UNICEF has taken the lead for coordinating of international response for water and sanitation in response to the October 8 earthquake. Coordination has been initiated through the United Nations Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) “cluster” approach mechanism, working closely with key international and national agencies, governmental agencies such as the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Local Government, and relevant NGOs who are partnering with UNICEF to ensure the delivery of safe water and sanitation facilities. Linkage has been established with other sectors such as education and health to avoid duplication and gaps and with camp management for improved coordination of efforts.

At the completion of the initial period, a Medium-Term Emergency Response Strategy has been prepared to guide the relief and rehabilitation work during the next few months. The strategy will be implemented during November 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006.

A plan of action for three months (December 1, 2005-February 28, 2006) has been drafted for the earthquake affected areas in NWFP and AJK. This plan includes:

• Ensuring the availability of minimum safe drinking water supplies for 810,000 people.
• Sanitary means of excreta disposal for 275,000 people in IDP camps.
• Provision and management of solid waste disposal facilities for 140,000 people in IDP camps.
• Hygiene activities to promote safe practices for 1,570,000 people.
• Promotion of environmental health awareness among 810,000 people. Promotion of hazard control targeting 810,000 people.
• Provided support and capacity building to Government Agencies to build and maintain WATSAN emergency response.
• Implantation of this plan through continuing cooperation with Sector Partners including: UNHCR, WHO, NRSP, OXFAM, SCF, HRDS, Islamic Relief, SRO, IRC, NCA/ CWS, SSD, NATO, IFRC, SRSP, PHED, Local Government, TVO, Concern, Solidarity, MC, WSD, TMAS.