Climbers needed in Indian Kashmir

"Dear explorers, it is the time for you to do what you do best" - Climbers needed in Indian Kashmir

This is reprinted from MountEverest.net, and it is URGENT.

01:12 pm EST Nov 01, 2005
“Dear Explorers, now is the time for you to do what you do best. In two weeks time snowfall begins in Kashmir and the death toll will skyrocket. Our attempts to procure winterized tents have failed. The only option left is to supply tin sheets that can be used for shelter. Even then, there is the problem of getting the materials to villages, these being accessible only through mountain tracks.”

“Our medical team is doing its best, but they are not climbers and so their role is limited. We need climbers who can reach where they cannot. Can you help us save the survivors?”

Yesterday, India-based ADEPT (Academy for Disaster Management Education Planning & Training) sent this world-wide plea for help to ExplorersWeb.

Snow and avalanches

Rescuers and relief workers are facing serious difficulties in reaching isolated villages in the mountains. Doctors and volunteers lack the strength and skill to venture out on snow-covered high mountain trails now under significant avalanche-risk. In fact, the best people to undertake the task would be – well, climbers.

Deadly wave expected in India too

ADEPT operates in the Baramulla district, Indian Kashmir. “The Medical team has a base camp in Baramulla and we are planning to set up one more camp in Uri,” Dr. Gauthamadas tells ExWeb. “I can give more details on where to report and whom to contact, when the volunteers contact us.” Those interested may contact ADEPT crew through the data provided in the background information at the end of this story, and the organization’s website in the links section.

Indian Kashmir has not suffered as many casualties as Pakistan has following the earthquake. However, the danger of a second, much larger wave of deaths due to the cold temperatures is much feared.

Australia – Field Touring Alpine on the case

Australian Karakorum expedition outfitter Field Touring Alpine (planning a climbing expedition to K2 next year) is one of the climbing-related private companies which has promptly set off to provide help on areas affected by the earthquake. “We are onto it - organizing an Australia-wide tent drive starting this weekend!,” reported FTA’s director Dave Hancock. “Hopefully we will be using Mountain gear stores as drop-off points.”

FTA crew is polishing the latest details of their aid campaign. However, they’re facing some unexpected problems:

“We tried to hook up with World Vision but, amazingly, they told us there were "legal implications" in sending second hand gear,” Hancock said. “ I just hung up the phone and decided we'll do it on our own. I wonder if a homeless family lying in the snow would care if their tent was used or not!”

Choppers grounded due to lack of funds?

Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities are facing difficulties of their own, much of these can be summarized into one in particular: Lack of money. Aid teams are using helicopters to reach remote villages and evacuate the severely injured to hospitals. However, the UN has expressed its concern about the lack of funds necessary to keep the choppers working.

According to WAPA (World Aeronautical Press Agency), “Helicopters used to carry food and supplies to earthquake victims in the mountains, could be grounded in a few days when donors fail.”

“Aid workers are trying to bring food, water and medicine to these zones by other means including rafts and pack mules, but choppers, though costly, have proven the most useful,” reported WAPA. “The United Nations warned that when money runs out, the helicopters stay on the ground and that may occur in the next two days. One large helicopter, such as those destined for transport, can cost up to USD 6,000 per hour.”

How to help?

ADEPT

Climbers, trekkers and volunteers ready to help in Indian Kashmir or seeking further information, please contact ADEPT crew at:

Academy for Disaster Management Education Planing & Training
#403, 4th Floor, 'B' Block, Prince Gardens
40 Thambusamy Road, Kilpauk
Chennai 600010 - India
Tel: 52602403(D), 52602407
Fax: 52602404
Email: contact@ADEPTasia.org

Alpinclub Sachsen team:

Mail pakistanhilfe@gmx.de if you want to help. Find also a bank account set up for donations to the project at www.alpinclub.com

Alpinclub Sachsen e.V.
Donation account Pakistan
Account Holder: Alpinclub Sachsen e.V.
Account Number: 030 866 28 02
BLZ 850 800 00
Dresdner Bank AG IBAN DE39 850 800 00
SWIFT DRES DE FF

Alpine Club of Pakistan:

Contact ACP for further information, or donate via the following back account:

NBPAPKKAA02R
712447-0
Lt Col (Retd) Manzoor Hussain,
Alpine Club of Pakistan
National Bank of Pakistan Cantonment Branch,
Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Greg Mortenson's Central Asia Institute:

Contact Central Asia Institute at:
PO Box 7209
Bozeman, MT 59771
Phone 406 585 7841
Fax 406 585 5302
Email cai@ikat.org
Web www.ikat.org