The sitrep covers the last 24 hours,
plus a roundup of key statistics and DFID action since the start of the
crisis. This sitrep is currently issued on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
SUMMARIES
Overview
Indonesia: OCHA provides clearer strategic readout in their priorities for the next 30 days shifting away from immediate relief provision towards sustaining relief and boosting recovery. Some coordination problems in Meulaboh. HIC website up and running. Plans for military drawdown advance; replacement civilian capacity to be closely monitored.
Elsewhere: Some concern in Sri Lanka and the Maldives about coordination. In Sri Lanka the main concerns are in the shelter and water and sanitation sectors; in the Maldives, logistical constraints continue to slow the transition from relief to recovery.
The international response is assessed to be at the following stages for the countries covered by this sitrep:
Indonesia: Substantial relief operation now covering most areas. Logistical access a critical issue. Planning for reconstruction and recovery ongoing. Coordination improving.
Sri Lanka: In recovery stage with pockets of relief needs still to be addressed.
Indian mainland: In recovery stage.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Relief operation well under way in Andaman; situation in Nicobar remains unclear.
Maldives: Sustained relief mechanisms in place. Recovery underway. Some equipment needs remain.
Top priorities continue to be to:
- Support push to get coordination mechanisms fully operational.
- Complete strategies for DFID funding for the medium term, by country.
- Support the unblocking of remaining logistic bottlenecks.
- Ensure the right key personnel are in place.
- Provide assistance where requested by field teams.
Key Issues
Indonesia
- Federation implement cautionary operational 'red zone' in Meulaboh after shooting incident.
- Government proposes an ID card to aid IDP registration; also plans to rename proposed 'temporary barracks' as 'temporary living centres' and to build new 45m² houses. OCHA analysis of IDP sites and IDP numbers to be complete by 28 January.
- Need for coordination, coverage and data collection consistency in IDP registration. OCHA, Meulaboh insufficiently resourced to collect and disseminate information. Reports of poor information sharing amongst agencies in both Banda Aceh and Meulaboh. HIC Sumatra website operational.
- WHO reports need for measles vaccination partners in Aceh Jaya. UNICEF researching alternative cold chain management to replace current facilities on the USS Abraham Lincoln.
- 25,241 MT of WFP rice impounded by Indonesian customs: resolution expected by 29 January with no impact on current distributions. WFP may consider extending food distributions beyond 6 month period.
Sri Lanka
- Government state that the humanitarian situation has stabilised but that challenges remain. WFP area offices are concerned that food continues to reach those in need as the welfare camps continue to close in large numbers.
- Schools re-opened on 25 January with varying results: attendance not high for children and low for teachers. 169 schools still house IDPs in the absence of a clear strategy at local level.
- Donor group verification mission to Trincomalee from 25 - 27 January with technical advisory support from DFID. Joint WB, ADB and JBIC needs assessment completed; report due to be presented to Government on 26 January.
- UNHCR importing 7,500 tents; total needs remain unclear. WFP and Ministry of Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation meet today to discuss food distribution, including the issue of food ration card system.
Indian mainland
- State governments beginning to address temporary shelter needs and planning for longer term resettlement of population living within 300m of shore.
India - Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Initial assessment report indicates most damage to Little Andaman and Nicobar islands; north Andaman hardly affected. Main needs are targeted food and non-food distributions and temporary shelter. NGO's (international and national) granted access to the Nicobar Islands to undertake assessments.
Maldives
- VAM assessment preliminary results recommend food assistance to 44,000 beneficiaries (down from 50,000 and likely to reduce further) to specified vulnerable groups, including displaced persons, agricultural and skilled workers.
- All schools re-opened in all districts on 25 January: WFP distributing high energy biscuits to schoolchildren in collaboration with the government.
- UNJLC assessment mission recommends 1 staff member be based in Male for 1-3 months. Unclear as to when final decision will be made.
- Significant improvement in availability of potable water; all islands have adequate water supply (between 2 to 7 days).
Key events and meetings
- Wednesday 19 to Sunday 30 January: EU presidency visit to affected region.
- Friday 28 to Saturday 29 January: ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Thailand to establish the lead agency for the establishment of an Indian Ocean tsunami early warning system.
- Monday 31 January: The EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting will review an action plan covering all EU (Commission, Secretariat and Member States) plans for improving disaster response.
- Tuesday 1 February: Lessons Learned meeting, European Commission.
- Saturday 5 February: G7 Finance Ministers meeting, London.
Key statistics
- International media (Sky News) quote total death toll figures of 226,566. The Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies quote 213,762.
DFID response to date
This section summarises DFID action since the start of the crisis. New developments are in bold/italic.
DFID Planning
Please note that DFID activities completed are included in the relevant tables below.
1. DFID planning priorities:
- Press for full assessment information where gaps remain, particularly Aceh and Nicobar Islands.
- Press UN to determine consolidated needs in terms of assets, human resources and relief supplies.
- Review process, including dialogue with agencies, for India and Sri Lanka proposals ongoing.
Ongoing DFID activities
- 2 Light Utility helicopters undertaking humanitarian relief tasks in Aceh: flying during daylight hours delivering humanitarian assistance (average of 4.5 MT of aid to IDPs along the west coast every day) and evacuating casualties. Scheduled to finish 7 February.
- 3 Medium Lift helicopters undertaking humanitarian relief tasks in Aceh under the direction of the UN. Further 2 Medium Lift helicopters have arrived in Medan, have been re-assembled and undergoing maintenance prior to being inspected by the UN flight safety inspector on 27 January. These 5 helicopters will be at the disposal of the UN for humanitarian flights for a period of 3 months.
DFID funding to date
2. £75 million announced by DFID/HMT for the tsunami response. Funds allocated to date are given below. Total £46,276,943.
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