SUMMARIES
Overview
Indonesia: Assessments ongoing, building clearer picture but still holes and inconsistencies in what we are hearing - including some fundamental issues such as the number of IDPs. But we are increasingly confident that we will get a better picture over the coming days. This should be much facilitated by the UN Humanitarian Information Centre (HIC) whose personnel is increasing and whose DFID-supplied equipment is due at Banda Aceh 11 January.
There are continued security concerns. There are increased concerns over continuing logistical bottlenecks. Reconstruction and recovery planning are at early stages but taking shape.
Elsewhere: Going reasonably well. The main challenge now is to achieve a smooth transition from emergency relief, including substantial military support, to entirely civilian relief and recovery programmes.
The international response is assessed to be at the following stages for the countries covered by this sitrep:
Indonesia: Clearer picture expected soon. Relief in full swing in accessible areas. Security concerns. Planning for reconstruction and recovery beginning.
Sri Lanka: In recovery stage.
Indian mainland: In recovery stage.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Improved coordination, increasing information operation well under way.
Maldives: Operation building up. Information improving.
Top priorities continue to be to:
- Get coordination mechanisms fully operational.
- Complete assessments, particularly in Aceh.
- Unblock logistic bottlenecks.
- Provide assistance where requested by field teams.
Key Issues
Indonesia
TNI stipulate that all international movement outside Banda Aceh must be escorted by armed police.
In spite of reports that relief provision is gaining momentum, local media states that relief not yet reaching all needy areas on the west coast. Serious logistics bottlenecks. Estimated 35,000 unaccompanied children. Access still difficult to west coast and some other areas. Government and UN coordination structures building up - not yet in a position to provide firm and comprehensive coordination of the relief effort. Inter Agency assessments continue. Some sensitivities over the presence of foreign military and civilian staff. Security concerns persist.
Focus on reconstruction as well as on relief is a priority.
Sri Lanka
Reconstruction planning under way. Need to get schools ready for new term, and therefore to re-house the IDPs they are now sheltering.
Indian mainland
UN programmes expanding. Planning begins for Tsunami Warning Centre. Fishing resumes.
India - Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Some smaller, outlying islands evacuated. 105 camps. Situation appears under control.
Maldives
UNDAC team to be replaced by 2 OCHA staff. Aid reported to have reached all islands. Possible need for further transport capacity between islands. Logistics bottlenecks expected. DFID advisor present - likely to remain for at least the next week. UK military technical team to visit soon. Indian, Pakistani and US Naval assistance is present.
Seychelles
UNDAC team has completed assessment: no significant needs. Strengthened disaster preparedness recommended.
Key events and meetings
- Monday 10 January: Hilary Benn returns to London.
- Monday 10 January (15:00): PM's statement in the House of Commons.
- Tuesday 11 January: OCHA-hosted International Donors Conference in Geneva.
- Wednesday 12 January: Paris Club group of debtors meet to consider a moratorium on debt for Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
- Monday 17 January (tbc): World bank Board briefing.
- Wednesday 19 & Thursday 20 January: Indonesian Government hosts Consultative Group meeting.
Key statistics
- International media quote total death toll figures of over 155,000.
- Egeland estimates pledges now total between $3 billion and $4 billion.
- FCO confirm 51 British dead and 402 presumed dead.
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