Ref: OCHA/GVA -2005/44
OCHA Situation Report No. 1
India - Avalanches
23 February 2005
This report is based on information provided by the United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in New Delhi.
Situation
1. The India Meteorological Department has reported that the Western disturbance affecting the northern parts of the country from 16 to 20 February 2005 has caused widespread snowfall of up to 2 meters in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
2. As per the reports received from the State Government, 230 persons were killed and more than 20 persons are missing due to snowfall and avalanches. 308 persons have been rescued so far including 40 foreigners. Anantnag and Poonch are the worst affected districts.
3. Currently clear weather conditions have set in over Jammu and Kashmir which are likely to continue for next 48 hours. Due to accumulation of snow and the prevailing clear weather conditions, the danger of avalanches still remains.
4. The State Government is undertaking necessary rescue and relief operations and has not requested international assistance.
5. OCHA is in close contact with the UNRC's office in New Delhi. This situation report, together with further information on other ongoing emergencies is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int.
MAP - India: Avalanches - Situation map
Telephone: 41-22-917 12 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org
In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10
Desk Officers:
Mr. Erik Haegglund, Direct Tel. +41-22-917 32 99
Mr. Anvar Munavvarov, Direct Tel. +41-22 917 11 73
Press contact:
(GVA) Ms. Elizabeth Byrs , Direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 53
(N.Y.) Ms. Stephanie Bunker, Direct Tel. +1 917 892 16 79
Disclaimer
- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
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