Bulletin 35 - Logistics update / February 16th – 22nd 2006

Content

Summary and Highlights
Days since October 8th Earthquake:137

• The UNJLC GIS department are consolidating data to identify and map roads likely to be affected by landslides and flooding in the coming months. This is to assist in road cargo transport and the transition from relief to reconstruction and return.
• Operations and security in Pakistan continue to be affected by protests and strikes over the publication of cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed in certain European newspapers.
• UNHAS has released a new fleet projection for the coming months which reflects its current funding shortfall. Substantial cuts are being implemented in both passenger and cargo flights.

Contents

1.    Mapping
2.    Security
3.    Aviation Update: Helicopter Status

1. Mapping

UNJLC is currently mapping relief distribution based on LSS pipeline data to identify high-volume and high-tonnage items and their distribution pattern by Tehsil. This is being combined with a detailed survey of roads in the affected area to address routes to areas which have thus far been primarily supported by air and assist with the impending shift to road transport as the number of UNHAS flights decreases. Additionally, the survey will cover roads of known or potential significance that have not been satisfactorily mapped to date. The result will be more comprehensive road-condition reporting.

In conjunction, data on landslides and flooding hazards is being gathered and combined with existing analyses. This will enable UNJLC to provide a map of areas where roads and camps may be prone to these hazards, which are likely to increase with spring rains and snow melt.

HIC is also conducting an assessment of estimated migration from camps in the spring. This migration data will be used together with the transport survey and an analysis of previously under-served areas to identify locations where aid delivery may need to be redirected.   The three-part objective is to provide information on where needs-gaps may occur, how such areas can be supplied, and where hazards may necessitate additional measures. For map downloads and request forms, please see www.unjlc.org/pakistan/maps.

2. Security

Operations and security in Pakistan continue to be affected by protests and strikes over cartoons of the

prophet Mohammed which were published in many newspapers across Europe. UN staff and NGOs in both the hubs and Islamabad have remained subject to movement constraints, especially in and around Mansehra. Large strikes took place on Sunday, February 19th and more are planned, in particular for March 3rd and the days following to coincide with the visit of President Bush.

3. Aviation Update: Helicopter Status

As reported in bulletin 34, item 6, due to a shortfall in funding UNHAS is now making a drastic and immediate reduction to its helicopter fleet. A revised passenger schedule came into effect as of February 18th which included the cancellation of all weekend passenger flights. For more details please see www.unjlc.org/pakistan/air. Further cuts to the passenger service will be instigated as of March 1st. Meanwhile the contract of one of the two UNHAS Mi-26s has now been cancelled and a revised plan has been submitted to take the operation through to the end of August. The proposal involves a decrease in UNHAS aircraft to 9 Mi-8s, 2 Kamov 32s and one Mi-26 from March 1st to June 1st. UNHAS will continue to task the two German Stallions, two Australian S-70s and four of the US Military Chinooks, for a total capacity of 160 tonnes per day. A further reduction would be implemented as of June 1st.
 
The US Military have closed their fuel farm at Shinkiari and the 212 MASH in Muzaffarabad was handed over to the Pakistan Government at an official ceremony. Only eight of the twelve US Chinooks now remain in-country, these will continue to operate until March 31st.