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OCHA Situation Report No. 22
Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2005/0018
OCHA Situation Report No. 22
Earthquake and Tsunami
Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand
cAdmin_Coris@un.org
Ms. Margareta Wahlstrom, the Special Coordinator for Humanitarian Assistance to Tsunami Affected Communities, is participating in the Ministerial meeting on regional cooperation on tsunami early warning arrangements which takes place from 28 to 29 January 2005 in Phuket, Thailand.
INDONESIA
Situation
Latest figures from National Coordination Board for Disaster Management (BAKORNAS) indicate that the human toll for the disaster shows a slight increase in the number of bodies buried (101,199) and in the number of displaced people residing in spontaneous settlements (417,124) in Nanggroe Aceh Darusalam (NAD). An inter-agency mission to update and verify data on IDP settlements in Banda Aceh has been completed. Of the 103 sites indicated on the official list, only 20 spontaneous settlements and 25 host communities were identified: IDP numbers at all sites remain fluid. Government-listed IDP locations in Aceh Besar are now being reviewed and it is hoped that the list will be available for the humanitarian community very shortly.
[Note: Farid, the WFP private contractor, detained and beaten by the TNI and police for theft, seems to have his findings supported here: according to an inter-agency mission, the official list has many more IDP settlements/locations than the mission found.]
In a major step forward to normalcy, the "Back to Learning" campaign, supported by UNICEF and several NGOs, was launched on 26 January 2005 by the Ministry of National Education with the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Update by sector and Response
Child Protection
UNICEF advises that after small surveys in Banda Aceh and the East Coast, agencies are using as a planning figure 2.5 percent of the displaced population for children who have lost parents. Agencies are confident that the vast majority of these children will be accommodated by extended family/community, and will not require institutional care. The Minister of Social Affairs with support from key agencies is in the process of finalising a policy paper on separated/unaccompanied children.
Education
In connection with the "Back to Learning" campaign launched on 26 January 2005, distribution of School-in-a-Box and recreation kits sufficient for all primary schools in Banda Aceh was completed. Distribution is also underway in Aceh Barat and Nangan Raya districts. Supplies for 10,800 children have arrived in Meulaboh to be distributed in these two districts. Emergency teacher recruitment and training is underway to replace the nearly 2,000 teachers who died.
Environment
The UNDAC environmental expert has, to date, identified no acute risks to public health from hazardous chemicals and other waste resulting from the tsunami. Notwithstanding this, waste management issues are a top environmental concern. Further details including urgent assistance requirements, will be provided at the earliest possible time by the UNDAC expert in collaboration with the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit.
[Note: I've written again to the UNEP/OCHA staffer, Mr. Nijenhuis asking him, "Are we to assume that the 'toxic mud' which we reported on 12/1/5 based on a report by informants in the field (Yappika) has been discovered to be benign? I would like to be able to reassure the concerned communities and so look forward to your prompt response to this." We'll see what he says and I'll keep you updated. That toxic mud was reported found in Tanah Pasir Lhoksumawe (sic?).]
Health
A WHO rapid initial assessment estimates that up to 50 percent of the affected population may be experiencing significant psychological distress and 5 to 10 percent may develop a diagnosable stress-related psychiatric disorder as a result of the disaster in Aceh. This could mean up to 100,000 people in need of skilled mental health interventions for trauma related stress disorders. Mental health needs are expected to increase substantially while mental health system resources are substantially fewer than in the rest of Indonesia. Investment in strengthening the mental health system is essential. The WHO team has put forward a proposed action plan to the Ministry of Health and this will be integrated in the Ministry's sector planning. Key agencies engaged in this area are WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF, IFRC and a range of NGOs, including Care International, Save the Children and MSF. A psychosocial working group has been established, meeting in Jakarta and Aceh. The group is developing common guidelines on mental health and psychosocial support.
The Government is convening a meeting of health partners in Jakarta on 28 January 2005 to consider how the various parties can support the Ministry of Health in the implementation of its action plan for the next six months. The meeting will include detailed discussion of planned actions in six sub-sectoral groups.
