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Indonesia
earthquake: Red Cross Red Crescent relief response underway for the
islands of Simeulue and Nias 29 March 2005 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has carried out an initial aerial assessment of the island of Nias and a ground assessment of the island of Simeulue in the aftermath of the strong earthquake that struck Northern Sumatra at 23:09 local time on 28 March. According to government sources, some 300 people have been reported dead so far on the island of Nias, which is located near the epicentre and has suffered extensive damage. With approximately 60 percent of buildings in the town of Gunungsitoli (Nias Island) damaged or destroyed, it is feared the death toll may be much higher. A doctor from the Spanish Red Cross is assisting those injured on the ground, assisted by Palang Merah Indonesia (PMI - Indonesian Red Cross) volunteers. An assessment team left Medan, in Indonesia, early this morning, for Simeulue and Nias. They include a five-person medical team from the PMI and trained PMI volunteers, as well as delegates from the French and Spanish Red Cross Societies. On the island of Simeulue, the team reported that approximately 10% of buildings and infrastructure was damaged or destroyed by the earthquake. Preliminary figures indicate some 10 people were killed and dozens injured. Emergency health care was provided and the team continued on to Nias island. Damaged roads, limited transportation and widespread destruction are hampering relief efforts. A further two teams will go to Nias and Simeulue tomorrow. They will include medical teams from the Japanese Red Cross and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and specialists in reporting, relief co-ordination, water and sanitation and healthcare from the French Red Cross and Spanish Red Cross. A large landing craft will carry relief goods from Meulaboh to the islands tomorrow evening, carrying body bags, tents, 4x4 trucks, kitchen sets and four cargo trucks. An additional five boats have been hired to transfer other relief items. Meanwhile, a Spanish Red Cross water and sanitation Emergency Response Unit (ERU), a Japanese Red Cross basic health care ERU and a medical team from the French Red Cross are on standby to be deployed. A helicopter has also been rented from Banda Aceh for further relief trips. The Federation is closely coordinating its action with the UN in Banda Aceh, Meulaboh and Jakarta, as well as with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other Red Cross and Red Crescent partners active in the region. Federation delegations in Medan and Banda Aceh have reported no further damage in these locations, although power outages have been reported in Banda Aceh. The Federation is confident at this point that it has enough relief stocks, vehicles and staff available in the region to deal with this new need. No additional funds are required for this relief operation. The International Federation is currently supporting the Indonesian Red Cross distribution of food and relief items to some 11,500 survivors of the 26 December tsunami on the Island of Simeulue. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: Siân Bowen, Head, Media Service, Geneva Tel. + 41 79 217 33 88 Marie-Françoise Borel, Media Officer Tel: + 41 79 217 33 45 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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