, PTI) All disbursement expected to be complete by November 15. (Oct-26, AFP) Following the earthquake, the government announced a US$150 million aid package.

 

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. The Indian Army, under Operation Imdad, has been carrying out bulk of relief and rehabilitation effort. The Indian military has about 500,000 to 700,000 troops deployed in the region to control a separatist insurgency. Local state agencies, social, religious and political organizations, and NGOs also assisting.

 

As in northern Pakistan, aid workers struggle with the mountainous terrain, landslides and increasingly cold weather, which hampered logistics. Porters and pack animals being hired to carry relief items. (Oct-17, AFP) International and domestic aid agencies also have to contend with frequent security checks and roadblocks. Some agencies building base camps to overcome this problem. Friendly reception from survivors is also important security priority. (Oct-24, SC)

 

International and domestic media continue to report that some remote villages have received little or no aid, which the Indian government repeatedly denies. (Oct-26, AFP) Victims reportedly held a series of protests in Tanghdar on October 19, saying only victims with connections to the government receiving government relief. Protestors in Uri threw stones at a police station, attacked relief trucks and carried out a demonstration, saying that relief was not being fairly distributed. (Oct-28, Kashmir Times) Indian military says it will take at least another 15 days to acquire more tents and materials for further distribution – but many villagers in remote areas with no shelter say they may not survive that long. (Oct-25, Daily Excelsior) Reports of substandard tents and blankets continue. (Oct-28, Kashmir Times)

 

India-based Academy for Disaster Management Education Planning and Training (ADEPT) relief organization said number of villages have not been mapped, and at least 10 villages remained inaccessible as of October 19. Total number of affected villages unknown. Some tents that were distributed are also not appropriate to withstand the upcoming winter season, when snowfalls can reach 10 feet (3 meters). (Oct-19, ADEPT)

 

Shelter remains the top relief priority. Aside from food and water, fuel to cook food and burn firewood is also an important relief item that is in shortage in Uri, despite arrival of government relief trucks 10 days ago. (Oct-26, AFP)

 

Although at least 35,000 tents are needed in the region, only about 14,000 tents and 300,000 blankets have been distributed to about 38,000 families. (Oct-25, Daily Excelsior) According to ADEPT, up to 1 million people and their livestock (a valuable commodity) need winter housing. Many living in makeshift tent cities made of items such as plastic awnings, old signboards and other scavenged materials. (Oct-23, ADEPT) Indian Home Ministry said last week that displaced quake victims will all have tents by the end of October and snow-proof shelters by the end of November. GOI will buy 1,000 tents from the Netherlands and another 1,000 winterized tents from Alaska. More orders placed with other suppliers, such as China. Officials say 2,000 tents expected from Lebanon, and another 1,000 expected from Georgia. (Oct-22, Daily Excelsior)

 

Survivors have appealed for kangris and bokharis, traditional heaters used in the region that use very little fuel. Both heaters are less of a fire hazard than kerosene heaters. The heaters are important because most tents are made of nylon and cannot trap enough heat. In addition, electricity is not easy to access in the region, smoke from regular wood can cause respiratory ailments and fuel kerosene heaters are very heavy. Aid workers say many villagers have never lived in tents and need education on preventing fires or smoke asphyxiation.

 

GOI also plans to build prefabricated, winterized community centers where people can shelter at night and work outside during the day to rebuild their homes. GoI plans at least 107 centers in Uri and Tangdar areas in Baramulla and Kupwara districts respectively, which would be constructed through mid-November (Oct-21, Kashmir Times). Land for 45 centers already identified. Each center will accommodate 100 to 200 people, and later converted into schools or health care centers. Military and paramilitary will set up shelters. No construction work is possible during the winter due to rain, snow and slush. (Oct-17, ADEPT) GOI has begun with construction of community centers in Uri, which wil hold 600 to 700 people and are expected to be completed in two weeks. Centers will also have wat/san facilities. (Oct-28, Kashmri Times)

 

Another challenge is to bring thousands of displaced down from remote villages into relief camps at lower elevations. Other survivors continue to make long treks to find relief and food for other family members back home. (Oct-17, AFP)

 

A labor shortage has hit IndiaÕs tent industry due to both Diwali (Hindu) and Eid (Muslim) celebrations next week in major manufacturing hubs like Jaipur, Kanpur, Meerut and Mumbai. Being a small-scale industry that caters mostly to weddings and functions, most only have contract labor. India is only able to supply around 500 tents, which is insufficient for quake victims. In addition, none of the tent manufacturers in India are producing all the material required for the finished product. Fire and rodent hazards normally limit tent production. (Oct-27, Hindustan Times)

 

Pakistani and Indian officials are due to meet in Islamabad tomorrow (Saturday, October 29) for a one-day meet to discuss the implementation of a surprise agreement last week to open the trans-Kashmir border to allow the movement of relief assistance, particularly in badly-hit Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK) Analysts predict that SaturdayÕs talks will result only in limited crossings for Kashmiri villagers. (Oct-28, PTI) India said today (Tuesday, October 25) that three border relief camps (Kaman near Aman Setu in Uri district, Tithwal in Tangdhar and Chakan Da Bagh in Poonch) on the disputed Line of Control (LoC) in Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) are now ÒoperationalÓ. Relief camps set up in IcK include a hospital, a meeting place for divided families from both sides of Kashmir, a media center and a relief center. In addition, the Indian Army said a road linking Poonch and PcK has been completed. (Oct-25, PTI) India today stopped work on a footbridge across the LoC in Tangdhar after Pakistani troops protested the move, saying that official clearance needs to be given first. (Oct-26, AFP) Pakistan has given a formal proposal for five border checkpoints to be opened in Suchtgarh and Rajouri, in addition to IndiaÕs three checkpoints. (Oct-22, Dawn)

 

Meanwhile, police today detained a separatist IcK leader after he attempted to cross the LoC to help PcK victims. A resident of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK) was arrested today (Wednesday, October 26) for trying to cross the LoC and assist relatives in Uri. Kashmiris have asked both India and Pakistan to open the LoC so they can assist relatives. (Oct-26, AFP) Other separatists, including those from the main separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) alliance, have expressed a desire to cross, but will wait for the proper authorization.

 

 

International Response

 

India has not asked for international assistance.

 

Sector Status

 

Sector Status

Affected Population

150,000 people displaced (Oct-13, AFP), about 90 percent of them remain homeless (Oct-17, AFP) Of these, about 10,000 affected families are in Poonch district. (Oct-26, Kashmir Times)

 

Jammu and Kashmir Social Welfare department sent to identify quake-hit families to enable rapid distribution of aid. (Oct-21, Times of India)

 

The Indian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which already has a presence, called for protection of the rights of victims. (Oct-14, Kashmir Times) Both military and separatist militants in the region have been known to commit human rights abuses against civilians in the restive region.

 

Caritas India and local partners plans to help over 5,000 children in educational and recreational activities for psycho-social healing. (Oct-25, Caritas)

 

Coordination

No international assistance requested by the Indian government

 

ATHROT, a relief action program for IcK-based NGO, has been set up by a number of independent voluntary organizations, such as the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, Doctors Offering Care and Kashmir Times Publications, to coordinate the efforts of private organizations. ATHROT opening centers in Uri, Salamabad, Karnah, Tangdhar, Teetwal, Keran and Machhil for relief distribution. (Oct-24, Kashmir Times)

 

To address coordination problems, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) established disaster response force with Army and paramilitary personnel. (Oct-18, Kashmir Times)

 

State and federal government on Monday (October 17) agreed on a three-pronged rehabilitation strategy: Financial assistance, short-term construction of community shelters and long-term construction of quake-resistant infrastructure. (Oct-14, BBC News)

 

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment constituted team to monitor relief in conjunction with the IcK state government. (Oct-18, NIC)

 

State Cabinet appointed five government officers to coordinate relief and reconstruction: BA Runiyal, Relief Commissioner, will be in charge in Uri; Sharief-ud-Din – Srinagar; Qamar-ud-Din - migrants; GM Rather - Tangdhar; Jeet Lal Gupta – Poonch. (Oct-16, Daily Excelsior)

 

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

 

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has a Control Room functioning around the clock that is closely monitoring the situation. (Oct-12, MHA)

 

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

 

Action by Churches Together (ACT) member, ChurchÕs Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), 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.