Cold chain equipment has arrived in Nanggroe Aceh Darusalam (NAD) and is being installed at the temporary provincial vaccine store. The Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF and the American Red Cross propose to extend the measles vaccination campaign targeting more than 68,000 children, aged from six months to 15 years in North Sumatra. Following the detection of malaria cases, insecticide spraying was completed in Krueng Raya.
This week IOM provided a medical tent, general medical supplies, hygiene kits and a generator to a camp for displaced people between Banda Aceh and the airport, in response to a request from the World Health Organisation. IOM and the Irish NGO Goal arrived in Calang, a west coast town, earlier this week, where they have been vaccinating some 150 children a day. As part of UNICEF's and the Indonesian Ministry of Health's large scale vaccination campaign, IOM has provided 1,287 children between the ages of 6 months and 15 years measles vaccinations and vitamin A supplements in and around Banda Aceh.
Food and Nutrition
WFP is now establishing operational capacity, including warehousing along the west coast. WFP-sourced food distributions are continuing in Simeulue Island for 18,300 beneficiaries, in Aceh Barat Daya for 14,000 beneficiaries (CRS), in Takendon for 3,550 beneficiaries (Help), in Medan hospitals for 1,260 beneficiaries (Save the Children US) and in Lamno, Teunom and Calang in Aceh Jaya (ACF).
A Government-UN pilot rapid survey of nutritional status of under 5 years old and child-bearing age women was conducted over 3 days last week. The prevalence of global acute malnutrition has been assessed as being 12.7 percent among the children and severe acute malnutrition 1.5 percent. Among women, the prevalence of low body mass index (BMI <> A comprehensive survey is planned for February 2005.
[Note: Is this expected? I've not seen any mention of malnutrition in the other conflict zone affected, Sri Lanka. Do you think more flights from U.S. naval group would have reached more people if they had not been told to move into international waters?]
Livelihoods
The labour-intensive employment/cash-for-work, supported by UNDP and implemented by Penglima Laut, has scaled up to 1,260 people on 26 January 2005. A team is working on the Phase II clean up at the General Hospital in Banda Aceh. A second team of 100 workers has been dispatched to the military airport in Banda Aceh, which receives most of the aid and logistical supplies in the area. Waste at the site has been hampering helicopter take off and landing. A 30-person crew will remain at the airport for on going clean up until further notice.
Logistics
Road: Indicative humanitarian cargo planning figures show the Medan-Banda Aceh road will be required to carry >500MT per day for the next six months and the Medan - Meulaboh road >100MT per day. These numbers do not account for road freight for rehabilitation and reconstruction activities which are expected to increase significantly over the next few months.
A program of assessment, monitoring and reparation is underway to assist the Government to sustain the routes. The Australian Government has provided an 11 person engineering planning and supervision team for 6 months. It has begun discussions with the key Government agencies managing roads. Repairs on the Banda Aceh harbour bridge have begun. UNJLC Medan is discussing truck sourcing policy with key hirers to ensure market prices do not inflate.
Currently over 300 trucks are chartered by IOM and WFP and are plying the Jakarta-Medan-Banda Aceh and the Medan-Meulaboh route. IOM Banda Aceh's truck fleet currently comprises 40 trucks which are used to distribute relief goods in and around Banda Aceh for IOM, UN agencies and international and national NGOs. To date, a total of 7 IOM truck convoys have departed Jakarta via Medan to Banda Aceh. Since the first deployment of trucks on 30 December 2004, IOM has moved and distributed some 5,850 Metric Tons (MT) of relief items from Medan in north Sumatra to Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province. Of that total, IOM has transported 1,070 MT of relief goods to Meulaboh in convoys which began operating on 8 January. IOM relief good delivery routes also include Medan-Biruen, Medan-Nias and Medan-Lhokseumawe.
Sea: As sea borne freight gains momentum and efficacy, UNJLC is exploring scope to improve sea transport coordination and the pooling of spare capacity. This will build on current ad hoc load sharing arrangements, notably the IDEP foundation ship carrying IOM, WFP and other cargo, and the Rainbow Warrior, carrying UNICEF and WFP cargo in addition to their primary MSF cargo arrangements.
Air: The US and Australian military have shifted all their humanitarian operations to Sabang (as a base). Sabang has sufficient hard base parking area for helicopters. This has meant a reduction of approximately 20 percent on the total Banda Aceh foreign military aircraft movements.
