India Earthquake Update #20

19:30 hrs 10 February, 2001
Current Situation

As per the latest report of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) earthquake shocks are still continuing. 235 after shocks of magnitude 3.0 and above were felt till 1538 hours of 09/02/2001. The highest after shock of 5.3 was received at 2225 hours of 08/02/2001 in Bhachau area. Also an after shock of 4.5 was received in Gujarat at 1538 hours on 09.02.2001.

As per available information from State Government of Gujarat, the extent of damage is as under: -

EXTENT OF DAMAGE (Preliminary estimates - exact assessment is going on)

Population affected: 3.78 crores
Houses Damaged: 300667(Pucca), 214680 (Kachcha) & 29185 (huts)
Houses Destroyed: 145353 (Pucca), 110386(Kachcha) & 13643 (huts)
Damages:
Personal Properties: Rs. 387 Crores
Household Properties: Rs. 11195 Crores
Public Utilities: Rs. 600 crores
Public Infrastructure & Amenities: Rs. 1080 Crores
Industrial establishment: Rs. 5000 Crores
Commercial establishment: Rs. 3000 Crores
Total estimated loss of damage: Rs. 20,875 Crores

There is an urgent need for:

• Expertise and machinery for demolition of damaged buildings
• Water drilling equipment
• Water purifiers
• Tents and temporary shelters
• Surgical appliances and devices for amputees.

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EFFORTS

Management

Immediate response on 26th January 2001 afternoon (Republic Day Parade ended at 12 Noon)

Krishi Control Room (NDM) activated and functioning round the clock. Coordinating with all Central/External relief efforts.

Prime Minister convened emergency cabinet meeting at 5 PM on 26th January and reviewed initiatives of National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC). The three Services Chief, who were present also, briefed the Cabinet. PM announced immediate release of Rs.500 crores

Empowered Group of Ministers (EGM) under the Chairmanship of Home Minister was constituted on 30th January 2001.

Empowered Group of Ministers (EGM) held meetings on 30th January, 2nd February and 7th February and reviewed the relief and rescue measures

A 35 member National Calamity Panel headed by Prime Minister constituted.

Cabinet Secretary immediately activated the NCMC and regular meetings held.

National Crisis Management Committee meets regularly and puts in place specific and detailed sectoral initiatives. Chief Secretary Gujarat was offered during the telephonic conversation, the services of officers of GOI especially those who hail from Gujarat cadre.

All Central Ministries / Departments, PSUs were requested to involve their machinery for providing possible assistance.

Chief Secretaries of Rajasthan & Maharashtra were also informed of the magnitude of the earthquake and requested to send food materials and blankets to Gujarat.

Prime Minister directed Cabinet Secretary to respond with the overriding urgency and report the steps taken during the emergency meeting of the Cabinet convened at 5 PM.

Home Minister rushed to Ahmedabad immediately contacted Chief Secretary and after giving his assessment instructed the need to rush medical teams, medicines and other relief material.

Hon’ble Prime Minister and Union Ministers of Defence, Agriculture, Power, Telecom, Urban Development, Health and I&B also visited to make on the spot assessment of relief & rescue.

On clearance from the Indian Air Force on the suitability of runway at Bhuj to receive light Aircrafts. A AN-32 Air craft took off from Palam at 7PM along with Additional Relief Commissioner with the team of 24 Doctors with medical equipment and medicine, engineers of DoT with SAT-Phones and IMD officials with seismographic equipment. Later, Chief Secretary of Haryana and officials of Delhi Administration were tasked to collect large number of blankets and relief materials to be despatched to Bhuj.

Public access and information sharing

Gujarat Government have dedicated Help Lines and control rooms in operation (Help Lines 02712- 51911-20)

Gujarat Bhavan at Delhi opened counter to receive relief materials (Phone 4673661 & 4671881)

Krishi Control room telephone lines responding round the clock (Phone lines 3389453,3383476, 3385574)

Krishi Control room (NDM) website http://www.ndmindia.nic.in is being updated regularly. Gujarat Government also providing information through their websites http://www.gujaratindia.com and www.gujaratinformatics.com.

Secretary (Agriculture) briefing the media regularly wherein the updated situation report is provided.

Priority relief requirements of State Government being informed regularly to press through press briefing

Press carrying all important telephone numbers, help lines etc,

Counters opened at New Delhi Railway Station at Ajmeri Gate side for receiving relief materials for free transport to Gujarat

To coordinate Air lifting of men and relief material a dedicated line operated at Air force control area (Telephone No. 5661788)

Action taken by various central ministries/departments

Civil aviation

Airports Authority of India(AAI)

Satellite based communications restored immediately on 27.1.2001.

Kandla airport activated for helicopter operations on 27.1.2001 and for small aircraft on 28.1.2001.

Airport charges waived off for all relief flights.

Power supply restored through back-up arrangements at Kandla airport.

AAI and its employees donated Rs. 2.25 crores to the PM’s National Relief Fund.

Upto 5.2.2001, 78 civilian flights including 49 international flights and 188 military air crafts with relief material handled at Ahmedabad airport.

Air India & Indian Airlines

Transportation facilities extended for relief material from abroad.

Request to all airlines for transportation of relief material from all over the world particularly points not covered by Air India.

99 additional flights to Bhuj/Ahmedabad/Jamnagar operated till 5th February.

36 additional flights planned from 6th - 9th February

Free air transportation of relief materials weighing 516 MTs.

Free handling facilities to charter flights bringing in relief materials from the State Governments and foreign Governments.

Rescue teams with tracking dogs from US, UK, Spain, France and Italy specially flown to help in the evacuation of victims.

10,000 fleece blankets contributed by the Indian community in Indonesia flown by Air India from Jakarta to Mumbai on 31st January & 1st February.

Private airlines operating additional flights to Bhuj and Rajkot for ferrying relief materials.

Private/Foreign Airlines

32 civil and military aircraft already landed in India bringing relief materials.

One IL 76 freighter aircraft offered by Turkmenistan Airlines and three B737 freighter aircraft offered by Blue Dart, which have been placed at the disposal of Indian Air force.

Private airlines also operating additional flight to Bhuj and Rajkot and have ferried relief materials.

Defence

Army

23,550 Troops deployed in Bhuj and Ahmedabad Sectors. 3 columns of ex 68 Engineers Regiment employed for technical advice on buildings rendered unsafe.

Major equipment deployed

• JCB/Dozers - 53, Tipper - 20, Compressor - 12, Generators - 30, Water Tanks- 153, Water Supply Equipment - 34, Ambulance - 15, INMMARSAT - 4, Tents - 2835, Blankets- 6600, Tarpaulin - 2000, Gloves & Masks - 5000/1350, Stretchers - 150, Oxy/Acetelene Cylinders - 70, Water purification - 2, Gas Welding Plants - 6, Water Bowsers - 42. Works Equipment - 31 Nos.

