1) Assessment update
On-the-ground reports regarding Alai Tehsil of Batagram District are that the Alai Valley is completely cut off with up to 4 day walk to reach Batagram; and that the devastation there is much greater than in Batagram itself. Population estimate of the Tehsil is about half of Batagram District, which would mean 150,000 + people. The army has apparently sent one doctor into the area, but reports from people trickling in to Batagram are that they have seen no help at all.
In order to get information to formulate further response an assessment from the air by helicopter is needed-to be closely followed by support for the injured.
Kohistan District is also an area where little assistance has reached as the main road, the Karakorum Highway (KKH) is blocked to both the south and north. Batagram, located on the KKH to the south, is a gateway to this area as well and there is a need for further assessment by helicopter along with follow-up response.
The other two main valleys in Mansehra District which are cut off are the Kaghan Valley north of Balokot-where the army has begun to reach by helicopter in limited ways-and the Sirin Valley northwest of Dadar. Each of these valleys have populations of 100,000 +.
2) Save the Children response
PkFO has requested the US government personnel in Islamabad for helicopter support beyond Batagram. Already gangrenous injuries are showing up in increasing numbers at Batagram. Yesterday we helped arrange transfer of 52 patients from Batagram down to Mansehra and Abbottabad by road in health department ambulances; 10 patients had gangrene.
A useful link could be established between Alai Valley and Batagram, since by later today there will be a functioning hospital with surgical capabilities and orthopedic and other medical/surgical specialists already on the ground. Save the Children is setting up a field hospital in Batagram in coordination with the local and Provincial health authorities, the DCO, WHO, Unicef, etc.
The NWFP Health Minister visited Batagram today. The supplies that were sent last night (five tents, two generators, mattresses, blankets, medical supplies) have reached Batagram. This will enable doctors to treat injuries and perform surgery. Another truck with hospital support supplies and milk and water supplies will leave tonight.
3) Staff movements
Deb Barry, Protection Advisor arrives from Afghanistan today. She will be here for five days. A two-member team from Save the Children Japan (Chikako Ishikawa and Naoko Kanatani) arrived today to work on a proposal for the Government of Japan. Punani Forbes and Christophe Morard arrive tomorrow for proposal development and logistic support.
4) Contact Info for PkFO SMT members
Bruce (PkFOD)
- Home: 92-51-2824902
- Cell: 92-300-8565824
- Office: 92-51-2653409
- Office VOIP: ext. 4208
Babar:
- Cell: 92-300-5011222 (in Mansehra and Balakot 09-10/Oct)
Raheel:
- Cell: 92-300-8563617 (PkFO office)
Nayyar
- Cell: 92-300-8561754 (PkFO office)
Dr. Aman
- Cell: 92-300-8580720 (in Mansehra and Batagram 09-10/Oct)