Cumulative Air Deliveries: UNJLC reports total cumulative humanitarian community uplift of humanitarian supplies by the UN and its NGO partners for the period 7-20 January as 730MT, currently between 50MT to 100MT per day of cargo is arriving to Banda Aceh and Medan. To allow coordination and forward planning on needs for helicopters, decrease congestion at airports (in particular in Medan, but also in Subang and Banda Aceh), and increase efficiency and security of offloading of planes, it is imperative that slot times for all aircrafts carrying non-food items (NFI) be requested in advance at airaceh@unjlc.org. More information on this procedure can be obtained from www.unjlc.org.
WFP and IOM data indicates total cumulative dispatches of 6,058MT and 4,579MT respectively since commencement of operations. The Government and UN have now agreed on a system for improved tracking of relief supplies, with computers with commodity tracking software provided by IBM. Training on the system has been provided to UNJLC.
Shelter
A senior Government/UN/NGO team visited several of the 24 already identified relocation sites in the Banda Aceh and Aceh Barat provinces over the course of the last few days. While visiting the sites, initiatives and planning issues relating to camp design and management were discussed. The Government's current plan is to house an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 IDPs in the Province of Aceh for a period of up to 2 years. BAKORNAS and the UN are developing basic criteria and benchmarks for this by 31 January 2005.
In Meulaboh, cooperation between the UN and the Government continues in order to identify appropriate land and the best use of the emergency shelter for the transitional period. UNHCR, in conjunction with other partners, is setting up a first camp in Meulaboh city which will be run by the Government. The camp, scheduled to open in the coming days, will offer shelter to some 1,000 displaced people. Oxfam is constructing latrines and water facilities at the camp site.
IOM's Aceh programme is continuing to expand in other areas including shelter, with an agreement to build 11,000 semi-permanent pre-fabricated houses for people made homeless by the tsunami. IOM has also agreed to build and equip five community health centers and IOM medical staff in Banda Aceh are currently working with the Indonesian health ministry officials to identify suitable locations.
Water and Sanitation
Poor water and sanitation continues to be the major health issue in Aceh. The situation is currently exacerbated by bad weather conditions and large numbers of displaced people. The joint WHO/UNICEF assessment of water, sanitation and health issues in priority Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps is ongoing. WHO has been working with the Ministry of Health (MoH) on an action plan to improve water and sanitation conditions.
As part of the Clean Start Program, UNICEF and its partners in Water and Environmental Sanitation are reviewing the safety and cleanliness of schools as plans to bring children back to a learning environment proceed. As of 24 January 2005, 13 schools have been given a "clean start" in Meulaboh; 35 others are in the process of being cleaned.
Coordination mechanisms
The UN's Humanitarian Information Centre (HIC) is now online with a link to the Sumatra page (www.humanitarianinfo.org). The HIC is working closely with the Government to ensure that data on the impact of the tsunami and the subsequent response can be integrated into the reconstruction phase.
The HIC is a key clearing house for information for the humanitarian community to assist with planning and coordination, and is producing reports and maps continuously. Current key documents include a new health location map for Banda Aceh, an updated Who does What Where, and an IDP summary report based on the above mission. A key role for the HIC is to hold a database of completed assessments.
A Joint Liaison Unit comprising Government, UN and key NGOs to improve coordination between the Government and the international humanitarian community is now functioning in Banda Aceh. In addition to this working level coordination structure, a Humanitarian Coordination Committee, chaired by BAKORNAS and the UN in Banda Aceh is to be established. Sectoral Working Groups would report to the Humanitarian Coordination Committee directly.
In Banda Aceh, the Sectoral Working Groups are meeting frequently to implement coordinated responses to the identified needs. In Meulaboh, a full coordination structure is in place. This includes daily general coordination meetings with Government, NGOs, and UN agencies, and sectoral working groups for all key sectors. Mapping and other data-gathering activities are fed into the HIC office in Banda Aceh.
