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Abstract
This paper focuses on lessons learned from the disaster response to the Kashmir earthquake of 8 October 2005. It explores the factors that created a vulnerable environment for the creation of a catastrophe through Alexander's six-point typology of disaster vulnerability. The review of the disaster response will focus on the reasons behind chaotic relief assistance provision and poor sustenance of populations in winter conditions, as well as exploring the framework of international response, and the role of the army, voluntarism and co-ordination issues. Having reviewed the relief response, based on cross-cultural experiences, the paper then makes projections on possible challenges and issues that may emerge in the reconstruction process.
Notes
1 The Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, estimated the number of homeless as 3.3 million (BBC, Citation2005a).
2 Pakistan controls the northwest portion (Northern Areas and Azad Kashmir), India controls the central and southern portion (Jammu and Kashmir) and China controls the northeastern portion (Aksai Chin and the Trans-Karakoram Tract).