Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami Emergency … Tsunami...you probably were killed by tsunami,”...

PACIFIC DISASTER MANAGEMENT INFORMATION NETWORK (PDMIN) 1 Jarrett White Road MCPA-DM, Tripler AMC, HI 96859-5000 Telephone: 808.433.7035 · [email protected] · http://www.coe-dmha.org

Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami Emergency Update

January 2, 2005

Note: New content has been inserted in red, italicized, bold font.

Table of Contents: Overview......................................page 2-3 Indonesia.....................................page 4-10 Sri Lanka......................................page 11-19 Thailand.......................................page 20-30

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Overview • As emphasis shifts from search and rescue to relief and recovery, the United Nations reports

that the death toll from Sunday’s (December 26) massive tsunamis triggered by an undersea earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale off the west coast of Indonesia’s northern Sumatra Island is approaching 150,000. As of today tsunami related deaths have been reported in 11 countries that include Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Maldives, Bangladesh, Somalia, Tanzania and Kenya. The loss of life has been particularly severe in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. According to the Indonesian Health Ministry, the death toll has now climbed to over 80,000, with the possibility of 100,000 or even more in the northern province of Aceh on the island of Sumatra and along the 115 miles of the islands along Indonesia’s northwestern coast, which is close to the epicenter of the earthquake. WHO estimates 80 percent of Aceh’s west coast has been damaged. The death toll in Sri Lanka and India has also climbed to in excess of 29,000 and 9,000 deaths respectively. India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as the southern state of Tamil Nadu, have been the worst hit areas. The death toll in Thailand’s resort islands of Phuket and Phi Phi has now climbed to nearly 5,000, including some 2,500 foreigners from at least 36 countries. More than 400 combined deaths have also been reported in Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Maldives, Somalia, Tanzania and Kenya. (Jan-1, AFP, AP, NDM India, Multiple)

• The United States has designated Thailand as its hub for search-and-rescue operations for

countries in South and Southeast Asia devastated by last Sunday’s (December 26) tsunamis. US interagency and US-UN coordination will occur there.

• Indonesia has called for an international donors meeting on January 6 of heads of government/state

from some 23 countries, including from the 10 ASEAN nations and China, Japan, South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and US Secretary of State Colin Powell will be in attendance, as will many heads of state. The meeting will be chaired by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The meeting will coincide with the UN flash appeal to be launched on January 6.

• The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) head Jan Egeland says

pledges exceed US$2 billion; Secretary-General Kofi Annan says it may take ten years and cost tens of billion of dollars to reconstruct devastated areas. As the fifth largest pledger, China has promised US$60 million;

• European countries led by Germany and France are calling for debt relief for those countries worst

affected by last week’s tsunami/earthquake disaster. Paris Club members will reportedly discuss a proposal for a debt moratorium at its meeting on January 12. Indonesia, which owes some US$40 billion to the Club, is likely to benefit the most. Italy has issued a similar appeal to G8 nations.

• The United States, India, Australia, Japan and the United Nations have formed an international

coalition to coordinate worldwide relief and reconstruction efforts. European Union is expected to join the ‘core group” announced by the US President George W Bush on Wednesday (December 29). Canada has joined and more nations are likely to join the initiative.

Note: This report has been compiled from publicly available information. Although information has been gathered from reliable sources the currency and completeness of the information reported herein is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. Except for Overview section that is rewritten weekly, any changes in the other parts of the report are highlighted in red. Inquiries, updates and comments are welcome and should be directed to PDMIN team at [email protected].

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• World Health Organization (WHO) officials in South Asia estimate as many as five million people have been displaced and are at risk across the region. In Indonesia alone an estimated 1 million people are either displaced or homeless. However, at this stage of the crisis the actual extent of both those affected and those displaced remains unclear. Many are in temporary camps or sites close to their homes; the West coast of Indonesia’s Aceh, which was the area closest to the epicenter, has yet to be assessed.

• UN experts are warning of possible epidemics within days if health systems are not brought up to

speed. According to the UN, water, sanitation, food, shelter and medical teams with supplies are priority sectors to stem any disease outbreaks. Due to the contamination of drinking water sources and stagnant water, the risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, malaria and dengue fever, remains very high. Food and medicine in many areas are in short supply. Health experts at the UN and International Committee of the Red Cross warn of significant number of additional deaths due to possible outbreaks of disease. The risk of malaria is significantly high due to warm temperatures. Sri Lanka is particularly vulnerable to malaria due to the recent monsoon season as standing water provides ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. (Dec-30, UN News Service, PBS, )

• A number of logistical problems are starting to ease. Logjams at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike

International Airport, near the capital city of Colombo, are disappearing. Shortage of trucks to transport relief supplies, lack of storage facilities and limited capacity of the airport to land relief planes are being addressed. In Indonesia, backlogs at Banda Aceh airport and nearby Medan airport in North Sumatra Province are diminishing. Transportation of relief supplies from the airport is improving and a month’s supply of fuel trucked by IOM has arrived. A shortage of helicopters to transport relief supplies to affected areas that are no longer accessible by road reported in both Sri Lanka and Indonesia has eased in Indonesia with the arrival of a US naval battle group and nearly 20 helicopters. In Thailand, a lack of equipment and supplies to move and store dead bodies has been reported. The government of Singapore has opened up its air and naval bases to countries wanting to send relief supplies to Indonesia following reports that facilities at Indonesia’s Banda Aceh and Medan airports were overstretched. (Dec-31, Xinhua, JP, Radio Australia)

• Jan Egeland, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, is likely to request

international military forces deploying to respond to the crisis to bring helicopter carriers for Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Maldives; 5 air traffic control units; fixed wing aircraft capable of short take-off and landing; 100 boats/landing craft, cargo aircraft type C-17, C-130; fuel storage and handling units; water treatment units; power generators; 10 base camps with support staff with 20-80 staff capacity and 200 deployment kits for individuals.

• International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched a

consolidated appeal for US$59 million for the crisis. • German insurance giant Munich Re estimates the cost of damage to buildings and foundations in

the affected regions to exceed US$13.6 billion.