PLEDGES? CONTRIBUTIONS
Updates on contributions to this disaster may be found on the Financial Tracking Service (http://www.reliefweb.int/fts; or, click "Financial Tracking" at the top of the Relief Web page for this disaster). Donors are requested to verify this table and inform OCHA Geneva of corrections/additions/values. Donors are encouraged to notify OCHA Geneva of their contributions to this disaster using the OCHA Standardized Contributions Recording Format, available electronically on the above-mentioned FTS website.
Together with further information on other ongoing emergencies, this situation report is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int.
Aid agencies are encouraged to use the Virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC) at http://www.reliefweb.int to share information on assistance and coordinate activities.
Tel. +41-22-917 1234
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23/06 28
E-mail: ochagva@un.org
In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10
Desk Officers:
Mr. Rudi Müller/Ms. Caroline Péguet
Direct Tel. 41-22-917 3131 / 1836
Press contact:
(GVA) Ms. Elisabeth Byrs, direct Tel. ++41-22-917 26 53
(N.Y.) Ms. Stephanie Bunker, direct Tel. +1-917 367 51 26
(N.Y.) Mr. Brian Grogan, direct Tel. +1-212-963 11 43
[Additional notes: How to give the U.N. et al information about needs ~ A Joint Liaison Unit comprising Government, UN and key NGOs to improve coordination between the Government and the international humanitarian community is now functioning in Banda Aceh. In addition to this working level coordination structure, a Humanitarian Coordination Committee, chaired by BAKORNAS and the UN in Banda Aceh is to be established. Sectoral Working Groups would report to the Humanitarian Coordination Committee directly.
In Banda Aceh, the Sectoral Working Groups are meeting frequently to implement coordinated responses to the identified needs. In Meulaboh, a full coordination structure is in place. This includes daily general coordination meetings with Government, NGOs, and UN agencies, and sectoral working groups for all key sectors.]
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Indonesia - Earthquake and Tsunami: OCHA Field Situation Report Update No. 22
Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Highlights
Today's information from National Coordination Board for Disaster Management (BAKORNAS) on the human toll for the disaster shows a slight increase in the number of bodies buried (101,199) and in the number of displaced people residing in spontaneous settlements (417,124) in Nanggroe Aceh Darusalam (NAD). BAKORNAS states that a further 260,000 are thought to be residing with extended families and community. Numbers will remain fluid whilst assessment work is incomplete. The significant movement between camps and host families is expected to continue.
BAKORNAS has advised agencies in Banda Aceh that it has begun registration of people in spontaneous settlements for the relocation site plan.
[Note: I am wondering what options are being presented to IDPs in spontaneous settlements. Egeland promised no forced relocations. In Calang (see below), IDPs are reported to have settled on the steep slopes above their village because the Indonesian marines set up camp on the site of their destroyed houses. What is the Indonesian government doing to ensure that IDPs choices regarding their current settlement is heard?]
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Indonesia has visited Banda Aceh, Meulaboh and Calang to follow up on general coordination issues. In Calang, the Government (TNI) indicated that priorities for assistance were education-related items, diversified food and logistical assistance. The TNI welcomed a more permanent UN presence in Calang to reinforce the coordination of assistance. Infrastructure for a UN office is on its way, several UN agencies have staff on the ground already.
[Note: A strange way of saying it! With the UN presence made more permanent in Calang perhaps the IDPs will overcome their fear of the Indonesian marines and ask them not to occupy their village.]
A WFP survey reveals that overall food prices in Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar have risen some 20% since the tsunami, with the exception of rice and fish which remain stable: rice supply is good owing to supply from non-affected areas. Fish is being avoided for fear of post-tsunami contamination. Surveys will be conducted weekly.
Several UN agencies, with Oxfam, World Vision, JRS and six local women's organizations are providing technical support to the Womens' Empowerment Bureau on issues such as shelter, protection of women and children and community participation.
On 27 January, 950 members of the Japanese Self Defence Force (JSDF) were deployed to Banda Aceh. The JSDF deployment of three ships, carrying two hovercraft and three helicopters, is the largest overseas military deployment since World War II.
Some 3,000 foreign military personnel from 11 countries continue to be engaged in the relief operation on the ground, excluding the troops offshore.
