Bulletin 44 - Logistics update/ April 20th - 26th 2006
Summary and Highlights
Days since October 8th Earthquake:200
- It is expected that agreement on the ERRA-UN Early Recovery Plan will be reached within the next few days, which should lead to an increase in levels of activity.
- ERRA has expressed an interest in continuing the LSS pipeline tracking project with the possible assistance of CWS (Church World Service).
- Humanitarian air capacity has decreased once again this last week with the redeployment of the two UNHAS Kamov 32s and the Mi-26.
Contents
| 1. | Operations Update |
| 2. | Road Access - Muzaffarabad |
| 3 | LSS |
| 4. | Mapping |
| 5. | Aviation Update: Helicopter Status |
1. Operations Update
As reported in bulletin 43, the pace of operations has slowed considerably over the past few weeks pending ERRA's approval of the Action Plan. However, it now appears that the plan - now known as the ERRA-UN Early Recovery Plan - is close to being agreed. Once formal ERRA agreement has been given, donors may be approached for funding, and it is expected that activity levels will begin to rise again thereafter.
2. Road Access - Muzaffarabad
In the course of routine Muzaffarabad area route assessments, it has been noted that the maintenance of bailey bridges has decreased since the withdrawal of the supporting Pakistan military divisions. There is some concern that if deterioration is allowed to continue, some of these bridges may become impassable. Meanwhile the recent spate of good weather has improved road access in the region. Lipa valley is currently open to 4WD vehicles, though skilled drivers are a must. Some IDPs have used this window to return to their places of origin. However it should be noted that the Jheelum, Neelum and Lipa valley roads remain dangerous and good vehicles are essential. UNJLC road assessments, conditions updates and maps can be found at www.unjlc.org/pakistan.
3. LSS
During the relief phase of the operation UNJLC was using the LSS (Logistics Supply System) to provide an overview of agency and NGO pipeline data and provide for forward planning in terms of logistical support. UNJLC ended its involvement in this project on March 31st in accordance with the transition from relief to recovery. ERRA has now expressed an interest in taking over the LSS for interagency pipeline tracking, possibly in conjunction with the NGO CWS, who have expressed some willingness to implement the process.
4. Mapping
The UNJLC GIS section is currently redefining its structure to include a field staff member, which will increase GPS data collection and provide for continued road assessment capabilities over the coming period of the operation. UNJLC's maps are being updated on a constant basis with new road, HLZ and storage site information. A map catalogue, map request forms, pertinent data, GPS tutorials and maps are available for download on the UNJLC website at www.unjlc.org/pakistan/maps, or in hard copy from the UNJLC Islamabad office and field coordinators.
| Update | Map Number | Title | Print Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/4/06 | unjlc 141 | Affected Area Overview | A4, A3, A0 |
| 9/4/06 | unjlc 201 | Bagh District | A3, A0 |
| 9/4/06 | unjlc 202 | Muzaffarabad District | A3, A0 |
| 9/4/06 | unjlc 203 | Batagram District | A3, A0 |
| 9/4/06 | unjlc 205 | Allai Valley | A3 |
| 9/4/06 | unjlc 207 | Mansehra District | A3, A0 |
| 9/4/06 | unjlc 210 | Kaghan Valley | A3, A0 |
| 9/4/06 | unjlc 214 | Lipa Valley | A3 |
| 9/4/06 | unjlc 217 | Kohistan | A3 |
| 9/4/06 | unjlc 219 | HLZ Accessibility | A0 |
| 9/4/06 | unjlc 243 | IDP Accessibility | A0 |
5. Aviation Update: Helicopter Status
Helicopter capacity has decreased again in the last week with the redeployment of the two UNHAS Kamov 32s and one Mi-26. These ceased operations on April 23rd, taking the current UNHAS fleet down to 9 helicopters. Formerly, ERRA was requesting a reduced UNHAS helicopter fleet of only 4 Mi-8s as of May, which it deemed adequate to serve the humanitarian mission in Pakistan. It has now requested the addition of two light utility helicopters for use by ERRA staff on monitoring and evaluation missions.
Meanwhile a request to fly cargo into Azad Bara in preparation for IDP returns is still being refused by the Pakistan Military due to its proximity to the Line of Control. This area remains inaccessible by road and IDPs originating from this area are unable to return.
| As of 26th April | Number of aircraft | |
| Aircraft Type | 26th April | Comments |
| UNHAS Tasked Assets: | ||
| Mi-8 MT | 9 | ERRA's proposed UNHAS fleet is currently 4xMi-8 cargo helicopters and 2 light helicopters for use by ERRA. |
| Mi-26T | ||
| Kamov 32 | ||
| Sub-total | 9 | |
| Other: | ||
| Mi-8 MT | 1 | Operated by ICRC |
| AS-332 Super Puma | 1 | |
| AB-139 | 4 | Operated by Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) |
| AS-350 Squirrel | 2 | Operated by AirServ for MSF Holland |
| Mi-8T | 1 | Operated by Merlin |
| Sub-total | 9 | |
| Total | 18 | |
Activities : Air Operation Land Sea Fuel Customs Supply Chain Transport
Type of document : Update
Publication date 2006-Apr-26