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Indonesia

The latest official death toll is 80,248, but Indonesian Health Minister Siti Fadilah Supari says that the government has given up trying to issue precise figures because the numbers were growing too large and too quickly. Other estimates have the number at 100,000 or higher. Some 1,541 people are missing in Aceh and North Sumatra province, according to the Indonesian Department of Social Affairs. Perhaps 1 million are affected or displaced and in need of immediate relief. The most immediate concerns appear to be helping those who have injuries that have been left untreated and to help survivors battle starvation. The UN warns that starvation, injury and disease are pushing survivors closer to death “every minute.” According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) more than 100,000 people are living in temporary shelters and camps. Officials say that search and rescue is now turning over to relief operations. “ There is very little chance of finding survivors after seven days. We are about to stop the search-and-rescue operations. If you survived the earthquake, you probably were killed by tsunami,” Lamsar Sipahutar, head of Indonesia’s search team said today. Most of the dead come from Aceh province, at the northern end of Sumatra Island, only 93 miles (150 kilometers) from the earthquakes epicenter, with the rest coming from a few areas in adjoining North Sumatra province. Worst hit areas in Aceh include the capital, Banda Aceh, at the very northern tip, and the northwest coast, a stretch of about 155 miles (250 kilometers) southeast from Banda Aceh. The 1999 population for the very northern tip of Sumatra around Banda Aceh was about 500,000. There were another 500,000 in the Aceh Barat region, including the city of Meulaboh on the northern part of the west coast and an additional 500,000 in the Aceh Selatan region including the city of Tapaktuan along the southern portion of Aceh Province’s west coast.


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Isolated areas along the west coast are having emergency food dropped to them by Indonesian and international military helicopters, which are taking off throughout the day from Banda Aceh’s airport. Yesterday (Saturday, January 1), the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in the region and started one of the biggest US military disaster relief operations. US helicopters are on the second day of shuttling relief between Banda Aceh and coastal villages along Sumatra’s west coast. In addition to food drops, at least 17 US navy helicopters are airlifting survivors from parts of the isolated coast and taking them to Banda Aceh. US crews describe most of what they have seen along coast as having been destroyed except for few buildings such as mosques. Crew members say air drops have been to crowds of hundreds in certain areas to isolated small groups in others. Jan Egeland, UN emergency relief coordinator says that distribution by helicopter would take “many days” to reach some areas. There have so far been no big outbreaks of disease among refugees in the Banda Aceh area, but officials are worried about waterborne diseases such as cholera and malaria, which is endemic in the area. UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) communications director, John Budd says that up to 500,000 people are “extremely vulnerable,” because of a lack of shelter, while an estimated 900,000 children were suffering from illness, injury, trauma and separation. Budd says that there is just one basic hospital functioning in the capital, Banda Aceh. Michael Elmquist, chief of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in Indonesia, says that “things are improving. The backlog is starting to clear.” Some roads that had been impassable earlier, are now reported to be cleared of debris. In the provincial capital, Banda Aceh, reports say that relief is being distributed out of tents to orderly crowds. Heather Hill, spokesperson for the UN’s World Food Program (WFP) says that agency is not having too many problems with distribution in the city. WFP passed out some 50 tons of food aid in Aceh on first day of operations yesterday (Saturday, January 1). Spokesperson for UNICEF, John Budd, also says delivery delays are easing and aid continues to arrive. In Meulaboh, the largest town on the west coast of Sumatra, with an estimated population of 40,000 plus, and one of the hardest hit towns on Sumatra’s northwest coast, aid workers reportedly set up a camp to distribute supplies. Five American doctors flew in from the USS Shoup and four Indonesian frigates with aid docked offshore. John Budd says that there has been a partial opening of the town’s airstrip which allows small planes and helicopters to land. The death toll in the town still not clear. Most pessimistic estimates had put the death toll at upwards of 40,000 or nearly all of the population. However, mixed reports suggest the situation is not quite as grim. Around at least half the town was reportedly destroyed. The largest town on the devastated west coast, Meulaboh, reportedly started receiving assistance Thursday (December 30). Indonesian army engineers up the road from Lampaya village, located some 15 miles (25 kilometers) west of Banda Aceh, are inspecting a bridge that was swept away from the tsunami which cut off all land transport to the west coast from Banda Aceh. Work reportedly will start today (Sunday, January 2) on repairing the bridge. In Lampaya, there are reportedly some 1200 at a camp receiving food aid. Presence of Taiwanese doctors is also reported in the village.


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In Bireun village, located some 60 miles (100 kilometers) east of Banda Aceh, there are reportedly some 18,000 homeless. The local aid coordinator for the village says that Bireun had received only one aid delivery thus far and that it was not enough for the villagers. In Lhoknga, a small town of some 7,000 located 10 miles (15 kilometers) west of Banda Aceh had been cut off from the capital after bridges were destroyed. A reporter from Metro TV quoted local officials as saying that only about 100 of the town had been accounted for. In the town of Kuede Teunom, 8,000 of its 18,000 total population reportedly died. Helicopters report that the town “gave the appearance of skeleton remains.” Officials insist no one is starving in isolated communities along the west coast. Islands off the west coast such as Nias have reported some 66 dead from the disaster. There have been conflicting reports of the other offshore island of Simeulue, which was very close to the epicenter. Rain has started falling in the area, making the likelihood of disease higher, and there has been enough rain on Simeulue Island to cause flooding. Aftershocks were reported in Aceh province, sparking some panic--they are expected to continue for months; Scientists do not anticipate additional tsunamis. The Indonesian government has essentially declared an open skies policy. Most flights to the airport originate from Medan on the east coast of North Sumatra province with some coming directly from Jakarta. Medan airport is also overloaded; and some flights have had to divert from Indonesia to Malaysia. Medan is closer to some of the devastated west coast areas than Banda Aceh. The UN is reportedly considering Malaysia as the hub of a hub-and-spoke airfield distribution plan. Some stores are opening in Banda Aceh and power is being restored. There is some cell phone service and some roads are being cleared. Traffic is coming back; and additional fuel trucked in from Medan is expected today. Corpses are still present, and, in camps, there is a lack of clean water, sanitation, food, and particularly medical supplies. Lack of medical supplies is also widely reported. There are no hotels or other accommodations available. There are reports of infected injuries and diarrhea, which can be precursors to additional deaths without immediate medical intervention. Distribution is hampered by a lack of manpower. Top relief requirements are ready-to-eat food, water, and medical teams with supplies. The UN and NGOs will likely operate out of the IOM office and adjacent buildings. The UN and NGOs are initiating coordination and identifying sector leads. The UN and most international NGOs are not allowed outside Banda Aceh for security reasons. (Dec. 31, UNOCHA)

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono flew into Sumatra on Saturday (January 1) to inspect the damage. Yudhoyono has urged separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels to lay down their arms and help to rebuild the devastated province. Both the Indonesian government and GAM had declared unilateral ceasefires earlier last week. However, reports today say at least 3 rebels killed in clashes with the military (TNI) in northern Aceh yesterday (Saturday, January 1). On Friday (December 31), Lt. Colonel Nachrowi of TNI headquarters’ general information department said operations were continuing but in “less scale and intensity.” GAM leadership in Sweden say rebels still being attacked and accuse military of stepping-up operations.


