India: Earthquake - ACT: 03-May-01

Action by Churches Together (ACT) Appeal - India - Gujarat Earthquake Relief & Rehabilitation - ASIN-11 (Revision 3) Appeal Target: US$ 10,263,831 Balance Requested from ACT Network: US$ 3,673,047 Geneva, 3 May 2001

A severe earthquake devastated western India, particularly the state of Gujarat on 26 January 2001 killing more than 20,000 people and rendering more than 400,000 families homeless. According to government statistics 15.9 million people were directly affected. The situation is expected to deteriorate as there is prevailing and possibly extending drought due to lack of rain. The central and state governments are looking for all options to mobilise resources to cope with the vast needs for rehabilitation of earthquake victims with the help of local / national NGOs and international aid agencies. This revision includes the proposal of Lutheran World Service India (LWS I) for the rehabilitation phase. Please refer to the original ASIN-11 Appeal issued on 2 February and Revisions 1 and 2 issued on 14 February and 27 March. Projects Completion Dates: UELCI 31 October 2001 LWF 30 June 2002 CASA 31 March 2002 Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested Total Appeal Less: Pledges Balance Requested Targets & Contr. Recd from ACT Network External Eval. 60,000 41,328 18,672 ACT Comm. 20,000 6,471 13,529 Unallocated Funds 0 37,000 - 37,000 UELCI 1,015,387 790,167 225,220 LWS I 2,793,601 1,675,143 1,118,458 CASA 6,374,843 4,040,675 2,334,168 Total Target US$ 10,263,831 6,590,784 3,673,047 Thor-Arne Prois ACT Co-ordinator REQUESTING ACT MEMBER INFORMATION The Lutheran World Federation/Department for World Service - India Programme (ACT/LWS India) IMPLEMENTING ACT MEMBER & PARTNER INFORMATION The Lutheran World Federation / World Service India Programme (ACT/LWS India) is a relief and development organisation, established with the mandate to alleviate the suffering of distressed groups irrespective of caste, religion, gender or political affiliation. ACT/LWS India has been implementing Integrated Development and Disaster Response projects since 1974 in several States of India. LWS India project continues to receive strong support and co-operation from the respective State Governments. Since its inception ACT/LWS India has been responding to all major emergencies in the state of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar and Gujarat. Though ACT/LWS India has focussed its attention on the eastern region, the instant response to major disasters such as the Latur earthquake in Maharashtra, ethnic violence in Bihar and Assam, drought in Northern India and Andhra Pradesh and, most recently, the devastating earthquake in Gujarat, are the best examples of the organisation's capacity to respond both quickly and effectively to disasters in all regions. DESCRIPTION of the EMERGENCY SITUATION Background A very severe earthquake devastated western India, particularly the state of Gujarat on 26 January 2001 killing more than 20,000 people and rendering more than 400,000 families homeless. According to government statistics 15.9 million people were directly affected. The situation is expected to deteriorate as there is prevailing and possibly extending drought due to lack of rain. The central and state governments are looking for all options to mobilise resources to cope with the vast needs for rehabilitation of earthquake victims with the help of local / national NGOs and international aid agencies. Current Situation ACT/LWS India initiated crisis phase activities by distributing blankets, cotton bed sheets, lanterns, temporary shelter materials like plastic sheeting, tarpaulin and tents. ACT/LWS India had to be selective in its response by withholding the distribution of food and clothing as there was an instant response from many other international communities, governmental organisations and other national NGOs for such needs. The major relief assistance programme was completed by the end of March, 2001 covering 20,158 families in 49 villages of Gandhidham, Bachau Talukas in Kutch, Morbi and Malia Talukas in Rajkot districts. Out of 49 villages, where ACT/LWF India made available emergency assistance, 9 villages were identified for the construction of GI sheet roofed temporary shelters. The phased reconstruction of destroyed houses especially for the vulnerable groups, will take a minimum of two years, although a justifiable rehabilitation package is offered by the government / other agencies. The temporary shelter like plastic sheeting or tents are not going to last for a long period, therefore, ACT/LWS India started erecting GI sheet roofed tin sheds for 2,000 families with support from ECHO through ACT/DanChurchAid. In the meantime, the government of Gujarat has come up with a package for rehabilitation on a 50 / 50 public - private participation basis. It clearly envisages the NGO's participation on a large scale. In order to exercise the much-needed co-operation, the allotment of villages to NGOs for reconstruction work will be done by the state government. The earthquake stricken region is also prone to other disasters such as cyclones and drought. The Gujarat region was experiencing the second year of drought and a year ago a major cyclone flattened the area almost completely. Therefore, the rehabilitation plan should be reinforced with adequate measures to mitigate the after effects of such disasters. Impact On Human Lives The number of deaths caused by the killer earthquake still remains unclear, but it is mostly attributed to faulty construction of buildings. The official estimate puts it at around 20,086 and the number of people injured are reported as 166,812. In fact several million people are still living under trauma with the frequent aftershocks in the region. Many people have completely lost all their means of livelihood beyond recovery and need outside help for fast revival in order to be able to support themselves. Description of Damages The century's worst disaster happened on 26 January 2001 in Gujarat and the magnitude of the quake was 6.9 on the Richter scale, the epicentre was 20 kms north east of Bhuj, a small resort town in Kutch district. Although 7,904 villages in 21 districts of Gujarat were affected by the earthquake, it was also felt over a major part of the country. Summary of the damages caused due to the earthquake Sl.No. Details Number 1. Affected Districts 21 2. Affected Talukas 182 3. Affected Villages 7,904 4. Human Life loss 20,086 5. Persons Injured 166,812 6. Houses fully destroyed 378,286 7. Houses partly destroyed 968,879 8. Livestock loss 21,551 9. Affected population 15.9 million According to available information from State Government the details of affected districts is as follows (as on 26.04.01) : Location for Proposed Response The State Government of Gujarat had allotted 49 villages to ACT/LWS India for crisis intervention and out of these villages, 4 villages will be selected for long term rehabilitation work. The government is proposing 3 different categories of housing based on the land holding, however, ACT/LWS India will use its resources only for constructing the smallest category house belonging to the landless and vulnerable sections among the victims. Though these four villages will fall in two different districts namely Kutch and Rajkot, the field unit will be co-ordinated from Gandhidham, one of the worst affected Talukas in Kutch district. ACT/LWS India country representative and Emergency Officer in his capacity as unit head of the E&R Department, will supervise the entire rehabilitation operation and ensure co-ordination with other ACT partners. Current Security situation At present there are no major security risks other than occasional aftershocks that followed the earthquake. The daily temperatures are between 43 and 48 degrees Celsius consequently, construction activities will be affected during peak hours due to restricted movement of people outside. GOAL & OBJECTIVES Goal : The project aims at the reconstruction and rehabilitation of vulnerable communities affected by the earthquake and to minimise the risk for such communities through disaster mitigation measures. Objectives : To support and assist sustainable livelihood. To assist and promote disaster resistant infrastructure namely individual housing and other community assets. To promote household and community based disaster preparedness and mitigation, including education, awareness building and local capacity building. Activities and Outputs Reconstruction of 700 disaster resistant houses Reconstruction of 4 schools, 4 community centres and approach roads through community participation. Livelihood security for 200 families. Establishment of self-help groups and community support organisations Local capacity building and awareness activities. Provision of safe drinking water by improving pipelines and water sources, Provision of basic sanitation. TARGETED BENEFICIARIES Number and type of targeted beneficiaries ACT / LWS India will be targeting earthquake affected families from the most vulnerable sections, economically and socially, such as landless peasants, marginal and small farmers belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Priority will be given to those families with widows, women-headed households, those who are chronically sick and handicapped and families from backward classes and marginal / landless peasants. Disaster resistant houses will be provided for 700 families. 4 School buildings will provide educational facilities for approximately 1,500 - 2,000 children. 4 Community buildings will give benefit to 4 villages approximately 1,300 - 1,500 families. Village feeder roads will also be used by the whole villagers approximately 9,000 - 10,000 population. Criteria for beneficiary selection Out of 21 districts affected by the earthquake, ACT/LWS India has selected two districts, Kutch and Rajkot for the crisis phase operation. 