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| March 31, 2005 |
Sumatra Updates
Although I've written very little, if anything, about Sumatra since I've returned home, I follow the news very closely. I've set up a daily Google Alert for the word 'aceh' and read news articles on the Web. I also have stayed in touch with some who are working in Sumatra, both via e-mail and instant messaging. The recent earthquake on March 28 hit the area very hard, and was an especially severe psychological blow to many who were just beginning to think that maybe life could could start to resemble something a little closer to what they once knew. The government, UN, and NGO resources are being stretched at this time, because the workload as greatly increased, and the focus has shifted to a different part of the region, the island of Nias, off the south-west coast of Sumatra. From what I've been told, this island has a higher population of Christians than other parts of Sumatra. Here's some recent information from Jonathan, who is working a the Pactec 'net café in Meulaboh:
"Here is another update on the new large earthquake off the coast of Sumatra. One advantage of being where we are [at the UN Base Camp in Meulaboh] is that the UN keeps a folder full of information about what is happening in Sumatra and there is lots of information about the latest quake and the efforts to assist the people there. Here are a few excerpts from the latest report that we have:
Nias Island
Situation
The Inter-Agency Advance Mission is continuing its assessment on Nias. They have completed their assessment of the capital and today have been in the next 4 most populous areas and taken aerial overviews of the smaller islands surrounding Nias. Estimate of building damage in Gunungsitoli buildings range between 20% and 50% severely damaged. Most damage was done to cement and brick buildings.
The highest priorities continue to be for water purification, medical support and Search and Rescue teams. Confirming casualties is still difficult. Local authorities put the death toll at between 300-500 and the number of injured at ten times this figure. 20 people were airlifted out yesterday and another 30 today. Tents are being requested in order to reestablish part of the hospital. Additional needs are currently for medical crash kits, medicines, family tents and food supplies.
Simeulue Island
Situation
Rapid assessments have been undertaken by the Advance Inter-Agency Government Team, CARE and other NGOs, and WHO with Provincial Health Authorities. The most recent reports indicate that there are an estimated 12,000 whose homes have been destroyed or damaged. Needs have been indicated for family tents, water purification equipment, watsan supplies, food, medicine, and NFIs. A water maintenance team is needed to repair and develop water treatment distribution system, and a power maintenance team. WHO and the Provincial health Authorities have also conducted a joint health assessment.
At around 17:00 a fire in the urban center of Sinabang on Simeulue island was reported to Banda Aceh through CARE. The fire was started in the only remaining restaurant in Sinabang. Unconfirmed reports note that 150 houses and building were burned. Currently the fire is reported to be out. The UN has offered assistance to the Bupati and the situation and related needs are being assessed by local authorities and humanitarian partners on the ground. No immediate needs have thus far been reported. Many of the communications systems are currently down due to the fire.
West Coast
Situation
TNI has reported that stretches of the road between Meulaboh and Medan, and Meulaboh and Banda Aceh have been damaged. TNI repair teams are being sent out. So far in Meulaboh 3 casualties and 40 people injured has been reported. UNICEF has confirmed the need for further psychosocial support. Information dissemination campaigns are being organized by UNICEF and UNDP. The main area of concern is now in Singkil District on the West Coast.
Now MAF and Samaritan's Purse are working together with the UN to help with some of the transportation issues and because of that all their aircraft have moved further south to a town called Sibolga where they can fly to Nias much easier. They are now helping to evac people to Sibolga for minor injuries and Medan for major injuries. Some of the difficulties facing the people is a real sense of hopelessness and shock that has caused the local response to be very minimal. One of the people from SP was there the day after the quake and he said there were about 4 people and one backhoe that was working to try and dig people out, and that was it in the whole city of Gunung Sitoli the largest city in Nias. There has been a large response from the UN and the NGOs working here since they have personel already on the ground in Sumatra. One other issue that is hampering efforts to help is continued earthquakes. We keep getting aftershocks, many of which are over 6.0 and the "small" ones are over 5.0. There have been around 25 - 30 of them since the main event. There is still much to be done both there and in Meulaboh. Please continue to pray for the people here as they face a very large task in overcoming the difficulties they have been given."
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David and Ellyn Hoffman
c/o Alas de Socorro • Casilla 17-11-6228 • Quito, Ecuador • South America
dhoffman@maf.org • http://www.thehoffmanfamily.com/shellthoughts/index.html