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Domestic Response

Local Government • Indonesian police have deployed around 800 officers to Aceh province to fill the posts of

some 450 killed in the disaster, the Antara news agency reports. 300 are from the elite Mobile Brigade (BRIMOB) unit. (Jan 2, Kyodo). National Police chief Da’I Bachtiar says that the number may be inadequate so more troops may be deployed. The police will be stationed in emergency police posts across Aceh, set up to help return civil order to the province as many police stations were damaged or destroyed. On Friday (December 31) the Indonesian Defense Force said that some 517 soldiers had been killed in Aceh from the disaster.

• The National Coordinating Agency for Disaster Relief and Refugees (BAKORNAS) will handle

GOI agencies in the relief effort, while MEKOKESRA will handle international assistance. (December 30, US Consulate Medan)

• There is an Indonesian disaster response command center in Medan near the airport. There is

an advance element in Banda Aceh. (Dec 30, US Consulate Medan)

• Health Minister Siti Fadillah Supadi expects the Indonesian death toll to reach 100,000. (Dec 31, AFP)

• The Jakarta Post estimates half the local government administration was killed, and many of

those remaining are looking after their families, resulting in a huge coordination void. (Jan 01, Jakarta Post)

• Social Services Minister Bachtiar Chamsyah sent 100 trucks with food and medicine from

Medan to Banda Aceh. (Jan 1, Jakarta Post)

• The Indonesia government has laid out three phase plan: Emergency measures through January 2005 followed by rehabilitation through February 2006 and reconstruction, also through February 2006. (Dec 30, Indonesian Mission to UN)

• The Coordinating Ministry for People's Welfare (MENKOKESRA) has relaxed requirements for

access to Aceh—subject to traffic, all aircraft are allowed access, and visas will be provided to humanitarians upon landing.

• Indonesian government says that the military could only reach a quarter of the western coast of

Sumatra. The military reportedly attempted to push through on the ground, but was unable to reach many areas.

• 100 Indonesian doctors arrive in Banda Aceh and say they will set up 4 hospitals across

province.

Local Organizations

• The Indonesia Red Cross deployed over 800 trained workers to Aceh. (Jan 1, Jakarta Post) Note: This report has been compiled from publicly available information. Although information has been gathered from reliable sources the currency and completeness of the information reported herein is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. Except for Overview section that is rewritten weekly, any changes in the other parts of the report are highlighted in red. Inquiries, updates and comments are welcome and should be directed to PDMIN team at [email protected].

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• Some of the initial aid flown into Banda Aceh was brought in by private individuals, religious

organizations, and companies—unloading and delivery were immediate problems. International Response

Foreign Governments

• US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln group is off the Sumatra coast and providing relief airdrops via helicopter as well as some evacuation capacity back to Banda Aceh. (Jan 2, AFP)

• Australian cargo planes are reportedly bringing in tons of blankets, medicines and body

bags to Aceh. (Jan 2, AFP)

• Australia operating 3 C-130s out of Medan to Banda Aceh and one 707 and 2 C-130s from Jakarta to Banda Aceh. Some flights in support of Indonesian military (TNI). (Jan 2, UNJLC)

• UK’s DFID flying C17 cargo plane to Banda Aceh with International Humanitarian

Partnership module and will deploy a 20-ton forklift. (Jan 2, UNJLC)

• France sending helicopter carrier Jeanne d’Arc and the frigate George Leygues to provide medical aid in Aceh. (Jan 2, AFP)

• Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has team members operating out

of Medan and Banda Aceh. On Monday (January 3), 4 cargo planes from Switzerland will start delivering 150 tons of relief supplies to Banda Aceh.

• Singapore says it will offer use of hospitals and medical facilities and expressed

willingness to beef up medical facilities in Indonesian island of Batam. (Jan 2, Jakarta Post)

• Rescue teams from Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, US, South Korea, and China are on

the ground. (Dec 31, UNDAC) • C-130 aircraft from US, Australia, and New Zealand brought in relief supplies—Australia and

New Zealand fly from Jakarta to Banda Aceh—US operates among Banda Aceh, Medan, and Jakarta—US will stay to shuttle supplies; Helicopters operating are from Singapore and US. (Dec 31, AFP)

• In addition to US, naval ships coming from Indonesia Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and India.

(Dec 31, AFP)

• Supplies and teams also coming in by air from Russia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, EU, France, India, Iran, Mexico, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, Spain, Tunesia, Czechoslovakia, Great Britain, and Jordan. (Dec 30, ReliefWeb)


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• Singapore opens its ports and airfields as a major supply base for Indonesia, noting relief supply backup in Medan and Banda Aceh. (Dec 31, AFP)

• USAID/OFDA DART assessment team arriving in Jakarta.

• US Marine DRAT assessment team on Sumatra.

• US Navy may establish a field hospital around core NAMRU-2 staff in Meulaboh on the west

coast as relief efforts build up in devastated city. (Jan 1, AP)

• US, Japanese and Australian naval ships heading towards Aceh with onboard hospitals and water desalination plants. (Dec 30, Reuters)

• Japan sent twenty-two doctors and nurses for Indonesia and two disaster surveillance

experts(Dec 30, AFP)

• China sending a 100-odd member medical team to tsunami-ravaged Indonesia. Besides, a 35-member rescue team headed by Zhao Heping, deputy director general of the State Seismological Bureau, will leave for Indonesia. (Dec 30, Xinhua)

United Nations

• WFP C-130 cargo planes carrying some 10 tons of food flew yesterday from Jakarta to

Banda Aceh. (Jan 2, AP) • WFP says food also moving by road with a convoy carrying some 18 tons of high-energy

biscuits and 50 metric tons of rice, plus water and fuel from Medan to Banda Aceh. (Jan 2, AP)

• UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) sending Antonov cargo plane with some

100 tons of relief supplies to spearhead UNHCR effort. A three-day airlift operation will deliver some 400 tons of aid from UNHCR stockpiles in Denmark and Dubai. UNHCR logistics and supply teams is setting advance bases in northern Sumatra ahead of delivery of aid. (Jan 2, UNHCR).