20 Nos. of 3-Ton capacity vehicles deployed at the disposal of Civil Administration.

Surgeries performed - 11,552, Medical aid given - 14,807

Evacuations (serious patients) - 484, rescued - 478, dead bodies recovered - 2260

Till 7th February, 2001, 39 sorties of IL -76/AN-32 carried a total load about 846 tonnes

37 tented colony (relief camps established at Kanthawadi, Kotadi, Nigal, Mandul & Kumbani)

397 villages visited by relief team. 1.7 Kms. Road cleared in walled city of Bhuj, Nadapa, Mamuara & Dhaveti.

Civil Military Liaison Cell established at Police HQrs, Daily Conference held to coordinate relief effort & deployment of resources.

107 out of 127 houses which were affected by earthquake at AF Station Bhuj have been searched till date.

Air force

6 IL-76, 18AN-32, 4 AVRO, 3 DORNIER and 16 helicopters pressed into service

Till 9th February, 2001 937 sorties carrying relief materials, tentage, X-Ray Machine, cooking oil, water bottle, food, rescue teams, passengers, casualty and familily evacuation etc from various parts the country.

Bulk of the relief material and equipments air lifted from the various air bases

700 people evacuated

Total tonnage of loads carried so far is over 4773 tonnes approximately

Navy

30 men team with INMARSAT despatched to Porbandar

INS Ganga carried relief material for Kandla and two Naval ships converted into hospital ships where surgeries were performed. Twins born. 115 patients treated in ships hospitals. 302 patients treated at other Navy hospitals/clinics.

Disaster management and surgical team sent to Bhuj with medical equipment

A Dornier sorty operated between Mumbai and Kandla with 960 ltrs of fresh water.

Damage assessment carried out by Naval Officer Incharge in all ports

Survey of channel in the Gulf of Kachchh undertaken by INS Nirdeshak

Assistance provided for removal of dead bodies at Kandla and Gandhidham

So far Navy has carried a total of 45.8 tonnes of food and medicines in addition to 30.00 tonnes of cooked food/Naval rations and 200.00 tonnes of rations from Government of Maharashtra

Chief of Naval Staff visited Naval Units on 4.2.2001

All Naval personnel including civilian have donated 1 day’s salary in aid of earth quake victims

The Navy has adopted Moda village in Jamnagar district

Naval operation discontinued with effect from 09.02.2001.

NCC: Cadets engaged in relief operation, assistance to medical team, distribution of relief materials / food packets, confidence building among the earth quake victims etc.

Home ministry

Para military forces

26.1.01 - Immediately released for rescue & relief

RAF 4 COYs ( 1 Ahmedabad & 1 Bhuj)
CRPF 1 COY ( Ahmedabad)
BSF 4 COY (Kachchh)
SSB 6 COY (3 Bhuj & 3 Jamnagar)

27.1.01

RAF 2 COYs (Bhuj)
BSF 4 COY s (Gandhidham/Bhuj Ahmedabad)
CISF 12 COYs (Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Kandla, Mehsana)

At present - 47 COYs available

CISF deployed team of 10 officers under DIG(Fire) at Bhuj with Hydraulic cutters
CISF has deployed 17 companies at Ahmedabad, Bhuj,Morvi,Rajkot, Surendranagar and Kandla
Specialized rescue equipment with 4 officers & 16 firemen sent to Gujarat from Delhi
CISF established wireless network between Delhi & Kandla, Bhuj. Ahmedabad
CRPF established wireless stations at Adohi, Bimsar, Rapar
BSF : Medical cover to 2702 persons. Rescued alive 47 persons. Providing water, dry ration, food packets, fresh vegetables.

Chemicals & petrochemicals

IPCL decided to donate Rs. 3 crore worth polythene films. IPCL employees donated Rs.25 lakhs to the CM’s Relief Fund.

6000 blankets sent to Relief Commissioner, Ahmedabad.

Provided Fire Tender, Engg. Equipments and operating crew, gas cutting equipments.

Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India rushed critical medicines on 27th January, 2001.

Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association rushed their members to the quake affected areas with supplies of life saving drugs, IV fluids, IV antibiotics, other injectible antibiotics, injectible pain killers etc. IDMA has contributed medicines/materials worth Rs. 1 crore.

Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative Limited

A Team of Senior Officer rushed to Kandla on 27th Morning to assess the damage to the Plants

Reconstruction and rehabilitation activities in full swing

According to the preliminary estimates reconstruction and rehabilitation will cost around Rs. 50-60 crores

Coal

Coal India Limited /Neyveli Lignite Corporation/Singareni Collieries:

A medical team consisting of 5 doctors and 7 para medical staff rushed to Ahmedabad from Nagpur on 30th January, 2001 alongwith medicines worth Rs. 1.00 lakh, surgical equipments and 5000 blankets worth Rs. 12.00 lakh. Heavy engineering materials were also sent for relief operations.

JCB pay loaders - 3, PC 200 Shovel - 1 and Crawler mounted Bulldozers - 2 alongwith 10 personnel and 10 small tents were sent from New Delhi to Gandhidham

Donation to PM’s Relief Fund from the employees/Unions : CIL - Rs.12 Crores, NLC - Rs.2 crores, SCCL - Rs.1.4 crore.

External affairs

JS (Coordn.) was appointed as Coordinator in MEA to liaise with NDM committee and to handle all enquiry from the Indian Missions abroad, and the foreign missions in New Delhi.

Missions were advised that flight clearance request be sent directly DGCA/Air HQrs.]

Arrangements made for issue of 15 days visa at the entry point without any delay to the relief teams arriving from foreign countries.

Missions were advised to publicise NDM web site.

Senior Officer deputed to assist Gujarat Government at Ahmedabad.

MEA website has provided a hyper link to PMO website for contributions to the PM’s Relief Fund.

Food & public distribution

One lakh tonnes of foodgrains - Wheat ( 80,000 tonnes), Rice (20,000 tonnes) allotted

Advance release of 10,000 tonnes of levy sugar to the State

Ready-to-eat food packets weighting over 37 tonnes airlifted on 27 - 29, Jan. 2001.

95,000 MT of free food grains allowed to be diverted by the State from allocation earlier made for food for work to meet immediate relief

Rs. 5 Crores contributed (FCI-2, CWC-2 ,BIS-1). Employees of the Ministry are donating 1 day’s salary.

Govt. of Gujarat lifted 2945 MT wheat and 479 MT rice against special allocation for earthquake relief.

Community kitchen & lungar organised by NGOs & Socio-religious organisations running in affected areas

Health

Regular monitoring of medical arrangements at the DGHS Hqrs.

Team of Doctors from Government hospitals deployed right from first day alongwith medical equipments and supply

Public Health Specialist sent from NICD & NIMP deputed to prevent outbreak of any possible epidemics. At present 74 officers / officials which include medical / para-medical and other supporting staff of various institutes joined the Disease Surveillance Cell established at Bhuj on 5.2.2001.

