Indonesia: Earthquake Situation Report No. 9

This report was issued by OCHA New York, with inputs from OCHA Indonesia. It covers the period from 7 October 2009 to 8 October 2009. The next report will be issued on or around 9 October 2009.

I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES

- The numbers of deaths is recorded at 739.

- Padang has the highest number of fatalities.

- 135 NGOs and seven United Nations organizations are operating in West Sumatra.

- Shelter is the priority concern, including the allocation of shelter sites.

II. Situation Overview

As of 8 October, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) confirmed 739 deaths; 296 people missing; 863 people severely injured; and 1,356 people slightly injured. The reported number of severely damaged houses increased to 121,679; the number of moderately damaged houses to 55,206; and the number of slightly damaged houses to 57,510. BNPB also reported that the following are damaged: 55 health facilities; 162 roads; nine bridges; 1,182 places of worship; and 36 markets.

BNPB reported that the emergency-recovery phase will start in the second week of October and conclude at the end of October. All data will be collected in two weeks and then analyzed. Four main priority areas include Agam; Padang Pariaman; Padang; and Pariaman City.

The Government authorities indicated there are people in remote areas who have not received assistance. In order to address this problem, helicopters carried out at least 13 trips to remote areas and distributed relief items between 6 and 7 October.

III. Humanitarian Needs and Response

Assessment

SurfAid sent aid and personnel by boat to Sasak Harbour, Pasaman Barat sub-district. SurfAid received enough support from donors to consider longer-term operations to assist the rebuilding transition and livelihoods restoration. Out of a population of 15,000 in Sasak, 300 houses were severely damaged. There were no major medical problems and the puskesmas (health clinic) has sufficient drug supplies. The Government provided rice and the Indonesia Red Crescent (PMI) supplied 10 tents. The SurfAid team indicated that the biggest challenge is post-traumatic stress, and fears of further earthquakes and a tsunami. Further needs include 100 tents; 20 construction kits (hammers, nails, saws, shovels); and 100 hygiene kits for Pasaman Barat district.

A second SurfAid team arrived in Sasak Harbor with a cargo of 300 shelter kits; 752 canvas tarpaulins; 300 hygiene packs and 300 construction kits. The team will focus on the villages of Koja; Sidodadi; Alamanda; Koto Selatan; and Lengga, Kinali. A third team with medical personnel is travelling by road to the same villages. In order to offer counseling assistance, a trauma clinic team is working with authorities from Dr. M. Jamil hospital to obtain data of victims. A separate team is finalizing the working framework with psychologists from Universitas Andalas and other volunteers.

SurfAid will conduct assessments today (8 October) in Luhak and Biu, which are expected to be more severely damaged. SurfAid assisted the Mentawai authorities establish a command post in Padang. The post functions as a contact point for Mentawai people in Padang to relay information to their families and viceversa.