Sectoral Developments
Health
The Ministry of Health (MOH)-WHO surveillance system is now receiving communicable diseases surveillance reports from 18 agencies working in the field. A joint WHO-UNICEF assessment of 50 priority IDPs camps in Banda Aceh revealed no immediate health issues. Access to clean water, sanitation and food is still a major problem.
The Indonesian National Family Planning Coordination Board (BKKBN) and UNFPA report an increase in demand for contraceptives from displaced people in spontaneous settlements. In response a reproductive health program is underway. BKKBN reports there are 16,000 units of contraceptive-pills, condoms and injectable contraceptives in stock in NAD, significantly below demand. UNFPA is providing contraceptives along with equipment, medicines and supplies. Following the joint reproductive health assessment, an Action Plan for meeting emergency reproductive health needs has been developed.
[Note: Okay. But somehow strange.]
No major disease outbreaks have been reported. There is an increased risk of dengue in Aceh and MOH, with UN support, is carefully monitoring the situation. The Government has sent 150 dengue rapid tests IgM and Igg to Aceh as contingency. Officials are also monitoring the situation with regard to malaria. The area is endemic for malaria.
The measles vaccination campaign has reached a total of 65,343 children or about 54.9 of the targeted population. Mobile clinics to cover Nagan Raya and Aceh Barat are being set up and the measles campaign in Sama Tiga and Meulaboh continues apace. All children in camps along the west coast have been vaccinated against measles. Currently efforts are being made to reach children who are living outside the camps.
[Note: What obstacles do these efforts continue to encounter? Are vaccination programs being allowed free access to all vulnerable populations? Who is placing obstacles in the way of this?]
Work is underway in Meulaboh to establish a public health laboratory with the arrival of a lab specialist and much of the necessary equipment. A coordinator will commence work on 4 February to assist the MoH to consolidate all offers of assistance, identify gaps in structure and equipment. With support from AusAID the Ministry of Health is re-establishing medical supply distribution network in Banda Aceh. Support has included funding for infrastructure and equipment and a pharmaceuticaland medical supply specialist to assist with development of an appropriate drug inventory management system; a list of essential supplies; and a procurement and transportation network.
Food and Nutrition
The pipeline for the diversified ration is now secure, with 75.6 MT of vegetable oil and 51 MT of canned fish now in Banda Aceh. Distributions of the full diversified ration have commenced. On 27 January, 6,278 beneficiaries in Jantho, Aceh Besar and 16,600 beneficiaries along the west coast received distributions. The Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior loaded with 70 MT of commodities including rice, canned fish and biscuits is en route to Lamno, where food distribution will take place with WFP cooperating partner ACF. WFP has made a local purchase of rice 20,000 MT through BULOG from warehouses in regional districts close to operations.
Shelter
Two local NGOs, MBPI and IIDP have completed a rapid survey of IDPs in Jantho Sub-District. The survey results identified 1,000 people in need of emergency shelter out of a total of 5,200 displaced registered by the district authorities. International Relief and Development (IRD) began work on 24 January preparing a site given by the district authorities in Jantho.
In Lamno, the number of displaced is estimated at 14,000 of which 3,500 are living with host families and the rest in spontaneous settlements. Tents, blankets and kitchen sets were distributed by UNHCR to host families as well as IDPs. It is believed that new arrivals have come from Calang by boat and some from the villages around Lamno. UNHCR is coordinating efforts with NGOs, including World Vision and Action Against Hunger to provide temporary shelter. Assessments on the situation of women and children in Lamno are ongoing.
[Note: Why are people leaving Calang and villages near Lamno to settle in Meulaboh?]
Education
The Rapid Assessment of Learning Spaces (RALS) was launched in Banda Aceh on 26th January. While the distribution of school supplies has already commenced, based on the pre-tsunami school populations, the RALS will help to identify school and teacher populations post-tsunami, look at the condition of existing structures and identify water supply and sanitation concerns. It is intended that the RALS will be conducted in all schools in all the affected districts.
Water and Sanitation
A review of all water tankering operations in Banda Aceh is to commence imminently, as a first step to improving coverage of urgent needs that are not being addressed. In Meulaboh, the IRC have constructed latrines and rehabilitated wells in Alue Bilie, Darul Makmur sub district and Nagan Raya district. With the help of MCA they transported 10,000 litres of water to Alue Bilie and are struggling to get a continuous flow of water to the affected area.