49 villages from 4 Talukas were assisted with the emergency phase operations. Medium term rehabilitation activities such as construction of 2,000 units of GC sheet roofed sheds were taken up in 9 villages of 3 Talukas. Finally, 4 villages in two Talukas in 2 districts predominantly inhabited by the most vulnerable families very severely affected by the earthquake will be identified for long term rehabilitation activities. The final selection of beneficiaries will be based on their vulnerability to respond to a speedy recovery and reconciliation. The beneficiary groups will include : landless and marginal farmers households headed by women households that have lost their entire livelihood people who have no access to other resources and service families incapable of surviving without outside support families with chronically ill / handicapped members PROPOSED ASSISTANCE & IMPLEMENTATION Post Crisis Phase Locally accepted and appropriate physical infrastructure to withstand possible future disasters will be the priority of the current proposal. At the same time, as there are construction works involved, it is important to ensure that there will be no adverse effects on the environment. Measures will be taken to minimise any such impact on the surrounding area. Right from the beginning, the community's participation and involvement is vital and it is envisaged in the programme implementation strategy. It is hoped to enhance the community's capacity to cope with the changing needs and hasten the recovery process without compromising to the local culture. Disaster Resistant Housing : As the region is prone to both cyclone and earthquake, adequate / appropriate technology to resist such disasters, needs to be taken into consideration for future reconstruction work. It should also be acceptable to the local culture as well as satisfy cost effectiveness. ACT / LWS India villages fall under Package - I category, where the villages are to be relocated due to destruction higher than 70%. The responsibility to find a safer location and provide village layout lies with the State Government. This involves a close interaction between village community and government officials so as to avoid any litigation in the process. To the extent possible, ACT/LWS India will carry out liaison work with the government to streamline the identification of location and finalise the village layout as early as possible. Although Package - I provides categorisation of houses based on the land holding by individual families, ACT/LWS India will reconstruct only the smallest category houses belonging to the marginalised groups. If at all ACT/LWS India accepts to reconstruct other category houses, it will be limited to a core unit (core house of 30 m2 ) in order to present a uniform approach instead of creating a class distinction in the rehabilitation. The unit core house will be single storied and will be constructed using stone/brick masonry. Each house unit will be provided with sanitation facilities and altogether the built in area will be approximately 325 sq.ft.(approx 30 m2 ). The construction will be carried out adhering to all norms of "Earthquake and Cyclone Resistant" houses specified by the competent technical authority, specially regarding designs, reinforcement and other recommendations. The detailed estimated budget for a single house unit is given below : Community Infrastructure Village school : To restore the basic community activities, for regular functioning of the villages, it is proposed to reconstruct a school in each village. Beign a public building, it will be designed and structured incorporating both earthquake and cyclone resistant specifications to the latest Indian Building Codes. Community Centre: As part of the package declared by the State Government, it is essential to build the necessary infrastructure for local self government at the village level, therefore in each village where ACT/LWS India takes up reconstruction of individual houses a building for community activities, measuring approximately 700 sq.ft built in area will be provided. The technical specification and design will be in accordance with the approved norms. This community centre is expected to be the centre of all common activities where local Panchayat will have a permanent space and the maintenance of the building will be entrusted to the Panchayat and the village community. Approach Road: With the active involvement and participation of the village communities, village link/approach roads will be repaired or constructed in each village. While village communities participate in the earth filling and raising land voluntarily, ACT/LWS India will give support through supplying construction materials such as stone and gravel as well as pay for the services of road rollers and other skilled works. As the communities, who come forward to work together in building assets, are from the economically and socially backward strata, ACT/LWS India is also proposing to support part of the wages. Water & Sanitation: In order to ensure safe drinking water to the villagers, ACT/LWS India proposes to take up repair and renovation of pipeline systems as well as fixing of water storage tanks. As per Norwegian Church Aid supported Water and Sanitation Mission studies, after an extensive survey of the region, an action plan has been recommended which is suitable to the area. Accordingly, activities such as pipeline