• UNICEF says it is looking ahead to establish 600 schools to serve some 120,000 children

in quake-hit areas of Sumatra. (Jan 2, AP) • Apple Air is offering free cargo flight to Banda Aceh every second day starting January 1,

UNICEF gained use of first flight. (Jan 2, UNJLC) • UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) teams being established in Jakarta and

Banda Aceh. In Banda Aceh, UNDAC will be at both the airport and at the coordination center in the city. (Dec 31, USAID/OFDA)


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• UN Joint Logistics Center (UNJLC) in Rome directed toward Southeast Asia, including Indonesia—will coordinate with all agencies and NGOs—will have presence in Banda Aceh and Medan. (Dec 31, UNDAC)

• UN determines coordination processes. UNDAC is in place in Banda Aceh; On-Site Operation

Coordination Centers (OSOCC) are established in Banda Aceh and Jakarta; assessments and coordination meetings with UN agencies and NGOs are occurring. UNICEF will head water and sanitation team, while other teams will be established for medical/public health, food, and shelter/IDP camps (Dec 31, UNDAC)

• UN will set up base camp for staff of 90 in Banda Aceh within two weeks. (Dec 30, OCHA)

• Ops Center established for Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO, and UNFPA to coordinate health

logistics. (Dec 30, OCHA)

International Humanitarian Relief Organizations

• WHO reports 50 international aid groups arrived in Aceh to provide medical care on Sunday (January 2). WHO says will attempt to organize all groups and provide coordination. (Jan 2, AFP)

• Mercy Corps says it will start air operations into Meulaboh’s short airstrip. (Jan 2,

UNJLC) • International Medical Corps (IMC) says it may use US military air capabilities to ferry

relief from US to Asia. Also, private 737 from Jakarta may be used for supplies. (Jan 2, IMC)

• IOM plans to send 25-30 trucks from Medan to Banda Aceh with fuel and other commodities to

be distributed by IOM staff. Once in Aceh, the trucks will remain to help with local distribution of supplies that are piling up at the Banda Aceh airport. IOM planned also to send generators to Banda Aceh by plane. IOM has procured 5,000 body bags, also due to arrive in Banda Aceh on December 29. (December 30, US Consulate Medan)

• Association of Medical Doctors of Asia AMDA dispatched a coordinator from Headquarters in Japan, joined by 6 doctors (2 plastic surgeons, 1 anesthetist and 3 internists) from AMDA Indonesian chapter in Jakarta. The team has arrived in Aceh on the morning of December 28th. 4 of the 6 local hospitals have been destroyed. The AMDA team is working out of the military hospital, the only place where electricity is available. (Dec 30, AMDA)


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Sri Lanka

On Saturday (January 1), flash floods caused by heavy rains forced the evacuation of 10,000 people, in low-lying areas in the area of Ampara district. By Sunday (January 2), some of the camps housing them were still under water. Over 183,000 people were displaced in the district by the tsunami, which hit on December 26. Relief convoys were delayed by flooded roads for several hours and the main access roads to the region were cut off. In the south, however, the main route, the Galle Road, had been cleared for light traffic. However, while there is access to the district, 70% of buildings on the coastline have been completely destroyed. Of particular concern in all affected districts is the threat of outbreaks in water-borne diseases. WHO warned on Sunday (January 2) that there were increasing reports of diarrhea outbreaks in displaced settlements and called for continued preventive measures. The BBC reports that although international aid has arrived in Sri Lanka, an effective distribution system is still lacking, with private NGOs complaining that government bureaucracy is slowing down the delivery of aid, particularly to areas further from regional government


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centers and relief camps. At the Bandaranaike Airport, through which all international flights must transit, an Aviation Ministry official reported that fuel supplies had been restored after briefly being depleted amidst an influx of cargo flights. In related news, the UN Joint Logistics Center reports that there is sufficient off-loading capacity and storage space at the Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo. All aeronautical fees are waived for aircraft involved with the relief effort. UNJLC also reports that off-loading of equipment in Colombo is recommended since all cargo must be inspected by the Govt. of Sri Lanka. Relief goods can be shipped to field areas by road or air. All other domestic airports are operational, but medium to small cargo planes or helicopters are recommended. Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) concluded that the problem of relocated landmines should not hamper relief activities, as most of the minefields were located on higher grounds. The Tamil Rehabilitation Organization, the relief arm of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), had earlier released a statement that downplayed the threat of landmines, saying that competent demining personnel were available to deal with any mines that might surface. However, NPA added that all personnel should exercise general caution and awareness. The LTTE has been engaged in a 20-year civil war with Sri Lanka. A ceasefire brokered in 2002 has largely held although peace negotiations have stalled. The LTTE controls areas in the north and east of the island nation that were hard hit by the tsunami. Both the LTTE and the government of Sri Lanka have made overtures of cooperation in the aftermath of the tsunami. On Sunday (January 2), a Defense Ministry official claimed that LTTE rebels torched a refugee camp housing displaced Tamil families in the city of Kudatane in south Jaffna after local residents accepted aid from the military. The confirmed death toll from Sunday’s (December 26) tsunami disaster has reached 29,755 spread over 14 coastal and inland districts (out of Sri Lanka’s 25 districts). On Sunday (January 2) the number of missing was revised upwards from about 5,000 to nearly 14,000. About 16,665 people were also injured and over 778,102 people displaced after their homes were destroyed. The following districts were affected: District Dead Missing*** Injured Displaced Total Pop* Colombo 76 12 19,872 2,234,289 Gampaha 7 32,000 2,066,096 Kalutara 213 48 726 43,685 1,060,800 Galle 3,941 2,500 55,739 990,539 Matara 1,163 200 8,288 17,157 761,236 Hambantota 4,500 27,351 525,370 Ampara 10,436 120 183,527 589,344 Batticaloa 2,264 1,050 1,106 185,637 486,447 Mullativu 3,000 1,300 2,500 24,557 121,667 Trincomalee 947 327 86,054 340,158 Jaffna 2,640 540 541 48,729 490,621 Puttalam 4 850 705,342 Vavuniya** 4 2,000 169 2,944 149,835 Killinochchi 560 63 1,020 50,000 127,263 __________________________________________________________________ Total 29,755 5,540 16,665 778,102 10,649,007


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* From Census 2001 ** Vavuniya district was not affected by the tsunami. Affected persons are included here are residents of Vavuniya who were in other districts. *** Figures for missing persons as of January 1, 2005 Domestic Response

Local Government

• The Government of Sri Lanka established a Center for National Operations under the direct authority of the Prime Minister. The Center, with support from the UN Office of the Resident Coordinator and UNDAC, was established and has been operation since December 30, 2004. The Center will be the focal point for the coordination of relief work, including coordination of line ministries, and all provincial and governmental bodies. The center provides links to sectoral ministries and serves as the interface between the Government, NGOs, and the UN. Information is compiled and disseminated through a government website:

http://www.priu.gov.lk/CNO%20Website/ndmc/index.html

• All assistance at the district level is being coordinated by Government Agents, supported by UN interagency teams deployed to affected areas.