[Note: Is this "review" different from the assessment that was ostensibly being conducted over a week ago?]
Livelihoods
The livelihoods sector coordination group in Banda Aceh is establishing common guidelines for cash-for-work, defining common parameters for cash grants and micro-finance, as well as drafting "Guiding Principles" for livelihoods interventions in coordination with local authorities and international organizations supporting livelihood activities.
Media
The UNESCO media assessment has been completed. Local media has been hard hit by the disaster. More than 20 commercial radio stations on the coast of Aceh were destroyed or seriously damaged. Many staff members are either reported dead or missing and many stations have lost their owners. The print media has also lost numerous staff members. Significant and sustained resources will be required to re-establish pre-tsunami capacity. During the mission the team conducted a three-day workshop on radio program production techniques for making programs on the search for and reunification of family members, post-trauma and strengthening the coverage of rescue operations and communication of humanitarian information. Urgently needed equipment was also provided for stations presently on air.
Logistics
Road: With support from UNDP and Panglima Laut, displaced people have started work with the Australian Army engineers to assist them in clearing the way for infrastructure repair on vital bridges in Banda Aceh. The total number of IOM trucks operating between Jakarta-Medan-Banda Aceh and Medan-Meulaboh currently stands at 267. IOM has moved and distributed some 5,850 Metric Tons (MT) of relief items from Medan to Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province. Of that total, 1,070 MT went to Meulaboh. Relief good delivery routes also include Medan-Biruen, Medan-Nias and Medan-Lhokseumwe.
Air: The UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) has finalized arrangements for the operation of 7 helicopters (2 provided by TNT, 3 MI-8 provided by DFID and 2 MTV) to distribute relief supplies in Aceh province, operating from Banda Aceh. Another helicopter will be based in Medan. This cargo-dedicated fleet for the UN and its implementing partners will be complemented by additional fixed wing aircraft capacity for regional passenger travel. All assets will be operating by early next week. This increased capacity means a significant reduction of the dependence of the civilian international relief operation on military assets.
Communications: IBM will be establishing a wireless network in Banda Aceh on Wednesday (with a range of 30km) for the benefit of the entire humanitarian community; a second site will also be established at a site to be decided upon along the west coast of Sumatra.
Customs: A guide to customs procedures for humaniarian agencies is available from the UNJLC.
For the latest comprehensive report regarding logistics, please see UNJLC's latest situation report at www.unjlc.org
Useful websites
Government:
- www.bakornaspbp.go.id (National Coordination Board for Natural Disaster Management)
- www.depsos.go.id (Department of Social Affairs)
- www.depkes.go.id (Department of Health)
- www.lin.go.id (National Information Board-Ministry of Infomation and Communication)
- www.info-ri.com (Information-Republic Indonesia)
Other:
- www.coe-dmha.org/tsunami.htm (daily chronology of key events)
- www.apan-info.net - tsunami page (Pacific Command)
For detailed information please contact:
Michael Elmquist
Chief, OCHA Indonesia
Tel. 62 21 314 1308
Fax. 62 21 319 00 003
Mobile. 62 811 996 594
Syalomi Natalia
Emergency Response Officer
Tel. 62 21 314 1308
Fax. 62 21 319 00 003
Mobile. 62 812 100 2065
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OCHA Field Situation Report Update No. 23
Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Overview
The latest figures from BAKORNAS (31/01/05) on the human toll for the disaster indicate that some 108,110 bodies have been buried in NAD Province and 130 bodies in North Sumatra Province. The number of people reported missing remains 127,749 in NAD and 24 in North Sumatra. Meanwhile the number or displaced people in NAD are 426,849. The figure of displaced people in North Sumatra is still to be obtained. BAKORNAS' previous report on the 260,000 displaced people who are thought to be residing with extended families and community has been taken out from its latest report considering the dynamic of those displaced persons.
BAKORNAS plans to reassess the dynamic figure of the displaced persons by middle of February 2005. The result of the assessment will be shared once it is available.
Sectoral Developments
Health
There are an estimated 800 pregnant women in IDP settlements. The Ministry of Health has sent 300 midwives to Banda Aceh to provide support. WHO has developed an action plan together with the Ministry of Health to support reproductive health.
WHO stated that one case of bloody diarrhea that was reported from Lonehga by the Turkish Red Crescent is under investigation. After the completion of measles vaccination in the IDP camps, the last leg of the campaign is planned for Lhoong where 24 of the 28 villages are known to have been destroyed. The remaining 4 villages can be reached only by air. Helicopter support may be needed to reach immunization to the children in these devastated villages.
[Note: This is, I believe, the West Coast vaccination program. Doesn't include North/Northeast.]
On Sunday (30/01/05) MoH reported that the measles vaccination campaign has covered 77,842 children (58.7%) in Aceh. For North Sumatra, the coverage is 2,000 children (20.3%). In addition, the MoH reported (31/01/05) a total of 59 clinical cases of Malaria, of which 8 are Malaria Falciparum.
Food and Nutrition
Joint UN and Government surveys are planned, as well as the establishment of a nutrition surveillance system for affected people, including the host communities. To address potential micronutrient deficiency, WFP is planning on distributing fortified products (fortified biscuits/noodles) in the ration. The Nutrition Director from the Ministry Of Health chaired a meeting in Jakarta on the 26th January attended by WFP, UNICEF, WHO and many NGOs. The aim was to encourage better coordination by ministry authorities of assessments and action in nutrition. Concern was raised by the MOH about the large quantities of milk powder coming to Aceh. WHO and UNICEF have issued a joint statement on appropriate infant and young child feeding, and cautioned against unnecessary use of milk products.
[Note: Important to echo this warning: use of infant formula carries with it risks of malnutrition, I believe. There was a scandal in Central America a few years back where it was being promoted by the manufacturer (Nestle?) and targeted to mothers with young infants for whom breastfeeding is preferable.]
Shelter
The first IOM model durable component temporary shelter unit is on its way to Banda Aceh and is expected to arrive in Banda Aceh on 5 February. A team of shelter experts will assemble the model unit and train and prepare IOM shelter assembly crews to assemble the first 1,000 temporary shelter units. The first four units are due to be loaded onto IOM trucks at the factory in Bandung for delivery to Banda Aceh on 14 February. Members of the shelter committee comprising individuals of the Government of Indonesia, UN agencies, NGOs, local religious leaders and IDP community representatives have been informed and invited to view the model unit to share their comments and recommendations.
[Note: Good that NGOs and IDPs are weighing in about what a suitable shelter should look like (see more below). What are the (local and international) NGOs weighing in and what are they proposing? What are IDPs representatives saying? Anyone know? Are they being heard?]
UNHCR has been using Swiss helicopters in a shuttle operation to transfer 18 tonnes of shelter materials from its operational base at Calang on Aceh's west coast to the village of Krueng Sabe, 8 km south of Calang, where an estimated 50 percent of its population were swept away by the waves, leaving some 4,000 people displaced. UNHCR has helicoptered in lightweight tents, plastic sheeting, hygiene kits and blankets for some 3,000 people. UNHCR is currently assessing transferring relief supplies to the severely hit village of Keude Panga, further south from Calang.
[Note: Since the situation in Calang is still paralyzed, the District Government of Aceh Jaya has moved temporarily its capital to Lamno. Calang is where the U.N. relief helicopter noticed piles of donated clothes and food on the beach and where witnesses stated that the TNI had taken all the good food and left the rest for the survivors.]
In Teunom, some 60km to the north of Meulaboh, 2,000 out of the original population of 17,000 reportedly perished in the tsunami disaster. Some 8,000 people have been displaced, 80 percent of them living with host families and the rest in damaged mosques, public buildings and a few tents. This figure includes those from neighboring villages. The area is cut off from the nearest main city of Meulaboh with large portions of the asphalt road and bridges destroyed. The harbor has been damaged and only very small boats can enter the port. No cleanup has taken place in the area. Supplies can only be flown in by helicopter. UNHCR is preparing to fly in to the area some of the 250 "shelter boxes" donated by Rotary International and brought by a convoy of eight trucks to its satellite office in Meulaboh. Each box is for 10 people and contains blankets, a torch, a shovel, water purifying tablets, cooking and drinking containers.