 

HelpAge International providing relief in partnership with HelpAge India and Help the Aged. Relief being carried by foot to areas around Uri. (Oct-17, HelpAge International)

 

Save the Children 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 Rajouri, with Air India flying food and other supplies from Delhi to Srinagar free of charge. (Oct-13, Alertnet) SC has established base camps in Tangdhar (Kupwara) and Uri (Baramullah), reducing difficulties caused by bad weather and frequent security checks at roadblocks. (Oct-25, SC)

 

Caritas Internationalis has launched an appeal for over US$5.5 million to assist local partner, Caritas India. Caritas India, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and the Catholic Social Service Society (CSSS) of the Jammu and Kashmir Diocese launched relief and rehabilitation program in at least 10 villages in Uri and surrounding areas. Have assessed 12 villages in Uri so far with medical teams. Will provide 4,000 families with essential food and non-food items through end of November. (Oct-25, Caritas)

 

At least 11 NGOs from western state of Gujarat, with experience from the 2001 earthquake disaster, including the Center for Environment Education, will aid in rehabilitation work. NGOs are currently helping to construct permanent and temporary homes in Uri. (Oct-27, Khaleej Times)

Logistics

Border Roads Organization (BRO) says road from Baramulla to Kaman Bridge on Line of Control will be operational by December 15. (Oct-17, Times of India) BRO says that it would take 8 to 10 days to re-open Uri-Muzaffarabad road due to dangerous landslides and damaged areas. (Oct-25, Kashmir Times)

 

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

GOI has provided one free month of food and kerosene rations to each affected family in Poonch district. (Oct-14, Reuters) The GoI has distributed 1,426 quintals of rice, 937 quintals of atta and 961 quintals of wheat in Poonch district. (Oct-27, PTI)

 

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

The Indian Red Cross staff involved in relief operations in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Uri. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

UNICEF provided 17 tons of biscuits for children – about 3 tons distributed through Army. Nutrition camps organized at Salamabad. (Oct-21, Time of India)

 

According to a local doctor, most people in the area already suffer from malnutrition, making them especially vulnerable to lack of food.

Water and Sanitation

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

 

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

Public Health/Medical

Although no threats of disease, epidemic control units established at Uri and Tanghdar by the health services department. Officials say all 142 affected villages have been visited by medical teams. (Oct-24, PTI)

 

The Indian Directorate of Health coordinating medical relief. 21 medical response teams to affected areas. GOI says so far, 66 ambulances are being used. 12,725 injured have been treated at camp hospital in Uri, and another 7,500 have been treated in Tangdhar. (Oct-24, PTI) Twelve hospitals in three Kashmir districts, including in Srinagar city, have started offering counseling to survivors. (Oct-15, AFP)

 

A team of rehabilitation/orthopaedic doctors have arrived in IcK under the Ministry of Social Empowerment. (Oct-18, NIC)

 

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

 

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

 

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)

 

ActionAid India is providing counseling and giving support to earthquake survivors in India with an 80-strong team including 40 local people. (Oct-11, Alertnet)

 

The Academy for Disaster Management Education, Planning and Training (ADEPT) working the Catholic Diocese of Jammu, along with ADEPT partner Christian Medical College, to provide medical services in Uri, Baramulla. (Oct-23, ADEPT) CMC Ludhiana, partner of ADEPT, set up base camp in Baramulla in order to provide medical services to surrounding villages. (Oct-25, ADEPT)

 

Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) recruited help to bolster counseling centers for mental trauma. (Oct-15, AFP) MSF teams working in Baramullah, Uri and Srinagar and Tangdar. (Oct-20, Reuters)

 

WHO India is providing a number of services, including technical guidelines, two tons of emergency surgical kits, relief items, and a disease/injury surveillance system after staff obtains necessary security clearance. Measles vaccination and vitamin A supplementation being discussed with government and UNICEF. (Oct-20, WHO)

 

Caritas India and local partners hope to provide 4,000 families with regular basic health services by March 2006. (Oct-25, Caritas)

Shelter

Jammu is seeking 10 community halls to shelter people from approximately 60 affected villages in Poonch. (Oct-26, Kashmir Times)

 

Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Hakim Mohammad Yasin said GOI readying timber in Uri in Baramulla district and Tangdhar in Kupwara district so survivors can repair homes or supplement shelter. There are about 135,000 cft (cubic square feet) timber available in Uri and 125,000 cft at Tangdhar, with another 40,000 cft in storage in Sopore and Baramulla. 273 mts of CGI sheets, and 20,000 bags of cements also being made available. (Oct-24, PTI) The CGI sheets and timber are intended for construction of temporary shelters measuring 150 square feet (14 sq meters). (Oct-27, PTI)

 

In another report, Director General Police Gopal Sharma said 7,000 cubic feet timber (cft) and 15,000 CGI tin sheets are available in Uri and Tangdhar for building or repairing shelter. 300 engineers are assisting in construction. (Oct-25, Kashmir Times)

 

IcK government has opened relief centers in Mirwaiz Manizil and Jamia Masjid and seven relief camps in Uri, Tanghdar and Poonch. (Oct-15, UNDP)

