Indonesia: West Java earthquake OCHA Situation Report No. 1

Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2006/0124
OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Indonesia (West Java) - Earthquake

This report is based on information received from the UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator's Office in Jakarta, Indonesia, and OCHA staff members fielded in Yogyakarta.

I. SITUATION

1. An earthquake measuring 7.2 on Richter scale with depth of 48.6 km occurred on 17 July, at 8:19 AM UTC (3:19 PM local time) followed by a number of other tremors, including two other earthquakes: M 6.1 with depth of 46.6 km at 9:13 and M 6.0 with depth of 20km at 10:09 in almost the same location. The epicentre of the first earthquake was approximately 355 km south of Jakarta and 260 km south of Bangdung, Java, Indonesia. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and Japanese Meteorological agency issued local tsunami warning.

2. The most affected districts are in West Java province. The local media reported that 6- foot tsunami struck Pangandaran, a beach resort in West Java, killing five people and damaging hotels and houses along the coast.

II. RESPONSE

3. National authorities are investigating the impact of the earthquakes. The President of Indonesia spoke to the press on these events.

4. OCHA is in close contact with the UN HC/RC Office in Jakarta, the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok and will revert with further information as it becomes available. This situation report, together with further information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int.

MAP: Indonesia: West Java earthquake - Location map

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In case of emergency only:
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Desk Officer:

Mr. Guido Galli
direct Tel. +41-22-917 3171

Mr. Masaaki Nakagawa
direct Tel. +41-22-917 4034

Press contact:
(in GVA) Ms. Elizabeth. Byrs - direct Tel. +41-22-917 2653
(in N.Y.) Ms. Stephanie Bunker - direct Tel. + 1-917 367 5126