improvement for 13 communities as well as installation of one water storage tank will be taken up in addition to the basic sanitation programme for 8,650 families in the villages. ACT/LWS India is committed to taking up these activities in the villages allotted to it and the extension of these activities in additional villages will be according to the extent of support received from Norwegian Church Aid through ACT. Revival of Livelihood: The re-establishment of livelihood, which was completely ruined by the earthquake is very important, particularly to the most vulnerable families. In each village 50 - 60 such families will be identified and support will be extended according to the particular requirements. The assistance will be in the form of working tools and premises to re-establish the livelihood of the families, which in turn will ensure food security. ACT/LWS India expects to assistance 200 such families in the villages it intends to take up rehabilitation and reconstruction work. Community Based Organisations: Establishment and maintenance of community infrastructure and assets should go hand in hand with strengthening of CBOs who expect to claim the ownership of such assets. Therefore, various programmes are to be undertaken to create awareness among communities about self-help and sustenance of life specially in the event of disasters. Individual house-hold preparedness to be encouraged at the smallest level which pave the way for the community based disaster preparedness. Village youth groups and Mahila Mandals (women groups) are expected to be strengthened in all villages where ACT/LWS India focuses its rehabilitation activities. Procurement Process Materials required for rehabilitation intervention will be purchased in accordance with ACT/LWS India procurement norms and procedures. ACT/LWS India will use its decades of experience in handling large emergencies in procurement of materials from various locations in India to speed up the operation. Material procurement related to construction activities, will be mainly from local stations and the factory made items would be negotiated directly with the manufacturers to save costs. ACT/LWS India ill also explore all possibilities to get exemption from any liveable taxes, as this is part of humanitarian work. ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE, MONITORING & REPORTING Administration ACT/LWS India has more than 26 years experience of planning, implementing and monitoring relief and rehabilitation projects. It has well established internal administration, personnel, financial and material management and reporting systems. ACT/LWS India Head Office in Calcutta, consisting of offices of the Director, Finance and Disaster Response Unit, will be responsible for overall administration of the project. From the Head Office, ACT/LWS India country Director and the Emergency Officer, in his capacity as the Head of the Disaster Response Unit, will be directly responsible for overseeing this programme. At the field level, project co-ordination units to be set up under a project co-ordinator who will plan, implement and monitor the progress of the project and provide regular reports to the Head Office. Monitoring Procedures General planning and monitoring of the programme will be done by ACT/LWS India Head Office. Personnel of LWF Head Office will visit the project sites at regular intervals to monitor and guide the implementing personnel. In the field, the Project Co-ordination Units will supervise the programme implementation. Project personnel responsible for implementing activities at the village level will report on a weekly basis to the co-ordination unit. The Project Co-ordination units will submit statistical and narrative reports, including financial and material use reports, to the ACT/LWS India Head Office on a fortnightly basis. Project interim reports as well as final narrative and financial reports will be shared with all stakeholders in due course. IMPLEMENTATION TIMETABLE The project has been operational since February, 2001 and taking into consideration the increased target activities, specially the construction of school buildings and community buildings, a longer duration is proposed. All rehabilitation activities will be completed by 30 June 2002. COORDINATION The relief and rehabilitation operations will be implemented in close co-ordination with the district administration and local self-government officials as well as other local stakeholders. There will be periodical meetings among NGOs and other ACT partners to share information and experience to enhance the efficiency and transparency in the intervention. All periodical reports will be shared among ACT partners as well as concerned national church bodies to keep abreast with the progress of rehabilitation activities. BUDGET ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE Description Type of No of Unit Cost Budget Budget Unit Units INR INR US$ DIRECT ASSISTANCE CRISIS PHASE Relief Food Distribution Rice MT 600 11,500 6,900,000 147,373 Lentils MT 60 23,000 1,380,000 29,475 Oil MT 45 38,640 1,738,800 37,138 Sub Total 