 

The government plans to construct 31 community halls in Uri to accommodate survivors during the winter. (Oct-26, AFP)

 

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in cooperation with the Indian Red Cross (IRC), providing shelter, food and clothes assistance to cover the needs of 15,000 households (15,000 tents, 15,000 kitchen sets and 60,000 blankets). The ICRC has contributed 49,000 blankets, 7,316 kitchen sets, 600 tents and 400 tarpulins to the Indian Red Cross. (Oct-22, ICRC)

 

The Jammu Red Cross Society has provided 2,000 blankets, 90 tents, and other items to Poonch district. (Oct-14, Kashmir Times) Indian Red Cross Society has distributed over 10,800 blankets, over 1,800 kitchen sets, 330 tents and 1,300 food packs, as well as plastic sheeting and clothing. Over 11,600 blankets, 1,900 kitchen sets and 170 tents are on the way to the area around Uri. (Oct-22, ICRC)

 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has airlifted 5,800 tents, 124,000 blankets, 10,000 woolen pieces of clothes and 1,870 tarpaulines. (Oct-14, PTI)

 

World Vision India said it will be providing tents to 3,000 affected families in the state. World Vision Canada has offered used tents in good condition from the Department of National Defense. (Oct-21, Times of India)

 

ADEPT plans to providing shelter items for affected from base camp in Baramulla. (Oct-25, ADEPT)

 

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)

 

Save the Children ordering 6,000 tents. Survey team hired to rebuild earthquake-proof shelters – will be surveying villages to determine shelter options w/ other agencies. (Oct-24, SC)

 

Caritas providing 3,000 families with emergency tented shelter in Uri. It is hoped that 2,000 families will build transitional homes with adequate sanitation facilities through material and cash-for-work incentives by March 2006. (Oct-25, Caritas)

 

Infrastructure

According to the government, 42,750 homes have been destroyed and another 73,450 damaged. (Oct-23, ADEPT)

 

Government focusing on repairing water pipelines, opening schools and persuading skilled and unskilled labor to stay and help restart livelihoods in affected areas. (Oct-25, Kashmir Times)

 

Minister for Housing and Urban Development Ghulam Hassan Mir says rehabilitation in Uri and Tangdhar, where some areas experienced 100 percent damage, rehabilitation will take a year. Rehabilitation in Poonch estimated to take two months. (Oct-26, Kashmir Times)

 

GOI has set up four telecom facilitation centers in Srinagar, Jammu, Uri and Tangdhar to facilitate conversations between family members across the Line of Control (LoC) in badly-affected Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK). (Oct-18, Hindustan Times) Wireless communication network functional in Uri and Tangdhar. (Oct-15, UNDP)

 

Power Development Department (PDD) has suffered losses of 290 million rupees in IcK. At least 1,000 transformers have been damaged. (Oct-14, PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department has begun repairing damaged infrastructure. (Oct-23, ADEPT)

 

Traffic on National Highway 1A between Srinagar-Tangdhar and Srinagar-Rui disrupted due to landslides. (Oct-15, UNDP)

Security

Truce called on October 10 by main Muslim rebel alliance in IcK, the United Jihad Council (UJC). Indian army did not respond. A female suicide bomber blew herself up in Pulwama district on Thursday, October 13, in the first incident of its kind in IcK. (Oct-13, PTI)

 

A suicide car bombing killed one Indian border guard and injured more than 25 others along the main highway linking Srinagar and the northern town of Baramulla. (Oct-26, BBC)

 

The Indian military said today that militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK) are regrouping, even after the October 8 earthquake. Two army soldiers and policeman were killed in militant clashes in Doda district. (Oct-28, Kashmir Times)

 

Junior Education Minister of IcK, Ghulam Nabi Lone shot and killed on October 18 in Srinagar. Indian intelligence sources warned that the JamaÕat ul Dawa (JuD) group, linked to the Kashmiri separatist Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), have set up relief camps in PcK, close to the LoC, where Pakistani military has been unable to reach. (Oct-25, Hindustan Times)

 

The Global Green Peace group today warned that shifting of thousands of landmines along the disputed Line of Control (LoC) may pose a danger for survivors and aid workers. (Oct-20, Hindustan Times)

 

Over the weekend, four Rotary International tents were burnt down in Baramullah by a mob coming out of mosques following rumors that the organization was involved in conversion and Òanti-IslamicÓ acts. (Oct-24, SC)

 

Aid agencies contending with frequent security checks and roadblocks in the region. (Oct-24, SC)