Date: Mon, 17 Oct 2005 23:27:05 -0700 (PDT)
From: rajeshwar ojha <aid_rajeshwar@yahoo.com>
Subject: Update frm Kashmir

Update frm Kashmir (17 oct 05)
# Yesterday we distributed Dates, Bread and cash at (Kawahar and Kalpepan) to those family who lost there dear ones
# Yesterday had metting with all the Big NGO's at Dawat Hotel

# New Asha Relief Centre

    - Pakeezah Musafir Khana (Baramulla)

 # While proceeding to Uri just about 40 kms away earthquake victims blocked the road for an hour demanding money from all the vehicles passing by. The army came to their assistance and had the road cleared for them to pass through.

 # Uri, in Baramullah District which is just 7 kms from Pakistan, 100kms from Srinagar and 160kms from Anantnag out of total 95 villages 65 are completely damaged and 17 villages are inaccessible.

# Kamalkot with a population of about 1000-1500 families, 270 perished in the earthquake and around 90-95% of the houses are completely destroyed. The Army and the Air Force continued rescue operations for the third consecutive day, evacuating people by helicopters and sending medical team to the villages. Rain and snow fall hampered the rescue operations.

# The immediate need for the earthquake affected are

    -Cash

    -Tents

    -Blankets

    -Warm clothes

    -Water

    -Cooking vessels

    -Medical needs

Regards

Rajeshwar

91-9871602612

Sanat's Summary:

The Asha Parivar team led by Faisal has been through interior villages of Kashmir including Kawahar, Kalpepan, Salambad, Urri and Kalgi which is a village nestled high up in the mountains. In these areas the team distributed money, Pakarkhani bread and dates to villagers and to those who had lost members of their family to the quake. The teams movements are restricted to the day time since the army does not allow movement after 7PM.

The team found that Uri, in Baramullah District which is just 7 kms from Pakistan, 100kms from Srinagar and 160kms from Anantnag out of total 95 villages 65 are completely damaged and 17 villages are inaccessible. While proceeding to Uri earthquake victims blocked the road for an hour demanding money from all the vehicles passing by. The army finally had the road cleared for the vehicles to pass through. The Asha team has now set up a Relief Center at Pakeezah Musafir Khana in Baramulla.

Kamalkot with a population of about 1000-1500 families, saw over 270 deaths owing to the earthquake. Approximately 90-95% of the houses are completely destroyed. The Army and the Air Force continued rescue operations for the third consecutive day, evacuating people by helicopters and sending medical team to the villages. Rain and snow fall hampered the rescue operations.

The Asha Parivar team also joined a meeting of numerous NGOs to take stock of activities and plan actions at Dawat Hotel.

With continuous snow and cold rain, the need for shelters, tents, warm clothes and blankets is becoming increasingly critical. The team feels that distribution of cash is also increasingly necessary. Other important items that are needed include water, cooking vessels and medicines.