The work on the second camp is ongoing at Alu Peunyareng, 15 km south of Meulaboh. This camp will shelter around 350 families living in appalling conditions.
Water and Sanitation
WHO reports that a joint assessment of water and sanitation in temporary settlements in Banda Aceh finds that there is still insufficient provision of latrines, and that the provision of water could be better coordinated to ensure a regular supply.
[Note: For weeks the focus has been IDPs in Banda Aceh. The TNI and GoI have raised concerns for international NGO workers leaving Meulaboh or Banda Aceh without permission (and even military escort). While the concentration of survivors in these towns made such focus seem in some way logical, I fear that repeated mention of needs in Banda Aceh and Meulaboh is obscuring more dire needs in outer-lying communities which require airlifts of supplies using helicopters. It seems that the on-going lack of competence in addressing Banda Aceh/Meulaboh needs are creating a distraction from what we all can imagine must be more dire circumstances for communities which could not use roads to escape and headed for the mountains instead.]
Livelihood
Last week ILO finalized its agreement with the Provincial Government of NAD to establish Emergency Public Employment Service Center Network and the guidelines have been published by the Provincial Manpower Office. The first centre will be established next week in Banda Aceh (at the premises of the Vocational Training Center), and the next center will be established in Meulaboh.
ILO has deployed a team on employment-intensive infrastructure development and its assessment has been completed in Banda Aceh. Meanwhile, a team of experts on labor-based works will start on 2 February. Both teams will work with the Public Works office along with other pertinent organizations implementing 'cash-for-work' schemes.
The first child labour action programme has been approved to be implemented together with executing local agencies in Aceh Besar.
Programme formulation is being finalized to start the entrepreneurship development programme called 'Start Your Business'. In addition, short-cycle vocational training will be implemented through both public and private training providers.
UNDP reports that international and national organizations are cooperating on a Cross-Sectoral Assessment which would employ a common methodology, assessment form and timeline to conduct an assessment across the tsunami affected sub-districts in the province. The assessment will not only examine the needs of the affected populations but will also gather data on their preferences for the future in terms of location, shelter, livelihoods, etc. This assessment will build on assessments already carried out by a number of international and local organizations. UNDP isrecruiting a survey specialist to refine the questionnaire, the sample size and train the surveyors.
City cleaning
Work has started on cleaning up the main psychiatric hospital in Banda Aceh, and 300 people are working on this project supported by UNDP/Panglima Laut in cooperation with the Australian Army.
UNDP is consulting with authorities on a possible pilot project concerning a waste recovery facility within Banda Aceh, aimed at the improvement of the environmental management of Tsunami waste, which would sort waste into different categories using labour intensive methods. The pilot project would be carried out in parallel with the current waste disposal activities to prevent any delay in the clean up operation, and could be up-scaled to other urban centers.
Telecommunication
BAKORNAS reported that the rehabilitation of telephone system in Banda Aceh will be completed by today (01/02/05) and that 50 percent of electricity supply in Banda Aceh and 30 percent in Meulaboh have been restored. However, Calang and Temno remain out of electricity supply. Meanwhile, since the situation in Calang is still paralyzed, the District Government of Aceh Jaya has moved temporarily its capital to Lamno.
Useful websites
Government:
- www.bakornaspbp.go.id (National Coordination Board for Natural Disaster Management)
- www.depsos.go.id (Department of Social Affairs)
- www.depkes.go.id (Department of Health)
- www.lin.go.id (National Information Board-Ministry of Information andCommunication)
- www.info-ri.com (Information-Republic Indonesia)
Other:
- www.coe-dmha.org/tsunami.htm (daily chronology of key events)
- www.apan-info.net - tsunami page (Pacific Command)
For detailed information please contact:
Michael Elmquist
Chief, OCHA Indonesia
Tel. 62 21 314 1308
Fax. 62 21 319 00 003
Mobile. 62 811 996 594
Regina Rahadi
Emergency Response Officer
Tel. 62 21 314 1308 ext 151
Fax. 62 21 319 00 003
Mobile. 62 811 93 9479
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