Background Situation:    

The State of Azad Jammu & Kashmir was under the wave of constant heavy rains from 27^th to 29^th July 2010. 

This monsoon spell caused rise in water level in Neelum and Jehlum rivers on 28^th July 2010. It also caused landslides in many areas which resulted death of 48 people, 40 were injured while the road network was blocked at various points.   It also resulted in a high level flood in Neelum River which passed through Muzaffarabad city on 29^th July at 2230 hrs. The height of water level in Neelum had reached to approximately 17 - 20 feet and 12 - 15 feet in Jehlum River as compared to their normal pace of flow which has now gradually started decreasing. 
 

SDMA along with its other stakeholders evacuated/relocated all the population at risk well in time which saved many precious lives. 

The roads and telephone communication link has not been re-established with Neelum District yet due to which relief activities could not be initiated in the district.  The food security situation in Neelum is the most alarming as only 2 days’ food is available in stock within the district.
 

The walk way and its retaining walls along the Neelum River starting from Chehla Bandi to Neelum Bridge in Muzaffarabad City had submerged and was badly damaged which has posed direct threat to this thickly populated area.  The major impact of the flood includes the following: 

• A total of 2,200 Families were affected in 8 districts of AJK which includes around 750 internally displaced families in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur districts. 
• 1,766 houses were damaged which included 706 houses fully damaged and 1060 partially damaged. 
• 15 bridges were completely washed away by the flood. 
• Timber of AKLASC and Forest Department was also washed away in District Neelum 
• Trees and crops/lands have also been reported to have got submerged into the water. 
  

Response by SDMA, DDMA and UN/NGOs: 

• A Rapid Assessment Performa was jointly developed by SDMA, WFP, UNHABITAT, UNICEF, IR, AJKRSP and other stakeholders for the purpose of assessment. 
• A team consisting of 25 volunteers of SDMA are fully engaged in early response in the city. 
• Around 350 families of affected areas were relocated to Jinnah Pilot High School No. 2 building, TB Hospital, Forest Office Building and 200 families were relocated to their relatives residing at safer places. 

• Cooked food is being provided to around 2,200 individuals residing in 4 camps since 28^th July 2010. 
• Media Briefing was organized by SDMA in Muzaffarabad. 
• Food for 300 families of the affected villages from Sharda to Keil has been arranged and prepositioned at Neelum Stadium Helipad, which is waiting for helicopters agreed to be provided by Pakistan Army from 2 - 4 August 2010. SDMA has provided 6,000 kg. Wheat Flour, 900 kg Pulses and 200 kg Salt and WFP has provided 300 tins of vegetable oil for 1 month while 500 food packages and 100 Tents have been provided by PRCS for 1 week. 
• 2 Mini Trucks provided by WFP and Islamic Relief. 
• UNICEF in coordination with PHED has committed to reinstate the water supply in Muzaffarabad City and arrange for maintenance of water boozer of SDMA. 
• AJK Tourism Department has been directed to provide free accommodation to the tourists stranded in district Neelum and facilitate them. 
• DDMA team has recovered 9 dead bodies from river side near Kamsar Camp.  These bodies had been lying under the landslide debris of earthquake 2005. 
• Request for provision of relief items and helicopters sent to NDMA. 
• NDMA agreed to provide 500 tents, 5,000 food packets, 2,000 floor mats, 2 generators and 2 helicopters for rescue and relief operation. 
• 50 Shovels and 12 wheel barrows provided to the population of Lower Plate, Muzaffarabad for clearance of flood sands from their houses. 

Immediate Requirement: 

1.    Food package for 1,900 families for at least 1 month period 

2.    Safe Drinking and Tape Water Supply in Muzaffarabad and Bagh City. 

3.    CGI sheets for 1000 families (20 per family). 

4.    Construction of Shelter for 175 families. 

5.    2,000 Plastic Sheets to be used for flooring in Shelters 

6.    Bedding for 500 families. 

7.    Two Vehicles (4X4) 

8.    Two Mini Trucks 

9.    Two Electric Generators (13 - 15 kva) for EOCs of SDMA and DDMAs in AJK. 

10. Establishment of 8 medical camps i.e. 4 medical camps in Muzaffarabad City and 4 in Neelum Valley. 

11.  Three Satellite Phones. 

12. Rehabilitation of Walk Way and its retaining wall from Chehla Bandi to Neelum Bridge in Muzaffarbad District on priority basis in order to avoid further damages land and houses along the river bank.