• The Sri Lanka Ministry of Health is coordinating all medical supplies and skilled personnel.

(Oxfam, Jan-01-05)

• The Disaster Relief Network (DRN) has set up operation at the airport in Colombo and signed an agreement with the Government of Sri Lanka to receive all incoming relief commodities. Agencies / organizations who are sending relief commodities to Sri Lanka are requested to provide the following information on the virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC) in addition to the clearance request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The following information is required by DRN: - Cargo specification - Weight and Quantity - Origin - Consignee (or unsolicited) - A contact point of the receiving agency in Sri Lanka and instructions on how to contact - Specification if commodities are for common use or for specific agency DRN will keep the commodities in a storage facility in the airport for a maximum of seven days. If the receiving organization has not picked up these commodities, it will be handed over to the Government of Sri Lanka. This service is only available for pure relief commodities.

• The Sri Lanka Police Department has established the Disaster Management Control Center, a

service to provide escorts for food convoys to affected areas. (UNHCR, Dec-30-04)


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http://www.priu.gov.lk/CNO Website/ndmc/index.html

• The Ministry of Health identified safe drinking water, proper sanitation, shelter, clothing, transport vehicles, and drugs and medical supplies as top priorities for response.

• The Sri Lankan Rehabilitation Ministry has sent several loads of tents and bottled drinking water

to the North and 2,000 metric tons (MT) of sugar and 195 MT of dhal to the five districts of the North and the East. Additional supplies are in the pipeline to be sent to these areas. Regional government officers have also been authorized to purchase rice for distribution to affected local populations. (GoSL, Dec 29-04)

Local Humanitarian Relief Organizations

• The Tamils Rehabilitation Organization (relief arm of the LTTE and registered as a humanitarian

organization in Sri Lanka) is maintaining 60 care centers in Trincomalee district. On December 30, TRO issued mats, bed sheets, and milk to 5,000 people. The TRO is also operating 23 care centers in Batticaloa district. TRO has formed volunteer groups in the affected districts in the north and east in which it operates (Amaparai, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, Jaffna). TRO has listed the following needs: Food for 80,000 people for 2 weeks, non-food items, clothing, drugs, water purification tablets, 25,000 tents and 50 medical tents, and 50 portable generators).

• A 15-member team, including surgeons from the UK, arrived to serve in Mullativu district. (Tamil Net, Jan-01-05)

• Sri Jayawardena University sent the entire staff and students of the medical faculty to Galle and Hambantota to assist with medical needs.

• Jaffna University’s medical faculty is working in Vadamarachchi in Jaffna district to assist with medical needs. (Tamil Net, Jan-01-05)

International Response

• The World Bank said today (Friday, December 31) that it was allocating US$100 million to Sri Lanka out of a previously announced total immediate budget of US$250 million for affected countries. The US$100 million will initially be made of reallocated funds from existing programs, and emergency credits and grants.

Foreign Governments • A list (updated as of December 31-04) of international community relief supplies which

have arrived in country is available at: http://www.priu.gov.lk/CNO%20Website/ndmc/relief%20from%20the%20international%20community%20updated.doc

• The French health minister accompanied a team of French epidemiologists to Sri Lanka,

taking water purification equipment and medicines. (Scotsman, Jan-2-05)


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• The United States is sending up to 1,500 Marines with at least one ship and 22 aircraft to Sri Lanka under Operation “Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief,” which will be the largest ever US deployment in Sri Lanka. The first contingent of 200 marines is expected to arrive on Sunday (January 2) from Okinawa, Japan.

http://www.priu.gov.lk/CNO Website/ndmc/relief from the international community updated.doc

http://www.priu.gov.lk/CNO Website/ndmc/relief from the international community updated.doc

• A 5-member US Agency for International Development (USAID) Disaster Response Assessment Team is in southern and eastern Sri Lanka. (AP, Jan-01-05).

• Army medical teams, engineers, and naval officers from Pakistan will be accompanying two

naval ships to Sri Lanka. The ships will be carrying water, food, medicine, and tents. (AP, Jan-01-05).

• Two Indian aircraft equipped as mobile hospitals departed on Friday (Dec 31) for Sri Lanka. At

least 140 doctors and other medical workers will be stationed in field hospitals in the southern districts. India said that it would provide assistance worth about US$23 million to Sri Lanka. (Deutsche Press-Agentur, Dec-31-04). India sent four navy ships with relief supplies on Monday (December 27). Indian army teams arrived Tuesday (December 28) to distribute supplies. Indian medical teams have been deployed at district hospital in Hambantota. The Indian Air Force sent 6 helicopters with 12 tons of relief supplies. India says the Home, External Affairs and Defense Ministries were working together to bring relief to Sri Lanka. Indian Navy engineers are clearing and repairing the Galle Harbor so that two Indian patrol vessels carrying 40 tons of relief supplies could enter the harbor. Indian helicopters are assisting with search and rescue operations in the Galle-Matara area. Six Indian Air Force helicopters are also ferrying food, clothing, and medicines in the area of Galle (Hindustan Times, Dec-29-04).

• The Department for International Development (DFID) (UK) reports that two ships will be

arriving in Sri Lanka around January 4 to carry out operations under DFID in the region. DFID also dispatched an aircraft carrying plastic sheeting and tents on December 27 and an assessment team to Sri Lanka. (DFID, Dec-31-04) DFID is conducting a needs assessment for the UN in Ampara district in consultation with the government agent and with the assistance of UNHCR, UNICEF, and WFP. (NDMC, Dec-31-04)

• The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation’s (SDC) Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit

(SHA) has a 4-member assessment team in southern Sri Lanka.

