SITUATION
Multi-lateral donor agencies estimate that Pakistan needs $5.2 billion for relief operations and reconstruction works in earthquake devastated areas. The United Nations "Flash Appeal" which aims to fund programs in disaster affected areas for six months has only received 29 percent of the total $550 million it is seeking for emergency relief operations in Pakistan.
The AJK president said last week that, "Our first and foremost priority is to provide residential facilities and relief goods to quake-hit people who are living in hilly regions". He also thanked the different organisations that are playing an important role in the rehabilitation process.
Secretary General of the International Federation, Mr Markku Niskala said on Tuesday, "Make no mistake: this is one of the most complex relief operations ever. Operations must be able to overcome the problems caused by bad weather, landslides, aftershocks and generally difficult terrain, and these problems will worsen with the onset of winter."
Another area of concern, which is expected to worsen with the onset of wet weather, is communicable disease. The Haveli Tehsil has not had any noticeable rises in diarrhoea, while other areas are already reporting an increase in acute cases of diarrhoea. At Muzaffarabad, 200 cases of acute watery diarrhoea have been reported so far at the Old University camp. Patients are being treated at the medical clinic in the camp and measures are being taken to isolate them from the rest of the population. The reported outbreak is now thought to be under control. Diarrhoea continues to be a concern, particularly in self-settled camps, as populations are increasing, with 50 new families arriving each day at some places. The outbreaks are caused by poor sanitation and unhygienic situations.
UNHCR has reported that the level of aid given to people in some settled camps appears to be exceeding that being received by people who have stayed in their villages, some of which are very difficult to reach. This issue may eventually have security implications with perceived inequities causing discontent and unrest.
Even with temperatures continuing to drop throughout the region, people remain reluctant to abandon the main source of income, their livestock and land. Many people have still not received any shelter and are now crowding into what houses remain intact or tents which do not provide any protection from the cold or rain.
As of 14 November, the official Government figures were, 73,320 dead and 69,392 seriously injured as a result of the October 8 earthquake.
AAI RESPONCE
Shelter material is limited in all main centres of Kashmir and current amounts are insufficient to meet the needs of the affected populations of the area. AAI is developing a plan to sustain the earthquake-affected population through the winter and into spring, when the reconstruction phase can begin. In consultation with local government agencies, donors and UNJLC, AAI will commence training, technical support and distribution of winterised housing throughout the Haveli Tehsil, which will complement the Government's National Action Plan. This plan will be implemented within the next seven days.
Providing suitable housing alternatives for families living at high altitudes will help to discourage uncontrolled population movement that could overwhelm facilities currently available in Bagh.
AAI continues to distribute WHO Basic Health Kits and supplementary medical supplies to Basic Health Units and local dispensaries throughout our area of operations. AAI doctors and nurses have now began training and enhancing systems with the local dispensers at Hallen Shamalli, Soli, Pallangi, Gugdar, Tangari, Buhdal, Bhata-Kot and Mirch-Kot.
CONCLUSION
The people living in the Haveli Tehsil are experienced at surviving in difficult conditions, but they need more than just resilience to survive now with many of their basic amenities destroyed or severely damaged. With temperatures plummeting to -15° Celsius in the highest settlements, the urgency of the task is great.
AAI continues to work with members of the local population, government and military to provide medical and shelter assistance to the affected population living in the conflict zone situated along the militarised Line of Control.