Published: 27 October 2010
The Red Cross and Red Crescent is responding to the impact of two major disasters that have struck Indonesia in recent days. On Monday, an earthquake triggered a tsunami that struck the Mentawai Islands off Western Sumatra. At the same time, Mount Merapi, Indonesia’s most active volcano located in Central Java, began spewing clouds of hot ash and lava.
Residents living in a radius of 10 kilometres of Mt Merapi have been ordered to evacuate and, according to government statistics, 25 people have died largely as a result of burning ash. More than 8,000 people have been displaced from their homes and, as the situation worsens with an increase in volcanic activity, officials estimate that 40,000 people living in the area are at risk. The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has been quick to respond with over 100 personnel already on the ground. Red Cross volunteers are supporting the evacuation process, providing medical care and establishing field kitchens for the displaced population. Tents and other relief items have also been dispatched to the area.
Tragically, Mr Tutur Rajitno, an Indonesian Red Cross volunteer working with a medical team from the Bantul branch office was found dead in Kinahrejo village, 4 kilometres from the peak of Mt Merapi. He was unable to escape the downfall of hot ash while helping to evacuate people from the village last night.
In Sumatra, the first Red Cross search and rescue teams have arrived in the Mentawai islands which were hit by an earthquake and subsequent tsunami on 25 October. Details of the extent of devastation are still emerging, but reports from the provincial government state that at least 112 people have died with more than 500 still missing. Thirteen villages on the west coast of the islands have yet to be reached.
“Getting to the islands is no easy task,” says Phillip Charlesworth, head of the IFRC delegation in Jakarta. “It’s a 12-hour boat ride from the mainland and the high waves and strong winds are making the crossing hazardous.”
Five Indonesian Red Cross search and rescue teams from West Sumatra reached the islands yesterday and a have brought tents and body bags to the islands. A second team is heading to the islands today with relief supplies and a further stock of 400 body bags. A third team is scheduled to leave for Mentawai tomorrow to distribute 1,000 family tents. Some of the most urgent needs include drinking water, food, tents, blankets and fuel.