• The Philippines is sending a 12-person team of doctors, nurses, and sanitary engineers to Sri Lanka on Saturday (January 1). The team will stay for 10-15 days to provide medical assistance and coordinate with other teams. (Xinhua, Dec-31-04)

• China sent a package of relief items to Sri Lanka on Wednesday (December 29) worth US$1.2

million. China indicated that it will increase its assistance to tsunami-hit countries in both goods and monetary donations. (Xinhua News Agency, Dec-30-04) A 14-member team of doctors departed China on Sunday (January 2) to offer medical assistance in Sri Lanka. Another team is expected to depart China on Tuesday (January 4).

• The Government of Australia is providing US$5 million to Sri Lanka and the Maldives to support

public health needs. (Govt. of Australia, Dec-31-04).

• Four planes arrived in Colombo bringing a surgical hospital from Finland, a water purification plant from Germany, doctors and medicine from Japan and aid workers from Britain, the Red Cross reports.


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• Vietnam is providing US$100,000 to Sri Lanka. Health workers and medicines are prepared to be sent if requested. (Xinhua News Agency, Dec-30-04).

• Japan has sent a 20-member medical team to Sri Lanka (AFP, Dec-30-04)

• Bangladesh sent two helicopters and a plane-load of medicine, safe water and oral rehydration

packets to Colombo on Thursday (December 30). A 10-member medical team and a 96-member army team will also be dispatched. (Deutsche Presse Agentur, Dec-30-04)

• According to ITAR-TASS news agency, a Russian cargo plane carrying 20 tons of non-food

items and drinking water and disinfectants departed Thursday (December 30) for Sri Lanka. (AFP, Dec-30-04)

United Nations

• UNJLC notes the following needs: equipment for restoring water supply facilities,

portable generators and flood lights, tents, life jackets, rubber dinghies, safety harness equipment, general tool kits/equipment for repair and maintenance. (UNJLC, Jan-02-05)

• A UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team established an operations center

at the Ministry of Public Security, Law and Order, and is working to coordinate emergency assessments and reports. The Disaster Relief Network (DRN) has set up operations at the airport and has signed an agreement with the government of Sri Lanka to receive all incoming relief commodities. Daily meetings are convened with UNDP, NGOs partners, and Government of Sri Lanka representatives. (OCHA, Dec-31-04)

• The UN Special Coordinator for Humanitarian Assistance in Tsunami-affected countries,

Margareta Wahlstrom, will visit Sri Lanka on Saturday (January 1, 2005). (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

• The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) brought in medical supplies for 150,000 people for three months and more than 30,000 blankets. UNICEF also brought in 2,175 water storage tanks, each with a capacity of 500 liters (110 gallons) to relief camps in the south. (Reuters, Dec-31-04) The head of UNICEF, Carol Bellamy, will tour affected areas in Sri Lanka for two days starting Sunday (January 2). (Jakarta Post, Jan-1-05) 15 UNICEF emergency medical kits were cleared and handed over to the Ministry of Health. The kits will allow 15 hospitals to service the needs of 150,000 people for 3 months. Shelter and non-food relief packages for up to 30,000 people will also be distributed. UNICEF also procured three 6,000 liter water bowsers for Batticaloa, Matara, and Ampara districts. (UNOCH, Jan-01-05)

• The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Humanitarian Response Unit offered US$100,00 to the

pooled UN agency contribution to the Government of Sri Lanka, as well as US$150,000 for immediate response. UNFPA is carrying out reproductive health assessments. At the request of the Ministry of Health, UNFPA provided 25,000 personal hygiene packs and an initial shipment of basic reproductive health supplies is being deployed. (UNOCHA, Dec-31-04)

• The World Food Programme (WFP) is providing an initial response of food aid for 500,000

people for two weeks. On December 28, WFP dispatched 12 trucks carrying food for 22,700 people for 15 days to the south and east. On December 29, WFP dispatched 13 trucks carrying


16

food for 32,519 people for 15 days to the north and east. On December 30, 35 trucks were dispatched with food for 66,705 people for 15 days to the north and east. WFP plans on doubling its distribution capacity and expects to have 5,000 tons of essential food to feed 750,000 people for 15 days. WFP staff have been deployed to affected areas. Five trucks of commodities have been sent to LTTE-controlled areas in the north. (WFP, Dec–29-04) One WFP officer in Kilinochchi is coordinating food relief in Jaffna with UNHCR providing logistical support. (UNHCR, Dec-30-04)

• The World Health Organization (WHO) is shipping four emergency health kits for hospitals with

medicines, disposables and instruments sufficient to support 40,000 people for three months. WHO received and delivered water purification tables to the Ministry of Health.

• UNCHR has provided plastic sheeting, plastic mats, cooking sets and clothing to some

20,000 families in affected areas in Ampara, Batticaloa, Hambantota, Jaffna, Galle, Mullativu, and Tincomalee. UNHCR’s existing supply stockpile is expected to be depleted by the end of the week, but stocks are being replenished with support from a Dutch NGO, Stichting Vluchteling. Five portable warehouses are due to be airlifted into Sri Lanka for UNHCR warehousing capacity. UNCHR is focusing relief efforts on shelter. (UNHCR, Jan-2-05)

• At government and UN meeting, it was decided that UNHCR would concentrate on delivering

relief items to conflict-affected areas in the east, where it has offices and access. UNHCR has 7 offices overall in the country.

International Humanitarian Relief Organizations

• The International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) provided essential household kits

for nearly 12,150 families in the north and east Sri Lanka. All relief distributions were carried out in cooperation with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS). ICRC plans to assist an additional 8,000 families with relief items already stored in Sri Lanka. ICRC also expects to assist medical services and water and sanitation in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi, Trincomalee, Battcaloa, and Ampara districts.

• Action Against Hunger – UK provided immediate assistance to victims in Batticaloa,

Trincomalee, and Jaffna, including the building of temporary latrines, water, and transportation of bodies. (Interaction, Dec-29-04)

• Action Against Hunger (ACH) – Spain has teams in Sri Lanka building latrines and analyzing

drinking water supplies, recovering bodies, and distributing mosquito nets, blankets, towels, and mattresses. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04)

• Action by Churches Together (ACT) International – members from Europe and N. America have

airlifted supplies in, including basic medicines, family shelter kits, and blankets. The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) has mobilized all its staff and volunteers. NCCSL has been providing food in camps in Muttur in the Northeast and reports that medical needs are acute, as well as roofing materials and dry rations. One truckload of food has been dispatched to Muttur, Trincomalee and Batticaloa. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04)


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• AmeriCares is mobilizing an airlift to Sri Lanka to deliver medicines and medical supplies, personal hygiene items, and water purification treatments for up to 4 million liters of drinking water. (Interaction, Dec-29-04)

• Baptist World Alliance allocated an initial US$25,000 for relief work and is supporting a medical

team from Hungary, using US$110,000 worth of medical supplies. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04) • The Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA), in collaboration with the Sri Lankan

Ministry of Health, dispatched an additional medical team to southern Sri Lanka (AMDA, Dec-31-04). Another AMDA team is working in Kilinochchi in the North. AMDA staff is also providing relief supplies in Mutur 20km (12 miles) south of Trincomalee.

