I. SITUATION OVERVIEW
Background
7.6 earthquake (depth 10 kilometres) hit at 08.50 Pakistan time (03.50 GMT), on 8 October with the epicentre in the Muzaffarabad area, 95km north-northeast of Islamabad (highly populated).
Severe damage in six districts of Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP) and five districts of Pakistan administered Kashmir. Towns in Indian administered Kashmir also affected. Area affected approximately 30,000 sq. miles.
International assistance requested by Pakistan at 00.00 GMT 9 October.
Pakistan latest death toll has reached 54,197 (likely to increase). The number of injured is estimated at 77,925 (Government)
FCO has confirmed that one British citizen was killed in the earthquake.
The number of homeless is estimated to be between 2.7 and 3.2 million; some 15,000 villages affected.
There is a three-week window of opportunity to deliver assistance to mountainous areas before the first snowfall. (OCHA)
Shelter and logistics remain urgent priorities.
9 Government/UNHCR camps set up in locations around Mansehra and Muzaffarabad. Spontaneous camps appearing in many locations. Repair and rebuilding of houses being encouraged by Government of Pakistan.
UN Flash Appeal for $549 million over six months. $69.4 million committed (13%); $43 million pledged. Total $112.4 million (21%)
Total contribution towards humanitarian effort (including bilateral, NGOs, UN agencies, etc): $251 million committed; $1.05 billion pledged. Total: $1.3 billion.
World Bank agreed a $470 million initial reconstruction package. Planned donor meeting scheduled for 18 November in Pakistan.
ECHO contribution EUR 93.6 million. UK Government portion 18%: EUR 16.8 million (approx. =A311 million).
One of three MOD CH-47 Chinook helicopter operational. All three helicopters to be operational by 28 October for humanitarian tasking.
DFID has pledged =A333 million towards the relief effort. =A318.8 million committed.
II. KEY RESPONSE ISSUES
Pakistan
Priority Needs
Helicopters, winterised tents (up to 210,000 still needed), blankets/sleeping bags, sanitation (especially latrines), food assistance, water bladders for affected hospitals, generators and diesel, tarpaulins, ground sheets, stoves, fuel and kitchen sets, snow chains, antifreeze, medical assistance (tents for hospitals and remote surgical teams). (OCHA)
Access/Logistics
Access constraints continue to be a significant factor in reaching portions of the affected population. Access via primary roads has improved and influx of helicopter assets has also assisted this process.
Airlift capacity: Latest figures indicate 72 helicopters in operation. The number of helicopters in operation on a certain day varies due to maintenance and weather. Average lift capacity is increasing with the introduction of Chinooks and Mi26s. (UNJLC)
Assessments
Affected populations: Bagh district (80% affected); Muzaffarabad district (90% affected); Poonch district (59% affected); Shangla district (50%); Mansehra district (44%).
Shelter
Shelter needs remain critical.
210,000 tents/shelters needed. 122,000 delivered/distributed: 62,000 tents by humanitarian community; 60,000 by Government of Pakistan. (IOM)
194,000 in the pipeline by humanitarian community.
9 Government/UNHCR camps (varying in size from 60-3,000 people) have been established in and around Mansehra and Muzaffarabad and up north towards Balakot. (UNHCR)
In addition, spontaneous camps set up in hundreds of locations. UNHCR surveying needs.
Finding flat land that is accessible by road proving difficult. (UNHCR)
Health
21 international field hospitals are functioning with bed capacity for 1,057 patients. There are 12 mobile medical teams through the affected area. (Government)
Scabies and Acute Respiratory Tract Infections becoming major public health problems due to lack of hygiene, cold weather and inappropriate shelter. (WHO)
104 cases of tetanus reported, including 19 deaths. Cases were reported from health centres in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Abbottabad, Mansehra and Islamabad.
14 measles cases reported in Balakot and Batagram. (WHO)
Coordination
Humanitarian hubs operating in Muzaffarabad, Mansehra and Bagh. Two additional hubs being considered (Balakot and Batagram). (OCHA)
Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator based in Muzaffarabad.
India
Official reports indicate 1,307 dead, 4,500 injured.
Up to one million people affected across four districts.
The Government has not called for international assistance.
III. DFID RESPONSE TO DATE
Current Operations
DFID has pledged =A333 million towards the relief effort. =A318.8 million committed.
DFID has sent 14 flights to the region carrying over 900 tonnes of relief supplies, including: 5,500 winterised family tents; 9,700 collapsible 10-litre jerry cans; 40,000 sleeping mats; 30,000 tarpaulins; 27,230 wool blankets; Humanitarian Information Centre module; 13 vehicles; one trailer; 2 forklift trucks; and 50 Global Positioning System units.
UK Search and Rescue teams have returned home. UK teams made 14 of the 24 live rescues made by international teams.
10,000 tarpaulins from stocks in Lahore have been handed over to NGO partners (CAFOD, GOAL, Church World Service, RSPN, and Action Aid) for distribution in the affected region.
We have made arrangements for 34 flights in support of the following DEC organizations: Oxfam, Merlin, Save the Children, British Red Cross, Christian Aid and Islamic Relief.
DFID Secondments: HIC Liaison Officer (OCHA), Air Operations Expert (UN Joint Logistics Centre); 2 Shelter Experts (IOM); 4 Military Logistical Planners (UNJLC).
Ministry of Defence
Three military CH-47 Chinook helicopters have arrived at the Chaklala military base in Pakistan. One helicopter is operational. All three helicopters to be operational by 28 October. The helicopters will carry out humanitarian assistance flights for 28 days throughout the affected area. DFID will pay marginal costs.
Airlift of 20,000 UNHCR tents (300 tents per airlift) to be flown by Royal Air Force C-130 from Incirlik, Turkey to Islamabad. Seeking clarification as to when the task will be completed.
40 tonnes of MOD vegetarian rations purchased by DFID to be flown via NATO Air Bridge in Ramstein.
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