History depicts earthquakes as one of the most catastrophic naturally occurring incident, which have always been devastating, especially when it is of an enormous magnitude. Considering the fact that the earthquake strikes a region lying in the seismic belt, and that the epicenter lies across a mountain range, the consequences would surely be disastrous, beyond expectation. The tremors exceeding t
he reading of 7.6 on the Richter scale clearly indicate the destruction accompanying this earthquake. The reciprocating factor in the earthquakes is the intensity, through which the total loss may be approximated, as it is directly proportional to the eruption created. The span of the earthquake lasted a few months as around 1,900 aftershocks were recorded (till 31st May, 2006) and a total of 30,000 square kilometers of area were disrupted as an aftermath of this natural disaster. A rapid assessment of damages, occurring to the physical and social capital, estimated a loss of about 73,338 human lives, injuring 128,304 people across the four affected districts of AJ&K and five of NWFP. Over 600,000 houses were destroyed, almost all the educational and governance infrastructure was damaged or wiped out, hospitals were demolished and the public infrastructure, particularly the roads, power facilities and telecommunication infrastructure were severely affected. ERRA was established by the Government of Pakistan (GoP), within days of the earthquake (24th October, 2005), with the purpose to “Build Back Better”. The aim of this autonomous government authority was to coordinate the reconstruction and rehabilitation activities in the earthquake affected areas. The focus of ERRA at the time of its establishment has evolved from the immediate rescue and relief operations to long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation, for a sustainable environment in order to facilitate the affected population of AJ&K and NWFP. While progress on reconstruction and rehabilitation is in line with expected targets, ERRA is also striving to enhance its institutional strengthens through formulation of work plans and implementation mechanisms; development of standard procedures; capacity building interventions encompassing ERRA and its affiliates; consolidation of partnerships with national and international partners in the effort of reconstruction and rehabilitation. This report is expected to improve the decision-making, allowing a rectification of the short-comings in any programmes and enhancing their effectiveness.
