OCHA Situation Report No. 2
Pakistan - Earthquake
12 November 2002


This Situation Report is based on information provided by the Office of
the UN Resident Coordinator, as well as media reports.

Situation

1.  Three earthquakes jolted the mountainous Valleys of Sub Division
Chilas District Diamer of Northern Areas, Pakistan on 2 and 3 November
2002. The epicenter of all the three earthquakes lay 300 kms Northeast of
Peshawar. In addition to the three earthquakes, the affected areas
experienced tremors every 2-3 hours, however the frequency and intensity
of tremors has since reduced.

2.  According to the most recent figures, 11 people were reportedly killed
in Diamer District and some 40 people were injured. Four villages in
Diamer District are the most severely affected, namely Tata Pani, Muthat,
Jalkot and Raikot, which are located about 60 km Southeast of the city of
Gilgit.  The number of people rendered homeless is estimated to be about
4,000, and the number of houses damaged between 1,000 and 1,500.


National Response

3.  As of 11 November over 2,000 persons have been evacuated by military
helicopters from the affected zone and shifted to the temporary camp
established at Gonar Farm, near Jaglot about 50 kms south of Gilgit.
According to the Chief Secretary, Northern Areas, the evacuation of mainly
the elderly, women and children, is still underway and relief supplies
have been delivered to about 400 people who remain in the affected areas.
>From among the evacuees in the camp nearly 400 persons have moved to join
their relatives in safe areas. Relief supplies sent from Islamabad have
started reaching the campsite and the civilian authorities and army units
deployed there are handling distribution.

4.  The Karakoram Highway has been re-opened for light traffic. Efforts
are being made to clear it for heavy traffic but landslides persist due to
the tremors.

5.  Emergency Relief Cell, Pakistan Red Cross and Islamic Relief have
dispatched immediate relief items such as stoves, blankets, tents, clothes
and utensils to the affected areas. Arrangements have also been made by
the Government to provide rations for three weeks to the affected
population. Further arrangements are being made to maintain them in the
temporary shelters for three to four months, as snowfall in the affected
regions would make it difficult for them to return earlier.

6.  So far the Government of Pakistan has not requested international
assistance.

7.  The Government is in control of the situation.  They have dispatched
two assessment teams to the affected areas and based on the assessment,
are likely to request partners at local level for help in relief work.

8.  OCHA is in close contact with the Office of the UN Resident
Coordinator and will revert with further information as appropriate.

9.  This situation report, together with further information on ongoing
emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at
http://www.reliefweb.int



Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers:
  Mr. Rudolf Muller / Ms. Marie Spaak / Ms. Susan deSouza
  Direct Tel. +41-22-917 3131 / 1728 / 1636

Press contact:
  (GVA)  Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 2653
  (NYC)  Brian Grogan direct Tel. +1-212-963-1143


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