10,018,800 213,985 Shelter Provision Plastic sheeting Piece 20,000 271.40 5,428,000 115,933 Family Assistance Kits Clothing Kit 80,000 60.95 4,876,000 104,144 Cotton and Wool blankets Piece 40,000 89.70 3,588,000 76,634 Household utensils Set 20,000 174.80 3,496,000 74,669 Sub Total 17,388,000 371,380 Water and Sanitation Installation of tube wells and drains Number 200 29,900 5,980,000 127,723 Bleaching powder MT 10 16,100 161,000 3,439 Lime water purifier MT 10 6,440 64,400 1,375 Sub Total 6,205,400 132,537 Total Crisis Phase 33,612,200 717,903 POST CRISIS PHASE Infrastructure Rehabilitation & Development Housing Number 700 78,200 54,740,000 1,169,158 School buildings Number 4 861,120 3,444,480 73,569 Community centres Number 4 230,000 920,000 19,650 Village feeder roads Km 20 115,000 2,300,000 49,124 Description Type of No of Unit Cost Budget Budget Unit Units INR INR US$ Water and Sanitation Drilling and installation of pump Unit 1 121,000 121,000 2,584 Rebuilding of sanitary utilities Number 8,650 2,000 17,300,000 369,500 Pipe line improvement Unit 13 86,250 1,121,250 23,948 Logistics & expertise for WatSan Lumpsum 2,100,000 44,853 Food Security and Agriculture Revival of livelihood Family 200 9,200 1,840,000 39,299 Community Organisation & Capacity Building Training on leadership development Programme 16 5,520 88,320 1,886 Trauma counselling Programme 2 5,520 11,040 236 Training on disaster preparedness Programme 16 6,900 110,400 2,358 Training material & documentation Lumpsum 197,800 4,225 Sub Total 84,294,290 1,800,391 MATERIAL TRANSPORT, STORAGE, WAREHOUSING AND HANDLING Transport Relief material Truck 114 14,950 1,704,300 36,401 Housing material Number 700 1,610 1,127,000 24,071 School and shelter material Number 4 69,000 276,000 5,895 Material for community centers Number 4 23,000 92,000 1,965 Feeder roads Truck 200 2,760 552,000 11,790 Storage and Handling Warehouse rental Lumpsum 213,210 4,554 Warehouse security Lumpsum 144,670 3,090 Labor costs Lumpsum 55,200 1,179 Sub Total 4,164,380 88,944 CAPITAL EQUIPMENT Vehicles Jeep Number 1 498,640 498,640 10,650 Motor cycles Number 6 42,550 255,300 5,453 Office Equipment Computer and peripherals Unit 1 110,400 110,400 2,358 Office furnishings Lumpsum 1 150,000 150,000 3,204 Communication Equipment Telephone and fax equipment Unit 1 35,000 35,000 748 Sub Total 1,049,340 22,412 PERSONNEL, ADMINISTRATION, OPERATIONS & SUPPORT Staff Salaries and Support Emergency officer (40% of salary) Month 17 7,360 125,120 2,672 Finance officer (40% of salary) Month 17 7,360 125,120 2,672 Monitoring officer (40% of salary) Month 17 7,360 125,120 2,672 Field coordinators (2 persons) Month 3 12,650 75,900 1,621 Field coordinator Month 14 12,650 177,100 3,783 Office secretary Month 14 5,980 83,720 1,788 Accountants (2 persons) Month 3 8,740 52,440 1,120 Accountant Month 14 8,740 122,360 2,613 Store keepers (2 persons) Month 3 7,130 42,780 914 Store keeper Month 14 7,130 99,820 2,132 Civil engineers (2 persons) Month 14 8,740 244,720 5,227 Social workers (20 persons) Month 3 6,210 372,600 7,958 Social workers (10 persons) Month 14 6,210 869,400 18,569 Description Type of No of Unit Cost Budget Budget Unit Units INR INR US$ Support staff (4 persons) Month 17 4,485 304,980 6,514 Volunteers' honoraria (10 persons) Month 17 3,450 586,500 12,527 Staff Travel International travel Lumpsum 92,000 1,965 Local travel Month 17 31,280 531,760 11,358 Per diem Month 17 27,370 465,290 9,938 Benefits and staff insurance Lumpsum. 319,700 6,828 Office Operation Office rent (free space for 3 mths) Month 14 9,200 128,800 2,751 Office utilities Month 17 9,200 156,400 3,340 Office stationery and supplies Month 17 9,200 156,400 3,340 Telephone and fax Month 17 8,740 148,580 3,173 Vehicle operation Fuel (gasoline and diesel) Lumpsum 736,000 15,720 Maintenance and insurance Lumpsum 73,600 1,572 Sub Total 6,216,210 132,768 AUDIT AND EVALUATION Audit Lumpsum 92,000 1,965 Progr evaluation & documentation Lumpsum 184,000 3,930 Sub Total 276,000 5,895 OTHER EXPENSES Admin of WatSan component Lumpsum 1,000,000 21,358 Promotion & visibility Lumpsum 184,000 3,930 Sub Total 1,184,000 25,288 TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE 130,796,420 2,793,601 Exchange Rate : USD 1 = INR 46.82 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Action by Churches Together (ACT) is a worldwide alliance of churches and their related agencies, meeting human need through co-ordinated emergency response. The ACT Coordinating Office is based with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Switzerland. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ecumenical Centre Phone: ++41-22-791.60.33 150, route de Ferney Fax: ++41-22-791.65.06 P.O. Box 2100 E-Mail: act@wcc-coe.org 1211 Geneva 2 Telex: 415 730 OIK CH Switzerland http://www.act-intl.org distributed by - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Center for International Disaster Information Volunteers in Technical Assistance web: www.cidi.org listserv: www.cidi.org/listsub.htm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - comments/suggestions/requests to incident@cidi.org