Summary and Highlights
Days since October 8th Earthquake:116

• IOM is offering free transportation from Karachi to Islamabad for NGOs.
• The UNJLC fuel survey has been released to provide recommendations and support to the humanitarian community operating in Pakistan.
• Germany will keep two CH-53s in Pakistan until March 31st in a bilateral agreement with the Pakistan government.
  

Contents

1.    Transport from Karachi
2.    Mapping
3.    Fuel Survey
4.    CGI Packing
5.    Aviation Update: Helicopter Status

1. Transport from Karachi

In response to requests from NGOs, IOM has graciously offered to provide free sea container (FCL) transportation from Karachi to Islamabad. This service will be coordinated through the normal UNJLC cargo movement request system. (form available in the AIR section) The importing organisation will be responsible for all customs and import formalities and should supply the relevant documentation to IOM or its representative in Karachi upon completion to enable uplift from the port. Due to the cost of this transportation and availability of funds, IOM and UNJLC reserve the right to prioritise or refuse any request.

2. Mapping

UNJLC is continuing the process of updating and expanding its range of maps in order to provide readily available and easy to use information to the relief community. This coming week will see the addition of several analytical maps and the extension of the "Metro Map" to individual areas, including the Neelum Valley. A map catalogue, map request forms, pertinent data, GPS tutorials and maps are available for download on the UNJLC website, or in hard copy from the UNJLC Islamabad office and UNJLC Field Coordinators. For any questions, please contact unjlcmapping@gmail.com.

As part of the effort to improve the roads data displayed on UNJLC and HIC maps, UNJLC is currently offering to provide GPS units and training for those interested in participating in data collection and road assessments. As part of this project, UNJLC GIS experts held a three-day workshop in Mansehra last week to train multi-agency spontaneous camp assessment teams in GPS and data gathering techniques.

3. Fuel Survey

UNJLC has conducted a fuel survey to provide logistics support and recommendations to the relief operation in Pakistan. The resulting report provides background on the country's existing fuel supply chain, storage, distribution and local pricing systems, and examines the requirements of the humanitarian community. The study has concluded that Pakistan has a system in place which is able to supply both its own national needs and those of the operation without fear of shortages, however positioning and utilising this fuel in the most effective manner remains essential.

The main recommendations are as follows: Fuels should be based as far forward as possible in key locations to allow helicopters to operate at maximum efficiency. Winterisation steps have been recommended and implemented, including the stocking and use of antifreeze additives and progressive mixing of kerosene with diesel as the weather gets colder. Major helicopter sites should also be suitably prepared for cold weather, and consideration given to "hot-refuelling" helicopters (refuelling without engine shut-down) to increase their turnaround time. Meanwhile, a recommendation is made for the development of alternative fuel sources in the affected area during the rebuilding and reconstruction phase, including solar, wind and mini-hydro power. For the complete study, click here.

4. CGI Packing

As mentioned in bulletin 31, item 5, IOM and UNHAS have agreed on an arrangement for packing and sling loading CGI sheeting for airlift. IOM will now provide specially designed wooden crates free of charge to any organisation requesting them. Requests for crates are to be made through UNJLC at the time of lodging the cargo movement request. Due to construction and delivery time, organisations will need to add an extra 2-3 days to the intended movement date. Further details and procedures can be found at www.unjlc.org/pakistan.
 
6. Aviation Update: Helicopter Status

Two German CH-53s (Stallions) formerly in Pakistan under NATO will remain in-country until March 31st on a bilateral agreement with the Pakistan government. They will continue to be tasked by UNHAS. However, the MD 900 provided by Luxembourg has now left in accordance with the NATO withdrawal. Helicopter capacity in this week's UNJLC update includes revised numbers provided by the Pakistan Military.