• Canadian Relief Foundation (CRF) has arranged 3 skids of medical supplies to Sri Lanka, to be

transported by Gulf Air and Sri Lankan Airlines. A CRF medical team consisting of emergency physicians and paramedics will travel to Sri Lanka on January 5, 2005. (CRF, Dec-31-04)

• CARE has nearly 250 staff spread across 17 offices in Sri Lanka. CARE Sri Lanka will provide

food for 14,000 affected people in Batticaloa district over the next two days and provide similar assistance in Jaffna, Mullaitivu (north), Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Ampara (east) and Hambantota (south). CARE will also assist with the transport of relief goods. (CARE, Dec-30-04)

• Church World Service is planning to deploy an assistance team and will be supporting efforts by

the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka. (Interaction, Dec-29-04)

• Handicap International (UK) was already working in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts of Sri Lanka and has been involved in transporting victims and providing first aid. Efforts will concentrate on post-trauma treatment. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04)

• HelpAge International (HAI) UK is working through local partners in Matara, Hambantota,

Batticaloa, Trincomalee, and Amapara to provide water, food, medical supplies and non-food items. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04)

• Humedica, e.V, Germany sent a 6-member medical team to Sri Lanka with supplies for 3,000

people. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04). A second team is also in country providing medical assistance. On Tuesday (January 4), a plane carrying 1.5 tons of medicine donated by the Barvarian Pharmacists Relief Organization will be departing Germany for Sri Lanka. (AlertNet, Jan-02-05)

• Medair, Switzerland deployed a team, including a doctor, water engineer, administrator, and

project manager. The team conducted a rapid assessment mission around Ampara on the east coast. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04) Medair has humanitarian supplies in transit and will begin water purification and drilling upon arrival of the team in Ampara.

• Medical Assistance Programs (MAP) International is preparing a shipment of medicines and

medical supplies to send to affected areas in Sri Lanka. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04)


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• Medecins du Monde UK sent an emergency team to Colombo with one ton of medical and logistical materials. The UK team was joined by medical team delegations in Cyprus, Greece, and Spain. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04)

• Medecins Sans Frontiers has sent a team to Sri Lanka. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04) MSF is working in

Hambantota.

• Mercy Malaysia has sent a team to Sri Lanka to assess need (The Star online, Jan-01-05))

• Merlin is planning a deployment of essential emergency public health materials, including water purifying chlorine tables to communities lacking access to safe drinking water and latrines. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04)

• Oxfam, UK staff have been transporting injured victims to hospitals in Sri Lanka and conducting

needs assessments. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04) OXFAM has completed rapid assessments in 5 districts and a field officer is involved in the distribution of drinking water, food, and non-food items. Oxfam has been providing cooked meals for 7,000 individuals in Vaharai, north of Batticaloa. Non-food items for 6,000 have been distributed, with another 3,000 being prepared in Batticaloa. In Killinochichi, 2000 bed sheets, towels and buckets have been distributed. (Oxfam, Dec-30-04)

• 155 Save the Children staff are working in Sri Lanka to carry out the distribution of dry food

rations, and basic personal items to 37,000 families in Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Matara, Galle, Jaffna, and Ampara. Save the Children UK is also sending tents, tarpaulins, bedsheets, water purification tablets, generators and communications equipment. (Save the Children, Jan-01-05)

• Terre des Homes (TdH) Switzerland is providing food and psychosocial support and operating

eight clinics in eastern Sri Lanka. It is also coordinating aid to Batticaloa. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04)

• World Vision Sri Lanka has been providing assistance in the southern coastal areas, including Matara, and Hambantota, including food and non-food items. WV also provided a freezing facility and set up a database of names at the Karapitiya Hospital in the town of Galle. WV expects to scale up their intervention once reports by assessment teams have been made. (World Vision/Interaction, Dec-29-04)


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Thailand


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The official death toll from the December 26 tsunami was raised to 4,933, while the number of missing was scaled down to 3,810 across the six affected provinces (Phang Nga, Phuket, Ranong, Krabi, Satun and Trang) after a more coordinated system was adopted. Thai police in the town of Baan Nam Khem, north of Phuket, said that up to 3,000 people out of a population of 5,000 were feared dead. However, the true number of missing may never be known as many people from Myanmar were living and working there. Some Thais have complained that towns such as Baan Nam Khem were being ignored with efforts focused on tourist areas and foreign victims. About 2,461 foreigners were listed among the dead. At least 18 nations have sent forensics teams to Thailand to assist in the process of identifying corpses. Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said that no foreigners would be buried until DNA testing was carried out. Foreign corpses are being collected at three sites for identification. Prime Minister Thaksin said earlier that several government committees will be set up to oversee post-tsunami relief, compensation and reconstruction, and added that an early-warning would be set up in the southern region. The Thai Interior Minister Bhokin Bhalakula said that some 47,700 rescue and relief workers have been deployed to affected areas. He added that search and rescue (SAR)

operations were completed in Phuket and were expected to wind down in Phi Phi soon. The Bangkok Post reports that a second stage of relief effort has begun with the rehabilitation of homes and tourist areas, which will be supported by a budget of around 1.5 billion baht (US$38 million). The Public Health Ministry has raised a disease alert, fearing the spread of respiratory infections, malaria, cholera and typhoid among the survivors. Officials have said that immediate humanitarian needs have largely been met and the government has begun to focus on longer-term recovery, and relief supplies are no longer needed. According to UNDAC yesterday, congestion is reported at the Phuket Airport as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued to be overwhelmed with receiving foreign embassy teams and an increasing volume of donated items. The death toll in Thailand as of January 2 is 4,993, including some 2,461 foreigners, 2,252 Thais and 276 whose origins could not be confirmed. The breakdown as of January 1 by province is as follows: Province Dead** Missing Injured Affected*** Total Pop* Phang Nga 3,854 5,262 families 223,000 Krabi: 494 3,425 families 358,000 Phuket: 281 1,463 families 241,000 Ranong: 172 2,203 families 158,000 Satun: 6 4,962 families 260, 000 Trang: 5 2,863 families 587,000

