Japan's Emergency Assistance to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the aftermath of Large-Scale Earthquakes
as of October 25, 2005
The Government of Japan has already dispatched Japan Disaster Relief Teams, and extended emergency assistance in response to the large-scale earthquake disaster in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the surrounding areas. The following is the summary of the Japan's responses:
I. Dispatch of Japan Disaster Relief Teams
Japan Disaster Relief Rescue Team (49 members)
a. Structure
The Team comprises 1 official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), 15 from the National Police Agency, 13 from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, 13 from the Japan Coast Guard, three from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), 2 medical doctors and 2 nurses.
b. Operation
From October 10 to 14, the Team conducted search and rescue operations at collapsed hospitals and other buildings in Batgram in North-West Frontier Province. The team reported its activities to the authorities concerned including the Government of Pakistan and the United Nations on October 15 and returned to Japan on October 18.
First and Second Japan Disaster Relief Medical Teams (the total members were 42 in the two teams)
a. Structure
The first team comprises 21members: 1 official from MOFA, 5 from JICA, 4 medical doctors, 7 nurses, 1 pharmacist and 3 paramedics.
The second team comprises 21members: 1 official from MOFA, 5 from JICA, 4 medical doctors, 7 nurses, 1 pharmacist and 3 paramedics.
b. Operation
From October 12 through 20, the first team had provided medical care to the afflicted in Batgram in North-West Frontier Province.
The second team has taken over the first medical team's duties now on-going in Batgram, and will engage in medical activities for about two weeks. The teams have examined more than 1,700 patients up to October 24.
Dispatch of Self Defense Force Units
On October 25 the six helicopters in total are now in operation, transferring relief materials as well as patients, between Islamabad and Batgram.
II. Provision of Emergency Assistance in Kind
The Government of Japan provided emergency assistance in kind (2,000 blankets, 768 plastic containers, 500 sleeping mats, 30 tents, 20 water purifiers, 20 electric generators, 30 cord reels, 20 plastic sheets, 5 portable water tanks), equivalent to about 25 million yen, from JICA's stockpile depot in London. The relief goods arrived in Pakistan on October 11 and were delivered immediately.
III. Emergency Grant Assistance
Emergency Grant Assistance amounting to 20 million U.S. Dollars
On October 14 (Fri), the Government of Japan decided to extend emergency grant assistance amounting to 12 million US dollars out of the total amount of 20 million US dollars previously decided as the grant aid for the relief efforts for the people affected by the large-scale earthquake in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Utilizing this grant assistance, the procurement process is under way, and the first batch, which will include at least 2,500 tents, 2,500 plastic sheets, 5,000 sleeping mats, 16,000 blankets, and 5,000 plastic containers, will arrive at the affected area by the end of October. And other relief materials, including heavy machineries, will be procured speedily.
Emergency Grant Assistance through international organizations
On October 18, the Government of Japan decided to provide the remaining 8 million US dollars for emergency assistance through the international organizations as follows:
| (1) | World Food Programme (WFP): 2.5 million US dollars to supply food (provision of highly nutritious biscuit), |
| (2) | United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF): 2.5 million US dollars to supply water and hygiene (provision of safe drinking water, rehabilitation of water-supply facilities, provision of water tanks, etc.), |
| (3) | Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): 1 million US dollars to supply shelter (provision of tents for Afghani-refugees in Pakistan), |
| (4) | World Health Organization (WHO): 1 million US dollars to supply health care (provision of packages for first-aid and surgical treatment, and vaccines), and |
| (5) | International Organization for Migration (IOM): 1 million US dollars to supply transportation (transportation of goods and afflicted people, and emergency transport of injured people). |
IV. Others
Dispatch of Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
The Government of Japan dispatched Mr. Shuzen Tanigawa, Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan from October 11 to 14. During his stay in Pakistan, Senior Vice Minister Tanigawa met with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, Foreign Minister Kasuri, Interior Minister Sherpa and exchanged views on the issues such as needs for assistance, and examined the situations of the disaster areas.
NGOs' activities in the disaster-hit country
Seven non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of the Japan Platform (JPF) have started their needs assessment, search and rescue activities and distribution of goods in disaster-affected areas.
Dispatch of study missions from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)
The study missions from JICA and JBIC participate in a multi-agency Damage and Needs Assessment, which started on October 24. Through the assessment, the missions will identify the rehabilitation and reconstruction needs in affected area.
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