DG, Health Services, Government of India visited Bhuj and surrounding areas on 7th February 2001 to take stock of the ongoing public health measures in the earthquake affected areas.

A seven member team consisting Psychiatrists and mental health professional from National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore is reaching today (8.2.2001) to Gujarat to deal with mental health problems of the people in earthquake affected areas.

Serious injured patients flown to Mumbai/Ahmedabad for treatment

Overwhelming response from private hospitals and NGOs.

Disease Surveillance Cell established at Bhuj on 05.02.2001 and 74 officials working.

A field laboratory set up on 06.02.2001.

Medical aid

Rs 5.7 crores of medical supplies sent to affected areas. X-Ray machines including portable X-Ray and other medical equipments rushed to affected areas.

64 Doctors with Ambulances sent from various Delhi hospitals to affected areas.

Emergency medical supplies of antibiotics, disinfectants, IV fluids, ORS packets and surgical materials and disinfectants sent in adequate quantities

Mental health experts from NIMHANS and AIIMS inducted at a short notice

Distributed medical supplies to NGOs, Medical supplies shared with army doctors for treating patients

Total 395 hospitals functioning out of which 34 are in Kachchh.

250 mobile medical teams moving daily to provide health care facilities and undertake disease surveillance activities.

50 mobile hospital ambulances providing medical relief.

483 Specialists doctors from Gujarat, 298 from other State and 216 from other Countries in medical relief work.

Total doctors engaged in medical relief measure - 3020 Nos.

Total 146713 injury cases attended and 11557 cases admitted.

31 Primary Health Centres of Kachchh district and 949 primary health centres in other districts providing treatment for minor-injury cases.

Rs 250.49 lakh Drugs/disinfectants supplied.

Field surveillance strengthened and chlorination ensured. Disinfection carried out effectively.

A system of early diagnosis and prompt treatment of malaria cases established in all 5 worst affected talukas of the district.

A field laboratory established at Bhuj with facilities for testing chlorine in water, growth of coliform bacteria in water and slides for malaria. For Bhuj City, 14 mobile teams sent daily to collect surveillance data on PH measures which includes one person from Central team. Separate two teams to East & West Kachchh.

Laboratory extended facilities for testing of residual chlorine.

Epidemiological data about disease surveillance from the affected talukas for 7th February does not show any increase in the number of cases.

Finance

Expenditure:

No cap on ways and means advance to State Governments

Relaxation of Overdraft Regulation Scheme.

Rs.85 crores released from National Calamity Contingency Fund(NCCF).

Rs. 500 crores financial assistance as ad hoc release of share in central taxes.

Rs. 20 crores sanctioned from PM Relief fund

Revenue:

Additional special surcharge of 1% on tax payable by domestic companies levied for creating initial corpus of NCCF to mobilise tax collection of Rs. 350 crores.

Additional surcharge of 2% levied on tax payable by non-corporate assessee to mobilise tax collection of Rs. 1300 crores

100% deduction for Income Tax purpose on donations made to chartiable institutions, trusts or funds registered with IT Department for providing relief to the victims of earthquake.

100% deduction on donation under PM/CM Relief Fund

Relief material exempted from customs/excise duty.

Mines

BALCO donated Rs. 17 lakhs as one day’s salary of their employees to the PM’s Relief Fund

Geological Survey of India donated 225 tents.

Hindustan Zinc Limited donated tents to accommodate 1000 persons. 1100 mattresses and 1175 quilts, 120 dari, 3 diesel generators, 1 JCB excavators, dry food packets for 20,000 persons, One crane, 300 bed rolls, 1000 wollen Khes, and other relief materials.

Petroleum

Refineries

Koyali (IOC) - Normal operations continued
Jamnagar (RPL) - Shutdown on 26th Jan. due to power failure

Pipelines

Crude oil pipeline from Salaya, feeding Koyali/Mathura/Panipat refineries, resumed operations since 27th Jan after due checking.

Product pipelines from Vadinar to Kandla & Kandla to Bhatinda under shutdown. Expected to resume operations on 3rd/4th Feb.2001. However, product availability not affected due to alternative arrangements made.

Petroleum supplies

Despatches resumed from Jamnagar by Rail on 26th Jan & by road on 27th Jan.

Despatches resumed from Kandal on 27th Jan. by arranging manpower and DG sets from other locations.

Supplies to Kutch area supplemented from Sabarmati, Rajkot, Sidhpur, etc.

Direct supplies of Kerosene resumed on 28th Jan.

Of 60 Retail Outlets in Kutch, 56 are operating now.

All 13 LPG distributors in Kutch are operating.

Supplies made during 27th to 31st Jan 2001

MS-724 KL, HSD-1727 KL

SKO-754 KL, ATF-122 KL

Rs.40 crores is being contributed by oil PSUs toward PM’s relief fund.

Supply of Diesel and Kerosene from 27th Jan to 1st Feb. 2001

Diesel - 20.45 lakh litres

Kerosene - 8.62 lakh litres

5 villages being adopted by five Navratana oil PSUs

An additional quota of 450 lakh litres of Kerosene allotted.

Utility items provided

3673 Petromax/Lanterns200 Drums
13 water tankers13 Durry
10000 utensils209 Polythene sheets
3538 blankets550 helmets
11500 Litres mineral water1090 mtr. Cloth65 Tonne
food items
1300 bedsheets97 wollen jerseys
38 tents11 trucks of clothes/
740 safety shoesmedicines/grocery/
2300 sockscontainers
2000 plastic containers

Power

Union Power Minister has taken special care and attention in the immediate restoration of power supply in affected areas.

Power Supply to more than 92% of feeders in Kachchh area including towns of Bhuj, anjar etc. restored.

Electricity restored in 892 villages out of 925 villages.

DG sets: 19 large sets sent for utilisation of GEB at Bhuj/Anjar.

Out of total load of 280 MW in Kachchh , 220 MW restored.

Manpower: 220 engineers/skilled operative staff positioned to assist at Anjar/Bhuj for restoration of supply. 20 doctors & 3 para medical staff of NTPC deployed.

41 truck loads of relief materials including plastic tents, blankets, bed sheets, food items and medicines despatched by POWERGRID & NTPC for Bhuj/Anjar.

Community kitchen started at Anjar by NTPC and serving 300 people daily.

Camp office of NTPC and Powergrid established to coordinate relief and rehabilitation at Anjar.

Powered/NTPC together engaged in repair / recommissioning of 10 GEB major sub-stations.

LT Transmission distribution materials supplied.

Restoration of 220 KV PANANDRO-Anjar Tr. Line on 28.1.2001.

A loan of Rs.100 crores sanctioned by PFC for reconstruction / rehabilitation of transmission and distribution system.

NTPC agreed to provide working capital facility of Rs. 60 crores by deferring part bill payments for February and March 2001 against issue of unsecured bonds.

