Summary and Highlights
Days since October 8th Earthquake:123

• The security situation in the affected area is somewhat tense due to protests over a cartoon published in Danish, Norwegian and French newspapers coinciding with the month of Muharram which began on January 31st.
• The traditional Ashura processions will be held throughout Pakistan on February 8th and 9th. Cargo movement will be suspended for these days.
• The UNJLC cargo movement request program has seen a marked increase in both the number of requests and the amount of NFI to be moved.
  

Contents

1.    Security
2.    Cargo Movement Request Program
3.    Road Update
4.    Aviation Update: Helicopter Status

1. Security

The security situation in the affected areas has been somewhat tense over the last week due to protests over a cartoon depicting the prophet Mohammed published in a Danish newspaper and subsequently in Norway and France. Demonstrations have been held all over Pakistan demanding the removal of the Danish ambassador and incidents of flag burning have been reported. This situation has been especially worrying given the large number of Norwegian, Danish and French nationals currently working in the relief operation. UNHAS and other organisations have made the decision to replace Danish and Norwegian field staff with those of other nationalities until the situation calms.

In addition to this, the Muslim holy month of Muharram began on January 31st. On February 8th and 9th the traditional Ashura processions will take place in all major cities and towns around the country. In the past, tension and some sectarian violence have been observed throughout this month, especially over the first ten days. International relief workers are advised to take personal security measures and avoid the procession areas in their respective locations. The local authorities have prepared a tightened security plan for these days and additional forces will be deployed. Agencies and NGOs are advised to minimize all movements over this period.

2. Cargo Movement Request Program

The two-day celebration will also have an effect on cargo and passenger movement. Atlas and IOM will not be operating on February 8th and 9th and capacity on February 10th will likely remain reduced and for priority goods only. UNHAS has also cancelled all passenger flights and air cargo movement over the 8th and 9th. Operations are planned to resume on the 10th, however this remains dependent on the security situation. Even if flights go ahead there may be a lack of available staff through Friday and the weekend for sling load preparation and loading/unloading of goods.

The UNJLC Cargo Coordination Cell was established to coordinate free air and ground cargo transport provided by its implementing partners UNHAS, Atlas and IOM. UNJLC is the receiving point for these requests and is responsible for processing and prioritising all of the cargo for ground, air or a combination of both. There has been a marked recent upsurge in cargo movement requests over the last few weeks alongside a substantial rise in requests to move Non Food Items (NFIs).