The 2005 Kashmir

EarthquakeBy Gavin, Lewis, Stacey & Beth

Kashmir

Until the mid-19th century, the term Kashmir geographically denoted only the valley between the Great Himalayas and the Pir Panjal mountain range. Today Kashmir denotes a larger area that includes the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir

The earthquake that happened on the 8th October 2005 killed 75,000 people. It was in Kashmir which is in South Asia. It happened 6 years ago but the 7.6 magnitude quake is still remembered today. This presentation we have made for you will tell you information about the quake and it’s devastating effects.

It occurred on a collision Boundary

Kashmir is a mainly rural area in Pakistan and India and has the economy of an LEDC. This meant that the responses to the quake were not as quick or comprehensive as in an MEDC. They have a lack of funding which means they can’t afford good hospital and emergency services to act quick to the initial quake.

LEDCLEDC

Karam Umrani, a 28-year-old sub-inspector with the Islamabad police force, was close to Margala Towers when the building collapsed after the earthquake. He is quoted saying that,

‘The cries of the people trapped in the debris haunt me.’

He helped people out of the ruins and with his police contacts got emergency service

help.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4322496.stm

How it affected people..

Zulfiqar’s story

‘ I lost many family and friends in the earthquake, it destroyed the entire village and now I am rebuilding my

life in Karachi and I am determined to return home eventually. I lost everything that day...’

Doctor Irfan’s story

‘When the earthquake struck I was in a hospital in Abbottabad. Ceilings caved in and the building was

seriously damaged. It was terrifying...’

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/south_asia/2005/south_asia_quake/default.stm

An instant response to the quake was by some men who flew into a village with their helicopters to save many lives. The men are now known as ‘Helicopter Heroes’.

"If it hadn't been for these helicopters, about 600 people in my village who survived would surely have died.“

Abdul Ghafoor, a resident of Chikothi.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4346778.stm

Click onto the building image below to follow the link to an

animation to show how an earthquake happens

Responses..Oxfam

‘Our earthquake response has reached nearly one million people. Three years on, we continue to help improve the rights of affected communities..’

‘The generosity of the public and other donors has enabled us to help around one million people affected by the earthquake.’

http://www.oxfam.org.uk/oxfam_in_action/emergencies/sasia_quake.html

The UK government gave an extra £10m to help survivors of

the South Asia earthquake, bringing the UK commitment to relief work to £12m. They also sent fresh food and water to the most affected villages.

Oxfam’s aid..

Immediate response

• Delivered blankets and other essential items for the homeless..• Distributed ‘winterised’ tents and shelter materials, to help people survive the

harsh Himalayan winter..• Provided food and water..

Long term response

• Repairing and building water and sanitation facilities in mountainous areas and village schools..

• Assisting people to regain ways of making a living..• Supporting communities to rebuild their own homes..• Providing public health training for health workers, teachers and community

volunteers..• Supporting government reconstruction planning, to ensure that it is fair and

accountable..• Lobbying on critical issues to improve the rights of affected communities..

http://www.oxfam.org.uk/oxfam_in_action/emergencies/sasia_quake.html

Houses in Kashmir had to be rebuilt. People had to rebuild according to specifications

approved by Pakistan's Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA). The authorities encouraged people to

make their new homes more resistant to earthquakes, but many in Katahi complained about late payment of the housing grant.

Long queues were seen outside banks. Delays were also caused by disputes over

compensation. Most people in Kashmir have very little money so rebuilding took a long

long time and is still continuing…

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/5411248.stm