REC sanctioned a loan of Rs.100 crores to GEB.

Under Accelerated Power Development Programme (APDP), Kachchh district will be adopted and made into a centre of excellence for sub-transmission, distribution and R & M.

Minister of Power accompanied by Addl. Secretary and CMDs of NTPC & Powergrid visited the affected areas for assessment.

Railways

Damages

CostsTrackRs. 35 crores
Signal & Telephones Rs. 15 crores
Electrical Rs. 7 crores
Misc. Rs. 3 crores
Total Rs. 60 crores

Track

• Viramgam-Gandhidham Broad Gauge (BG)
• Gandhidham-Bhuj (BG)
• Viramgam-Okha (BG0
• Palanpur-Gandhidham Metre Gauge (MG)

Heavy damage to station buildings, station cabins, residential quarters, bridges in the affected sections

Signalling equipments at 25 stations and Control communications on Viramgram-Gandhidham section damaged

Restoration

BG Track

Rajkot-Okha on 26.1.2001
Viramgram-Samakhiali on 28.1.2001
Wankaner-Navalakhi on 28.1.2001
Samakhiali-Gandhidham on 29.1.2001
Gandhidham-Kukma on 29.1.2001
Kukma-New Bhuj on 3.2.2001

MG Track

Palanput-Kidiyanagar on 28.1.2001
Kidiyanagar-Gandhidham on 31.1.2001
Telecommunications - Overhead alignment and control communication up to Gandhidham restored.
Signalling-8 stations restored until 30/1/2001 - At 13 stations block working restored until 1/2/2001 but these stations were working on non-interlocked basis. Final restoration at 17 stations dependent on completion of building activities.
19 special trains run for relatives & NGOs to Gujarat.
28 special trains run to evacuate from Gujarat and about 50,000 people evacuated.
Wagons loaded with GI sheets, bulldozers and water tank wagons directed for relief work.
Movement of relief material ordered free of cost since 27.01.2001.
All railway good sheds along the quake-hit areas offered for providing shelter for the people rendered homeless.
Three medical relief trains moved to Ahmedabad, Udna and Palanpur with a team of doctors and medical equipment for evacuation of injured and medical relief. "Railway Helpline" medical camps set up to assist victims.

Road transport & highways

Out of 650 Kms of national highways damaged 100 Kms severely damaged.

Most of the minor/major bridges damaged.

Surajbari Bridge damaged - repaired on war footing and restored.

National Highways made traffic worthy.

Control Room activated at Ahmedabad within a few hours of earthquake.

Despite tragic demise of Shri Barhat, DE dealing with Surajbari Bridge in Bachau as a result of the earthquake, Surarjbari Bridge was made operational on 27th January itself for light vehicles.

Diverted the machinery like trucks/dumpers, JCBs, loaders etc for relief work.

On request, CEMINDIA despatched six concrete breakers alongwith Gas Cutters for Kachchh.

Deputed 77 labourers working in NH 8A and NH8C alongwith 4 work assistants for earthquake relief work in Kachchh.

Shipping

Berths No.1 to 5 at Kandla Port have developed major structural damage.

Berths No.6 to 9 are functional.

Port has provided following equipment in Gandhidham:

• Escalators 31
• Payloaders 61
• Cranes 36
• Dumpers 376
• Forlifts 2

Cargo operations on relief vessels is being undertaken

12 cranes despatched by DG(Shipping) to Kandla to speed up relief work.

Mumbai Port despatched 4 fork lift trucks.

Social justice & empowerment

Rs. 25 lakhs released in favour of Helpage India for providing immediate relief to women, children and families rendered destitutes.

Seven Mobile Medical Units(MMU) deployed by Helpage India, and 10 more MMUs committed.

Rs. 2.00 crores earmarked for 100 Shelters each accommodating 50 persons for medical care, psycho-social counselling, food, etc.

ALIMCO, Kanpur despatched (2000 items) aids and assistive devices for persons becoming handicapped due to injuries. Additional requirements to be met from Rs.2 crores provided under the scheme of purchase/fitting of aids & appliances (ADIP).

Rs.15 lakhs to Animal Welfare Board of India for the relief of animals affected by the earthquake.

Rural housing

Additional allocation of Rs.250 crores over and above the normal allocation for constructing earthquake proof housing for BPL families in rural areas.

Assistance of Rs.22,000 per dwelling unit proposed for the affected districts.

HUDCO and other expert agencies will be consulted with respect to earthquake proof technology.

CAPART earmarked Rs.5 crores initially to meet short and long term relief and rehabilitation activities. Immediately after the earthquake Rural Agro Research Development Society rushed with 10,000 tarpaulin sheets, 20,000 chatais for setting up tents for 10,000 families.

Steel

Bhilai Steel Plant despatched to Gujarat 3 Excavators, 1 Dumper and 3 crewmembers on 27.1.2001. 10 Gas cutters and crewmembers despatched to Gujarat on 28 & 29.1.2001 from Ferro Scrap Nigam Ltd & Hindustan Steel Works Construction Ltd.

Relief Teams deployed for clearing rubble from Multi storied shopping complexes at Adipur. More than 5000 tons debris removed till 5th February.

Rs.2.44 crore donated to PM’s Relief Fund.

Telecommunication

Telecommunication disrupted

Number of Exchanges (in Bhuj) TotalDamagedRestored 147 147 145

Total Lines82,000

Optical Fibre systems Bhuj-Bhachau-Rajkot 140 Mbps (damaged at Bhachau)

OverloadExchanges started choking due to heavy traffic (12 lakh calls/hr)

Estimated cost of damageRs.200 crores

On 26th January 2001

Restoration of 2,000 lines Bhuj Exchange (CDOT-MBM).

Restoration of 2,000 lines Gandhidham Exchange.

Putting through two 34 MBps Microwave systems to Rajkot-Gandhidham-Bhuj.

Installation of Optical fibre end-link (8mbps) at Bhuj.

2 INMARSAT terminals were rushed to site.

Hot-lines provided from Ahmedabad/Bhuj to New Delhi for PMO, Cabinet Secretary and Krishi Control Room,

To save Ahmedabad and Rajkot TAX from overloading additional channels were terminated in Local Exchange bypassing above two TAXs.

Restoration

Exchange commissioned - 145

Free PCOs opened - 103 (INMARSAT 23, Land-line - 49)

Help Lines have been opened at Bhuj, Gandhidham and Kandla).

Hot Lines provided - 43

Optical Fibre links restored - All 13 SDCAs

Satellite Phones 50

4 VSATs in closed user group have been provided in Rapar.

2 MCPC VSATs restored.

Transmission systems added for relief - 96 stream of 2 Mbps.

Requirements of State Government and other agencies were fulfilled.

Cellular Mobile Phones Services restored.

