OCHA Situation Report No. 5 Indonesia - Floods 25 May 2000
1. The following is an updated summary provided by the UNHCR/OCHA to date. Situation: - The helicopter airlift of supplies to Malaka Barat, one of the worst affected sub-districts, continued throughout the day of 24 May. Over 110 MT of food and relief supplies in over 120 sorties have been airlifted since relief efforts began last weekend by three UNTAET/WFP helicopters. - It seems that the improving conditions are tempting people to return to their homes. Judging from an initial unsubstantiated estimate, some 10,000-12,000 persons displaced by the floods (mostly East Timorese refugees) have temporarily settled in some 17 makeshift sites. International humanitarian assistance agencies will conduct a census starting on 25 May, as well as a more detailed assessment of needs. Most of the sites have been provided with food and non-food assistance, although there are concerns about providing for longer-term needs. - As expected, a return to normal is underway. The UN airlift will continue through 25 May, after which time agencies will begin a phase-down of the initial emergency response. It will be necessary to continue monitoring the situation. Additional relief, recovery, or reconstruction activities can only be launched once more accurate mid-term assessments have been made. Health agencies report that medical stocks are adequately supplied. The clean-up of health facilities continues, but most are fully functioning. Casualties: - 123 confirmed dead and three further casualties who perished by drowning when crossing the River Benain, which is still swollen. - 50% of the casualties are believed to be East Timorese refugees. Affected population: - 50,000 of the area's total population of 100,000 have been reportedly affected in some way by the flooding. - An estimated 20,000 primary victims of the floods require assistance. This includes those in Malaka Barat and those in the makeshift settlements surrounding Betun town. - IOM had evacuated 5,579 people to safety by the end of 24 May. Some of the local population who had been evacuated are now returning to their homes. - In a drive to promote voluntary repatriation, UNHCR has expanded its team assigned to assessing the refugee population's desires and plans for the post disaster stage. Extent of destruction: - The displaced population has already destroyed a large area of bamboo thicket and woodland in the process of constructing shelters. This is likely to be a precursor to increased soil erosion and increased risk of flooding. Agencies are working together to try and limit any further damage to the primary forest surrounding Betun. - More accurate assessments of the mid-term impact of the floods are under preparation. Assessments/Needs: - There is still a shortage of timber for the construction of latrines in the makeshift camps. - There have been some complaints that flood victims in the Malaka Tengah sub-district are not yet receiving any form of assistance. At this point, WFP and CRS have largely met their goal of jointly providing 120 MT of food, in other words one-half of the estimated one-month requirements for 20,000 people. An additional 20,000 Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDRs) have also been provided. The Indonesian Government has also distributed food stocks. - On 25 May UNICEF, CRS, DRC and UNHCR will conduct a headcount at the 17 makeshift sites around Betun as a preliminary move towards planning water and sanitation facilities. - Kerosene is the main priority for victims, particularly in Malaka Barat. It has been reported that some people walk for as long as 20 hours just to fill up their ten-litre jerry cans in Betun. - The health situation seems to be improving and morbidity and mortality rates are on the decline. Mid-term health concerns will centre around water- and vector-borne diseases. Response: - The chlorination Puritabs have arrived, which means that treatment of the well water can begin in the affected areas. Though the quality of water in Malaka Barat is not as bad as had been predicted, the wells will nevertheless be treated to ensure against the outbreak of disease. - On 24 May, in 60 sorties, the two helicopters managed to airlift 34.1MT of rice to Malaka Barat with assistance from an Indonesian Government chopper. On 25 May the WFP helicopter is expected to return to West Timor where it will help airlift the final 42MT of rice, 5MT of non-food supplies, and 4000 litres of kerosene to Malaka Barat. - The Governor of Nusa Tenggara Timur province conducted an aerial assessment of the flood area, visiting damaged areas and newly-established sites. Coordination: - The emergency response operation in the affected areas has been marked by a high level of cooperation among all actors. - On 26 May the UN and NGOs will begin to close down the initial response phase of the emergency operation. - The Indonesian Government POSKOs (coordinating posts) continue to run as operational centres throughout the disaster area. - UNHCR and OCHA are jointly reviewing updates of the overall situation and coordinating response and follow-up on requests for assistance. 2. OCHA Geneva is in close contact with its office in Kupang, with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Jakarta and with UNTAET, and will revert with further information as it becomes available. 3. This situation report, together with further information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int Telephone: +41-22-917 12 34 Fax: +41-22-917 00 23 In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10 Desk Officers: Ms. S. Metzner-Strack / Mr. R. Mueller / Mr. S. Matsuka Direct Tel. +41-22-917 21 44 / 31 31 / 40 34 Press contact: (in GVA) Mr. Donato Kiniger-Passigli, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 53 (in NY) Ms. Phyllis Lee, direct Tel. +1-212-963-4832 distributed by - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Volunteers in Technical Assistance Disaster Information Center lists: www.vita.org/listsub.htm sitreps nat-dsr web: www.vita.org fireline - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -