On October 8, 2005, a severe earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale emanated in the Muzaffarabad Region of Pakistan. It caused immense destruction in South Asia, and most of all in Jammu and Kashmir. The official death toll was 1200 persons, but the unofficial figures are much higher. There was large-scale destruction as houses, property, public buildings and communication networks were virtually razed.
Kashmir was shaken & dazed. For people already reeling under terrorism and nature’s various vagaries, this was the last straw. |
| |
| But help was at hand |
HelpAge India sprung into action within 24 hours. Its Jammu-based Mobile Medicare Unit and its team of Medical professionals attended to more than 500 victims in the interior villages near the LOC (line of control) and distributed free medicines. 90 Emergency medicines Kits were also distributed. Three Medical camps in remote villages provided round-the-clock first aid. |
| |
| Rapid Survey |
| With the support of KRIEST, an Anantnag-based local NGO, HelpAge carried out a rapid survey in some villages of Uri Sector (Baramulla distrct), which were totally neglected by relief agencies due their inaccessibility. |
| |
| Dry Ration |
| 516 families were provided food kits worth Rs. 2000 each. These contained Dry Ration -- Rice, Dal, cooking oil, salt, milk powder, tea, candles & matches. |
| |
| Woollen kits |
516 families were also given woolen clothing to ward off the approaching winter. These contained 2 ferans (traditional coats) 2 thermo-coats, 2 caps, four pairs of socks, 2 Kangries & Bukharies (heating equipment) 2 blankets, water containers, and Jerry cans. |
| |
| Semi Permanent Shelters |
| After consultations with various agencies including the army and the affected community, HelpAge provided 700 shelters that best suited the needs of the local community. These igloo-shaped, 12'x20' shelters, were erected with the help of a local NGO, Global Green Peace. |
| |
| Support to Displaced families |
| In Bela (Boniyar town), a colony of displaced quake victims, the entire colony of 260 families was provided with shelters that include toilet/bathroom facilities. Displaced persons from 7 villages, from as close by Navarunda village (about 30km away) to as far as Gavalta village near the LOC, live at the camp. They had been given temporary tents by the government, which collapsed in the severe winter. Now all 260 families live comfortably. Some of these shelters are also serving as schools for local children, and as places to host functions such as marriages. |
| |
Working against odds |
Distributing relief material was no easy task for the HelpAge team. Severe winters accompanied by roads blocked due to landslides, and of course the harsh terrain made movement very restricted. Distances between villages, most of which were not motorable, had the HelpAge team camping in the cold for hours to move on further up once the sun rose.
Security restrictions due to the sensitivity of villages close to the LOC made organizing each trip in detail extremely important. At each check post a head count would be done. Some villages were tougher than others, such as village Batara 40 kms from proper Uri.
The hamlet falls in the vicinity of Line of Control which has the last Indian military picket, the “Nanak Post”. The area is heavily mined. Due to the quake many mines got shifted, making their location now undetectable and dangerous to walk on. The HelpAge team was warned by the villagers but relief had to be carried out and work had to be done. |
| |
Building local capacity |
 |
In February 2006, a Sphere Standards workshop on "Disaster Management" was organized for local NGOs from Kashmir. The aim was to impart knowledge & Skills related to Disaster Management & Preparedness. |
|
In May 2006, another workshop on "Role of Media in Disaster Response" was organized in collaboration with Press Institute of India at Kashmir University.
|
|
| |
| Additional activities undertaken |
|
Mobile Medicare Unit (Baramullah based) |
|
Repair of homes in periphery impact areas |
|
Diverse livelihood support and asset replacement |
|
Village livelihood skill training |
|
Village capacity building |
|
Micro Hydel Project with 30 kw capacity |
|
Social security for the aged |
|
| |