In Bhuj, both the main exchanges are functional. Gandidham all three main exchanges functional. Mundra, Mandavi, Nakhatrana, Dayapar(Lakhpat), Rahpar, Naliya Exchanges functional. In Anjar E-10B RLU functional.

STD service working satisfactorily in all Talukas, including Bhuj.

In Bhachau Taluka, 256 port exchange is commissioned in Tent due to total damage.

Internet Service restored at Bhuj.

Helplines started functioning at Bhuj, Gandhidham and Kandla.

Exchanges at all Taluka headquarters restored.

Urban development

BMTPC sent 3 structural engineers, 3 architects and 1 geologist for making preliminary damages, on 29.1.2001.

CMD, HUDCO met Chief Secretary, Gujarat and offered financial and technical assistance by HUDCO on 30-31st January, 2001.

Union UD Minister advised all Chief Ministers drawing their attention to the disaster prepared measures already communicated to them in May, 1998.

Rapid Damage Assessment Survey Team visited affected area on 5th February.

HUDCO proposes to adopt a few model villages and bastis for comprehensive development.

HUDCO is setting up field project management offices in Bhuj and Anjar.

Women & child development

Being nodal Department for UNICEF and CARE activities in India, these organisations were requested to send their representatives.

On the report of team officers sent to Ahmedabad, the Department decided as under:

Approval to permit operationalisation of 24 ICDS projects during 2001-2002 to universalise the ICDS in the State.

Additional grant of Rs. 7.38 crore for newly sanctioned projects initiated.

Distribution of ready to eat food in 15 most affected ICDS blocks for next 3 months through WFP / CARE.

UNICEF requested to deliver 15 vehicles for use by ICDS blocks.

Approval conveyed for purchase of utensils @ Rs.2000 per anganwadi centre in 15 worst affected ICDS blocks.

200 creches proposed to be opened.

Proposals for opening 50 short stay homes, 10 working women hostels, release of Rs.50 lakh under NORAD scheme and Rs. 20 lakh under Scheme of General Grants-in-aid under consideration.

Youth affairs and sports

Ministry despatched Executive Director Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and Joint Secretary, Youth Affairs to Gujarat to immediately develop a relief programme for Youth Volunteers

STATE GOVERNMENTS & UTs

Relief assistance given both in cash & kind from various State Governments liberally.

Food, blankets, medicine, medical personnel, water, tankers and equipments, etc sent by various State Governments/UTs directly also.

CM’s relief fund has received a donation of 31.74 crores from PM’s Relief Fund and from other States/individuals and firms.

Assam : Rs. 5.00 lakh donated from CM’s Relief Fund

Andhra Pradesh : (I) Rs. 5.00 crores donated from CM’s Relief Fund

(II) 4420 woolen blankets , 1381 sweaters, 5.00 tonnes medicines, 27.155 tonnes food material, 1020 water bottles, 20,000 water pouches, 120 petromax lights, 147 tents and 21 shamianas and 30.00 tonnes food/other materials worth value of Rs. 67.12 lakhs also donated in kind.

(III) A team of 4 doctors and medicines sent to Ahemadabad and Bhuj

(IV) 12 Police communication experts and 15 HAM operators with eqiupments working at Ahmadabad and Bhuj

(V)Two special trains left Ahmadabad and Gandhidam with 40.00 tonnes of relief material and 1000 people/volunteers

(VI) A convoy of 15 lorry loads of rice despatched to Ahmedabad/Bhuj

Rajasthan : Donated Rs. 2.5 crores cash, 19,000 blankets,521 tenets, 60 heavy equipments and also sent 166 medical and para medical personnel. Since 4th Feb. additionally 57 trucks carrying food items, medicines, and other relief material, 2 Gas cutters, 3 dumpers, 4 loaders, 1 crane sent to Bhuj. Also 2 Buses and 1 Jeep sent for transportation of earthquake victims.

Madhya Pradesh : Contributed Rs. 1.54 crores, 27,940 blankets, 1000 Home Guards, 183 doctors, 70 Nurses, 116 Paramedical personnel, 13 ambulances, one IC unit, Rs.5.50 lakh surgical/medical equipment, Rs.69.67 lakh medicines, Rs.1.16 crore food grain, 51,400 food packets, 54,500 clothes, Rs.11.92 lakh utensils, 3250 tarpaulins, 932 tents, 1004 relief workers and 34 heavy equipments, 27 JCB machines & 10 gas cutters. Rs.39.70 lakh other materials.

Maharashtra : Rs. 5 crore donated from CM Relief Fund.

Total 320 truck loads of essential commodities comprising bread, atta, rice, pulses, sugar, milk powder, mineral water, biscuits sent and distributed to Bacchav, Bhuj and Ahemadabad.

9 truck loads of firewoods despatched to Gujarat.

1 tanker of kerosene despatched to Bhachau Taluka.

Anti-biotics, salines, ORS, blood bags, medical equipments & surgical items like gausecotton, bandages etc. worth Rs. 1.00 crore & X-Ray machines are sent to Bacchav, Bhuj & Ahemadabad.

Dispatched 49,381 blankets, 54,366 chaddars, 16,267 sarees. 5,000 tents.

13 Mobile Cranes, 11 JCBs, 2 gas cutters, 4 Rock breakers, 3 concrete breakers, 38 Tippers & Trucks, 4 bulldozers, 7 loaders, 11 excavators, 7 trucks, 8 Jeeps, sent from the Maharashtra State are working in eqathquake affected areas.

3000 Utensils, 5000 Tin Sheets & 350 tents supplied to affected areas of Gujarat State.

237 Homeguards, 210 civil defence volunteers doing rescue operations in Bacchav Taluka

235 medical officers, 3 anesthetists, 22 Ayurvedic Doctors, 4 Psychiatrics, 9 Surgeons & Para-Medical Staff of 12 persons are working in earthquake affected areas.

125 Engineers & Operators are working in earthquake affected areas.

7 ambulances are working for patients.

664 patients are under treatment in various hospitals of the State of Maharashtra.

9 Senior Officers & 29 supporting staff are deputed to Bacchav (Bhuj) for co-ordinating relief work.

Staff of Fire Brigade, 500 conservancy staff of BMC & 3000 personnel from Solid Waste Management of BMC & a team of 15 personnel of TMC, Fire Brigade with tender are working in affected areas.

1 PSI, 1ASI, 13 Policeguards, 1 Mechanic, 1 Tailor are working at Anjar.

Pest Control Staff alongwith Pesticides & Germicides are sent to Bhuj district.

Electricity in Bacchav Taluka restored with the help of Manpower &* material worth Rs. 1.5 crore supplied by the MSEB. The Government of Maharashtra also provided Rs. 50.00 lakhs for the restoration work.

2 Medical teams & 1 Mobile Dispensary of BMC despatched to affected areas of Bacchav.

1,000 canvas tarpoline (110 despatched), 500 masks & 300 Helmets supplied for the relief operation at Bacchav .

Manipur: Rs. 2 lakhs from CM’s Relief Fund.

Punjab : Donated 41,722 blankets, 1,250 tents, 2 truck loads of medicine and 50 heavy equipments. Relief material also airlifted from AF air base in district Bathinda.

The people of Muktsar district donated 11,800 blankets, 3500 khes, 500 Quintal of food material, 8500 pairs garments, medicines worth Rs. 1.00 lakh and 2000 ltr mineral water to earthquake affected people of Gujarat.

J&K : Sent 30,000 blankets.

Haryana : 956 persons for Relief work, 259 relief trucks, 51204 blankets, 7220 durries and 500 carpets blankets, 73127 utensils, 4234 tents, 12600 sq. ft. polythene covers, clothes, food items, buckets/mugs, torches, lanterns, kerosene / diesel, candles & matches, other items, sent upto 04/02/2001. The value of material sent is 2.75 crores.

Goa : Sent 2 trucks of blankets

U.P. : Sent medical personnel, 2 truck load of medicine, 520 tarpauline and 520 tents.

Delhi : Rs. 1.00 crore from CM’s Relief Fund. Sent 85 tonnes of poles and zinc sheets.

Jharkhand : Donated 30 packets of bandage materials.

Himachal Pradesh : Donated Rs. 51.00 lakh from CM Relief Fund.

Karnataka : Cash assistance of Rs.2 crores. 8500 blankets (worth Rs.30 lakhs), 2 truck loads of ready made dress, 4.5 tonnes noodles (worth Rs.5 lakhs), 10 gas cutters, medicines worth Rs 30 lakh and a team of 22 doctors, 7 nurses and 2 HAM operators.

Orissa: 852 tents/camp beds, 2500 blankets, 20 doctors along with medicines and a team of NGOs has deputed to Gujarat

Tamil Nadu: Rs. 5 crores from CM’s Relief Fund.Government of Tamil Nadu proposes to release 1200 MT (One lakh Square meter) of AC sheets worth Rs. 1 crore through Tamil Nadu Cements Corporation Limited, from the funds accrued to the Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund.

West Bengal : Rs. 2 crore sanctioned. Despatched 50,000 pcs of woolen blankets from State Government Stock and additional 10,000 pcs from others, Medicines and 33,000 pcs of tarpaulin. 4 doctors under the leadership of Special Secretary(Health) is already working.

External assistance

International community responded generously and with alacrity.

44 countries & various international organisations, sent rescue teams including sniffer dogs, relief materials and mobile hospitals.

Hospitals have been set up in Bhachau and Bhuj.

PRIORITY REQUIREMENTS - Source: State’s web site:

Bhuj : Tents, Tarpaulin, Blankets, Atta, Rice, Sugar, Edible oil required. Clothes, cooled or perishable food, labourers, other manpower not required.

Rapar: Tents(family), Blankets, Utensil kits, Chlorine tablets, TCL power required.

Bhachau : Blankets, Tarpaulin, GI Sheets, Bamboo, Angles, Kadas to etc GI, Tarpaulin, veterinary units, mobile bank (can provide container for this), water purification systems with manpower, temporary toilets required.

Gandidham : Tents, blankets, wheat, rice food kits required. Firewood, GI sheets not required.

Anjar ; Tents, GI sheets, Blankets required. Food packets, Food grains, medicines, doctors, medicines, doctors, volunteers not required.

Surendranagar : Tents, blankets, wheat, rice, dal, temporary toilets required.

Morbi : Tents and blankets required.

Maliya : Tents and blankets required.

Required : 1.0 Cu. M. bucket type (Tata - Hitachi Ex-200 or Pocklane-90 L &T) EXCAVATOR, 40.0 MT cap with 60’ boom or Grader CRANE, Atlas make COP co. Concrete breaker, JCB/Excavator, 100-120 KVA cap. Generator Set. 250 CFM Air Compressor(Atlas/Kirloskar/L&T).

Reconstruction and major relief initiatives

1. 300 Million Assistance announced by the World Bank (WB)

2. $350 Million Assistance announced by Asian Development Bank (ADB)

3. Japan provides US $ 2.3 million in addition to already released US $ 0.7 million to PM’s National Relief Fund which is about 420 million Japanese Yen (about Rs.17 crore) which is additional to their active participation in relief and medical assistance.

4. DKK 16,950,000 worth Danish Humanitarian Assistance in kind (from IFRC, DanChur Aid, OCHA, EMOGC, Caritas)

5. CII, FICCI and ASSOCHAM decided to adopt large clusters of villages for relief and reconstruction.

6. Major PSUs of the Government of India have also decided to adopt groups of villages for relief and reconstruction.

7. CARE committed upto US $ 3.5 million relief assistance. CARE, Canada & Norway arrived in Bhuj with 2650 tents each accommodating 6-8 persons. 40 persons relief team engaged in relief work. FICCI-CARE alliance formed for Gujarat Rehabilitation Project to provide immediately temporary shelter, water/sanitation/electricity, quake resistant housing, construction of permanent social infrastructure (schools, clinics, anganwadis, tube wells), help to small business establishments and craftsmen. The Project selection in consulatation with the Government of Gujarat.

Gujarat Govt.’s e-mail address (for queries on earthquake): equake@guj.nic.in
Gujarat Government web-site address: www.gujaratindia.com

UN System actions

UNICEF has been asked by the government to set up 300 schools.

UNDAC team in Gujarat reports:

The Water and Sanitation Sector is working closely with the Government Water Supply Board. The upper level co-ordination is falling into place, but there are still gaps at the village level. Urban areas are more of a problem than the rural areas and there is a need to ensure that the tankers are suitable to preserve water quality.

Shelters continue to be on the top of the needs list. The District Collector (DC) reported that the government is under considerable pressure to announce a policy for shelter. The government sets a long-term shelter policy whereas the temporary measures are a local decision. Temporary urban shelter is one of the more important areas, which need to be addressed. The DC asked during the morning meeting ON 9th February if the NGO’s/agencies could identify what they see need to be included in a policy paper published by the government.

Ration cards are distributed through designated shops. It was stressed by the local authorities to use this channel to distribute relief supplies. The government has a list of all the designated shops.

The government emphasizes the need for restoration of the market system and is planning a survey of the market’s ability to restore itself, since a prolonged distribution of free food could have a negative impact on the economy.

The government is organizing a survey of the status of orphans due to the earthquake.

The United Nations Disaster Assessment and Co-ordination (UNDAC) team has established an operations centre called the UN On-Site Operational Co-ordination Centre (OSOCC). This is now a focal point for the international relief community, providing a centre for collecting, analysing and sharing information from UN agencies, international non-governmental organisations and international visitors.

WHO will offer support to follow up cases of post-trauma infection, injuries, fractures and amputations, with a view to provide reconstructive surgery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

UNFPA, in co-ordination with UNICEF and WHO, will support building of toilets in alternate schools and collecting and providing information through mobile services, and with WHO, act as a disease surveillance unit.

UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador, Lara Dutta, current Miss Universe, has made a Public Service Announcement (PSA) and video clip on women and female adolescents in disaster situations. CBS, CNN and CNN International from 8th February are airing the PSA. It can be viewed at the Humanitarian Response Group's web page located at http://www.unfpa.org/tpd/emergencies/index.htm

The Government has assigned a engineering computer company to Abhiyan that has been working in the Kutch area for one and a half year and knows the area very well. The have generated numerous maps and studies for the area, which have been made available to all. They are setting up an elaborate computer lab at the Abhiyan camp. The UNDAC team will work closely with this

The first Logistics Sector meeting was held, lead by WFP. The goal of the meeting was to set the tone for the co-ordination of the distribution and the services that the planned Joint Logistics Cell JLC can offer.

WFP is working with the Italian and Norwegian Governments, OCHA, UNICEF and WHO to transport their relief and rehabilitation material through the UN Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD)in Brindisi to Bhuj.

UNICEF launched its first major training session for trauma counsellors on 9 February 2001. Representatives from 40 NGOs took part in the all-day training, which focused on providing community training in the hardest-hit areas.

UNICEF in close collaboration with UNFPA and UNIFEM, will train education officials at the district level and volunteers from the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). These trainers will provide training to teachers and health workers in the villages, enabling thousands of adults to recognise disaster trauma in children and offer basic counselling.

UNICEF in conjunction with WHO and the State Health Deapartment is moving ahead with a major measles immunization campaign, which is set to begin in about 10 days. As a first step, UNICEF is provising measles vaccine and auto-disable syringes, as well as Vitamin A , for 40,000 children in the most affected districts.

The Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development visited Bhuj and she mentioned that their department would support and collaborate with any of the UN/external agencies for putting up hostels and shelters for women and children and also creches for children.

UN TEAM in Ahemdabad reported that the areas affected by the quake in the peripheral blocks/districts such a sthe districtas of Rajkot, Jamnagar, Surendranagar, Patan and other affected villages in the Kutch district are not getting the required attention. It is also clear that not all blocks within the 7 affected districts show damage.

UNFPA will support 12 mobile health service units in the affected Talukas of Kutch like Anjar, Bhachau, Rapar, Bhuj town and, also Surendranagar and Banaskata districts. Out of 12 mobile units, 8 will be for Kutch district, 2 for Surendranagar and 2 for Banaskata. Providing mobile health services to the indigent sections, particularly women and children, with provision for counselling will be the priority. The support will be provided to the state government to initiate the services on a priority basis.

On selective basis of the worst affected districts, UNFPA, will contribute to repairing and equipping facilities such as SCs, PHCs and FRUs.

Existing women’s groups or co-operatives will receive assistance for livelihood activities, combined with social support services.

WFP water engineer is in Bhuj for restoration of tube wells.

WFP has conducted a preliminary Food Security analysis in the context of drought and maps are available. Food analysis is in progress for the current situation.

WFP will be establishing a UN joint logistical cell in Bhuj.

UNESCO will field an expert mission to assess the damages caused to heritage properties as also make recommendations for disaster management and disaster prevention, in relation to buildings and heritage properties, covering future eventualities. The mission will be carried out alongwith an expert from the Archaeological Survey of India towards the end of February 2001.

As immediate measures ILO will be involved in (1) mobilising mobilise resources, national and international Employers' and Workers' organisations, NGOs, media to address employment and labour related aspects of the disaster; (2) to do assessment of damage and related needs - 200 volunteers from partner organisation SEWA have been deployed in 3 districts of Kutch, Patan and Surendranagar; (3) ILO will be involved in quick impact activities to provide immediate employment to affected population in cleaning up and related work., in helping people take measures to save existing jobs, threatened by loss of complementary assets, raw material, infrastructure, markets and credit and to mitigate adverse impact of the disaster on children and adolescents in terms of child labour, trafficking and prostitution and other undesirable outcomes.

The Gujarat Government has endorsed the proposal and even suggested that the UN Joint Cell set up a base camp in Gandhinagar next to their Control Room. IT and Communications experts in Ahemdabad are assessing the feasibility of setting up base next to the Control Room.

WFP Advance Logistics Team has arrived to set up logistical cell in Gujarat. The Cell will provide logistical and co-ordination support for the UN System in will assist the Government.

WFP programming team is also arriving to co-ordinate the purchase and distribution of approximately 800 mt of food in Gujarat through ICDS and SEWA.

300 mt of high-energy biscuits have been procured and are in the process of being distributed.

UNICEF has initiated, the UN System-India’s DEVINFO - a turnkey database providing information by block/taluka in the affected areas in Gujarat. A national UNV specialist who managed the database in Orissa is in Ahemdabad to train colleagues on the database and work alongside the UNICEF database team.

As per the assessment of the United Nations Disaster and Co-ordination (UNDAC) team, water & sanitation, temporary shelter, food, family emergency packs and technical assistance have been identified, as the urgent needs. From their assessments on Bhuj, the need is to focus on the vulnerable sections of the population who will require considerable support and assistance in relief and rehabilitation.

The UN unit in Bhuj, operating out of tents at the airport, has provided assistance to the International Federation of the Red Cross to fly in food relief and an Israeli team in arranging the setting up of mobile hospitals flown in by the Israeli Government.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) has provided the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) $10,000 to fund 35 volunteers to work in Gujarat. All these volunteers are from the local communities while several among them lost close relatives and their own homes in the quake. It is planned to scale up the volunteers to 5,000.

UNDP is supporting initiatives for women’s empowerment in partnership with two of the leading women’s NGOs of Gujarat - Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) in Banaskantha and Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangthan in Kutch. These NGOs are in the forefront of relief operations in the earthquake-effected areas of Gujarat. UNDP has decided to provide immediate financial resources of these NGOs for stepping up relief operations. UNDP funds will be used primarily for housing materials and survival kits for families. UNDP will also support national UN volunteers to assist in relief co-ordination at the grassroots.

UN team in Gujarat reports that the task of monitoring incoming relief aid requires to be carefully monitored and quickly processed in order that it reaches the effected population without delay. The intention is to monitor the existing procedures of exiting SAR teams in order to further consolidate their activities whilst in the field of operations, and to support our database.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already deployed nine public health experts to Ahmedabad and Bhuj, Kutch district. In co-operation with UNDAC, WHO is conducting a rapid health assessment of affected areas. It is also providing technical advisory capacity to the Government, UN agencies, bilateral agencies and NGOs on public health issues.

WHO has provided trauma kits, emergency health kits and other essential medical supplies in the first few days after the earthquake. A special priority of the organisation has been in the area of supporting the re-establishing and rehabilitation of health services in affected areas with particular attention to primary health care.

