South Asia earthquake: OCHA/UNJLC logistics bottlenecks as of 11 Jan 2006

Current Issues:

Weather

The severe cold weather is weakening gradually. However, earthquake hit areas are likely to be effected by another active westerly weather system. This system is likely to cause moderate and at times heavy snowfall between 14 - 19th January. (Pakistan Meteorological Department, 10.01.06)

Batagram

The use of surface transport is currently limited in the area of Batagram. IOM has requested assistance from UNHAS/UNJLC and the Pakistani military to move relief goods by air. (Logistics Cluster meeting, 09.01.06)

Developments:

UNHAS

The two additional MI-8s have not arrived yet, but are expected during the next few days.

Fifty sling nets have been received from the U.S. military. These will facilitate helicopter under-slung load operations out of Chatterplan, Abbotabad and Bagh.

Passengers will not be transported anymore without a booking made beforehand.

Funding currently stands at 56% after a donation from DFID came in. Without additional funding, the operation may have to stop in the second half of March. (Logistics Cluster meeting, 09.01.06; WFP, 09.01.06)

Fuel farm Abbottabad

The ICRC will start to use the fuel farm in Abbottabad as well instead of using trucks that have gotten stuck before. (Logistics Cluster meeting, 09.01.06)

This Logistics Bottlenecks report is a joint product of UNJLC and OCHA. For queries or comments please contact Ingrid van Beuzekom vanbeuzekom@un.org. Sources used are: contact with UNJLC staff, ReliefWeb, minutes from cluster meetings and sitreps, Pakistan Meteorological Department, press briefings.