Indonesia: Earthquake Situation Report No. 6

This report was issued by OCHA New York, with inputs from OCHA Indonesia. It covers the period from 04/10/09 to 05/10/09. The next report will be issued on or around 06/10/09.

I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES

- On 30 September, a powerful earthquake struck West Sumatra. Another earthquake struck Jambi on 1 October.

- Padang and Pariaman are the worst earthquake affected areas.

- On 5 October, the Government confirmed 608 deaths. More than 88,000 houses are reported to be severely damaged.

- The Government of Indonesia is leading the emergency response efforts.

- Priority needs include housing/emergency shelter and shelter expertise, and support to restart schools, including temporary learning spaces for children.

- The Government has issued storm warnings for remote areas for the next few days.

II. Situation Overview

As of 5 October, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed 608 deaths, 434 missing, 1,493 injured and 738 displaced persons. The numbers are expected to increase further as debris is being cleared, and as assessment results come in. The BNPB has also reported that 88,272 houses are severely damaged, 43,323 houses are moderately damaged houses and 47,076 houses are slightly damaged. In terms of schools facilities, 241 schools are severely damaged, 175 are moderately damaged and 87 are slightly damaged.

Access to fuel has improved. Rescue teams and humanitarian relief organizations have been given priority access. The BNPB has confirmed that there is no additional need for medical supplies, or water and sanitation supplies. There should be more clarity on the scale of shelter needs once the analysis of assessment results is completed.

According to the local water supply agency in Padang, 70% of distribution networks are damaged, cutting off sustainable access to water for at least 60% of its clients. Water and power supply remain sporadic. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reported that 80% to 90% of provincial government and municipal government offices have been heavily damaged in Padang. The office for licensing and financial information management system has collapsed and all computer systems have been destroyed.

The earthquake has damaged 30% of houses in Pariaman. Reports indicate that people have set up temporary shelters in front of their houses or are sleeping in mosques. The local authorities distributed 50 tents, but there is a need for more shelter supplies, particularly for children. An additional request for 100 tents and 100 tarpaulins has been made.

The BNPB has conducted field visits in Mentawai District, Pesisir Selatan District and Agam District and has reported that the situation is under control.

The Meteorological and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned of storms over the next few days in remote areas. This could further hamper distribution of relief items to places already cut off by landslides in Padang and Pariaman. The population in the remote areas need to be alerted in this regard.