WHO is assisting the government in establishing of disease surveillance in the affected areas including early warning and rapid response to epidemics.

UNICEF, UNDMT and UNDAC team discussed in details the current situation such as reports of self-evacuation of effected population, particularly migrant workers; availability of a GIS mapping system which indicates the effected areas in terms of severity of damage.; expectations of the Government. The most important needs include water and sanitation, temporary shelter, family emergency packs, technical advise for reconstruction phase and beyond.

UNICEF has committed itself to providing some US$ 8 million, including US$ 2 million for family survival kits and nearly US$ 5 million for medical supplies and the provision of safe water in immediate assistance for the earthquake-stricken Indian state of Gujarat, where the relief effort is now focusing on helping families who survived the quake. Additional UNICEF personnel (Emergency planning, logisticians and communication experts) are being flown in. WHO is also deploying a couple of logisticians and communication experts to Gujarat.

UNICEF expects to spend at least $ 2 million for schools and teaching supplies, supporting government efforts to education as a way of helping children cope with the disaster. UNICEF has already delivered $ 100,000 in medical supplies to Gujarat, including critical drugs. An additional $ 600,000 in basic medical supplies is on the way. UNICEF has also delivered tens of thousands of blankets, about a million chlorine tablets for purifying water, and plastic sheeting for temporary shelter.

The World Food Programme (WFP) units in Gujarat are already engaged in providing relief to drought-stricken areas. They are now planning to divert some of the resources to help the population affected by the earthquake. WFP grain stocks in Gujarat amount to 1,000 mt. And could be used immediately to feed the affected population upon request of the State Government. Some fortified food from their existing support to the Integrated Child Development Programme (ICDS) in Rajasthan could also be diverted and used to feed the most vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.

WFP is officially given charge to airlift relief material on behalf of the UN system and donors who wish to route their relief through UN agencies. WFP operations base will be set up in Ahemdabad and Bhuj each. All necessary clearances from the Government, Army and Airport have been obtained.

Over 160 large multipurpose tents and 2400 blankets provided by OCHA will also be airlifted by WFP to the affected areas. These tents are specially designed for such situations and would be very useful for the large number of families sleeping in the open.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has deputed its Regional Programme Co-ordinator stationed in Jaipur, to assess the situation in the most severely affected districts of Ahmedabad and Bhuj. UNFPA has been working in Gujarat to support an Integrated Population and Development Project covering the districts of Sabarkantha, Banaskantha, Dahod, Surendranagar, and Kutch. UNFPA will support 8 mobile health service units to outreach areas in affected talukas -Anjar, Bhachau, Rapar and Bhuj town. The mobile units will further facilitate the organization of medical camps and also act as a sentinel surveillance unit for disease surveillance.

UNFPA’s rapid assessment has identified the health sector needs in the State and there is a proposal to revitalize the district health system through a multi-pronged strategy.

UNFPA will also help reconstruct and equip strategically located facilities like, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Sub Centres (SCs) and First Referral Units (FRUs) in these villages to provide comprehensive health services.

In addition, UNICEF expects to spend a least US$ 2 million for schools and teaching supplies supporting government efforts to focus on education as a way of helping children cope with the disaster. Some US$ 100,000 worth of medical supplies (including critical drugs, surgical equipment and basic medical items) has been delivered to Gujarat. An additional US$ 600,000 worth of medical supplies are on their way. Earlier, UNICEF has already dispatched to the affected areas supplies of 25,000 blankets, 1 million chloroquine tablets, 1,000 bags of bleaching powder, 10,000 survival kits and 50,000 plastic sheets.

Over the next two weeks UNICEF will also be working closely with state and national officials to sustain immunisation coverage and provide trauma-counselling training to teachers and others who work closely with children.

UNICEF’s family survival kit - produced locally in India - cost about $43 a piece, providing displaced families with critical items such as:

• cooking utensils
• blankets
• clothing (dhoti, saree, lungi, children's garments, etc.)
• oral re-hydration salts to fight diarrhoea
• chlorine tablets to purify water
• soaps, bucket, and other hygiene items
• candles and kerosene lanterns

UNICEF emphasised that Gujarat has suffered from severe drought conditions over the past two years, meaning water supplies are already tight. A drought mitigation and drought-proofing programme that had been prepared the state authorities with the assistance of UNICEF and other agencies in recent weeks will be accelerated as part of the quake relief effort. Safe water and sanitation systems will be essential in the coming days to prevent the spread of disease.

UNICEF is presently basing its operations from the UNICEF office in the state capital of Gandhinagar, about 25 miles north of Ahemdabad. About 15 UNICEF staff members and their families are presently sheltering in the office.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) activities are aimed at creating short-term work opportunities in clean up and rebuilding of the infrastructure and housing as well as in protecting particularly vulnerable groups such as young women and children.

WFP and SEWA have been jointly operating through its large membership in the worst affected regions of Kutch. They will be focussing on reconstruction and housing and employment creation through the promotion of traditional textile production. It will also support the formulation of public and community-based infrastructure works, which will utilise labour-intensive work methods and other employment-generation schemes.

ILO and UNICEF are working together on relief for children and young women. ILO's, emergency allocation for the formulation of this assistance is US$ 10,000.

The Food Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is launching a field mission to the quake affected areas of Gujarat this week to assess the extent and gravity of the loss to the agricultural sector. Led by International Technical Disaster Management Expert, Mr. Peter Schimann, the four-man mission will assess the ground situation and prepare a comprehensive report including a rehabilitation package for agriculture and animal husbandry sectors.

The most affected areas reported by UN team in Gujarat include Bachau, Rapar, Bhuj, Kukama (a village 12 km from Bhuj), Anjar (a municipality), Mori (a municipality) and Sukhpar.

Media reports

As many as 224 after-shocks have been recorded since the quake jolted the state at 8.46 AM (IST)on the Republic Day, according to state government officials. The after-shocks ranged between 2.9 and 5.9 on the Richter scale said Kutch District Collector Anil Mukim. He also added that the latest tremor of the magnitude of 5.3 was recorded at 10.25 PM on Thursday but it caused no casualty.

UNICEF has cautioned India against putting up children orphaned by the recent earthquake in Gujarat for international adoption, warning that unscrupulous child traffickers might try to pass themselves off as legitimate agents of good.

Well-meaning people around the world might think international adoption is in the best interest of a child who has lost parents. But adoption within the extended family or community is recognized as the first and best option by both by Indian and international law, UNICEF representative in India Maria Calivis said. UNICEF believes in adoption by caring families is appropriate and in keeping with the international law. But hasty adoption efforts in the midst of an emergency are not acceptable, she added.

While relief is arriving, little of it is getting into the right hands causing widespread anger among the people. As a result at many godowns where relief is stored, looting has begun.

More than two weeks after the earthquake, many people in the region continue to sleep in the open in temperatures below five degrees with no tents or blankets for protection.