Indonesia: Earthquake Situation Report No. 7

This report was issued by OCHA New York, with inputs from OCHA Indonesia. It covers the period from 05/10/09 to 06/10/09. The next report will be issued on or around 07/10/09.

I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES

- On 30 September, a powerful earthquake struck West Sumatra; 582 aftershocks detected since.

- The National Disaster Management Agency has confirmed 704 deaths.

- The Government of Indonesia is leading emergency response efforts, and is being complemented by the national and international humanitarian community.

- Priority needs include emergency shelter supplies, drinking water, food, reproductive health services and educational supplies.

- The Provincial Government of West Sumatra has declared that reconstruction and rehabilitation phase will begin from 1 November 2009.

- On 6 October, in an All Member States meeting at UN Headquarters in New York, ERC Holmes briefed on Asia Pacific Disasters, including the West Sumatra earthquake in Indonesia. The Ambassador for the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations also complemented ERC Holmes' message.

II. Situation Overview

As of 6 October, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed 704 deaths, with majority of fatalities reported for Padang City. The number of casualties is expected to increase further. In addition, 295 people are reported missing. More than 100,000 houses are reported to be severely damaged. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has confirmed that recent landslides have destroyed entire villages and agricultural land in at least three locations in Padang Pariaman district. The options for recovery work in the landslide-affected areas are limited. Many slopes are unstable, and heavy rains are increasing the risk for further landslides. The SURGE team reports 70% to 100% of residential houses beyond repair in the outlying villages in Padang Pariaman. Villagers have established temporary shelters in front of their houses and have begun to reclaim and recycle the building materials, including roofing sheets, wood and bricks. It is estimated that between 40% and 70% of the building material can be reused. The remainder, mostly consisting of rubble, can be crushed and reused for roads, paths and general fill. In the short term villagers require assistance with demolition of unsafe buildings.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) Crisis Centre has reported the collapse of four hospitals, 12 community health centres (Puskemas), 10 supporting community health centres and two office buildings. The MoH has deployed 3,000 health workers to the affected areas and set up field offices in Sei Geringging, Lubuk Kalung, Padang Pariaman sub-district and near Dr. M Jamil Hospital. The Minister for health has expressed concern about the possible outbreak of diseases.

According to the World Food Programme, the main road to Padang is open although travel is slow. Roads between Padang and some outlying areas are in very poor condition and some food may need to be moved by pickup trucks and motorcycles.

Operating partners in the field and media reports indicate that signs of life are returning to parts of Padang: several businesses have reopened, classes have resumed in a few schools, and residents are clearing debris in front of their homes. According to education authorities in Padang, nearly 70,000 children turned up for classes today - around 40% of the provincial capital's school-age population.