*According to census 1999 figures ** According to Channel News Asia, Jan-01-05 *** According to the Nation, Dec-31-04 Domestic Response

Local government • The Humanitarian Relief and Assistance Coordination Task Force of the Thai Ministry of

Foreign Affairs has requested the following for “possible assistance”: o Metal casket/coffins (for international transportation) o Medical supplies (such as first-aid kits, dressing sets, gauze and bandages) o Medicines (especially anti-diarrhea, anti-biotics and anti-septics) o Rubber gloves, masks o Tents and office supplies o Blanket, clothes, shoes, sandals, underwear, pants and sanitary napkins o Heavy equipment (such as excavator and bulldozer) o Power generators o Water purifiers o Forensic pathologist (especially who can speak English) and mass disaster relief team o Freezer containers for storing bodies o Communication equipment o Dried or canned food and rice (Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dec-31-04)


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• Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has put his cabinet in charge of the affected provinces: Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suvit Khunkitti would take care of Krabi; Deputy Interior Minister Sutham Saengprathum, Phangnga; Deputy Prime Ministers Pinit Charusombat and Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Ranong; and the Interior Minister Pokin Polakul Phuket, Trang and Satun. Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop will deal with emergency help offered to foreign tourists. (Bangkok Post, Dec-30-04)

• The Thai Interior Minister has appointed the Inspector General for Social Development and

Human Security (MSDHS) as the UNDAC team’s focal Thai contact. The MSDHS is the Thai government agency responsible for disaster rehabilitation and recovery. An office for UNDAC has been established alongside the Inspector General. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

• The government has reportedly set aside about 28 billion baht (US$717 million) for

rehabilitation, while millions of baht in private donations have been given. The total rebuilding cost was estimated at 30 billion baht (US$768 million).

• Businesses and farmers in the affected provinces are now entitled to emergency soft loans

worth up to 30 billion baht (US$ 772 million) from the Finance Ministry. T he Bank of Thailand estimated that the six provinces would lose up to 78 billion baht (USS$2 billion) in tourism revenue. (The Nation, Jan-01-05)

• Interior Minister Bhokin Bhalakula said that the government would donate 20,000 baht (US$514)

to each family of a deceased; 5,000 baht (US$128) to people with severe injuries and 2,000 baht (US$51) to those with minor injuries. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation will provide the families of all victims with an initial subsidy of 15,000 baht (US$306). (The Nation, Jan-01-05)

• The Foreign Ministry is aiding in the repatriation of foreigners and has set up centers to issue

travel documents and settle expenses, including airfare, in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi. (The Nation, Jan-01-05)

• The Thai government has issued guidelines for treatment of deceased victims available at:

http://www.mfa.go.th/tsunami/body_en.php/id=1568 Thai government has listed information on international assistance at: http://www.mfa.go.th/tsunami/body_en.php?id=1562 (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

• The Information and Communications Technology Ministry (ICT) is currently mobilizing

resources from state agencies to create a central database of tidal wave damage and victims in Thailand (BKK Post) that will be accessible through websites such as http://www.thaitsunami.com. The ICT is also preparing Internet and cell phone connections to facilitate the collection of information in all affected provinces. (Bangkok Post, Dec-30-04)The ICT website will gather information that includes names, addresses, DNA test results of dead, number of missing people and population statistics of affected areas. (Bangkok Post, Dec-31-04). The ICT website is currently running at http://www.thaitsunami.com/ . The ICT website has given the following as important numbers. More numbers are available on the website itself:

o Disaster Center, Ministry of Interior 1784 , 02-2417457-9

List by Islands and Location - 1362


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http://www.mfa.go.th/tsunami/body_en.php/id=1568

http://www.mfa.go.th/tsunami/body_en.php?id=1562

http://www.thaitsunami.com/

• Trang Help Center - +66(0) 75 217513 +66(0)-7521-4382 • Satun Help Center - +66(0)1 3700404 , +66(0)9 9791077 ,+66(0)-7472-

2121-2 , +66(0) -7472-2296 • Phuket Help Center - +66(0)76 217833 ,+66(0)-7621-6101 , +66(0)-7621-

1001 • Pang Nga +66(0)-7641-1525 , +66(0)-7641-1179 • Krabi Help Center +66(0)-7561-1302 , +66(0)-7562-4161-3 • Ranong Help Center +66(0)-7781-3401-3 , +66(0)-7782-3257

Hospitals • Suksamran Hospital, Ranong. +66(0)-7784-4143 • Kaper Hospital, Ranong +66(0)-7789-7016 • Watchera Hospital, Phuket +66(0)-7621-1114

Donation Line +66(0)2-2417495-6

• The government has set up special websites to help locate missing people. They include:

o http://www.narentorn.or.th o http://disaster.co.th o http://www.phuketcity.com o People can send also notes and pictures to the Phuket Gazette at

http://www.phuketgazette.net (The Nation, Jan-01-05)

• An international task force for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) has been established and is

headed by General Noppadol Zomboonsab, Deputy Chief of the Royal Thai Police. Other Thai police officials and federal agent Karl King from the Australian police supports him. The DVI is located at the main police station in Phuket. Coordination meetings are conducted twice daily at the station. There are 18 international DVI teams in Thailand at the moment. (UNDAC, Jan-01-05)

• The UNDAC officials reported that the worst-hit areas of Trang have been the islands of Koh

Muk, Koh Talibong and Koh Sukon, while mainland coastal areas have been less severely affected. The Trang provincial administration has reportedly been working with the Trang Chamber of Commerce to assist all villages there with water, food and shelter. (UNDAC, Jan-01-05)

• The Trang MSDHS Director said that fishermen who have lost their boats will be supported with

a daily stipend (for an unspecified times) and a cash grant of up to 50% of their boat’s value. Of greatest concern to the provincial administration is the impact on fishing communities and environmental damage to coastal wetlands. (UNDAC, Jan-01-05)

• Koh Phi Phi suffered extensive damage because the tsunami had wrapped around the island,

and struck both sides of isthmus, where most resort areas were located. Coastal communities in Koh Cham have also been affected. (UNDAC, Jan-01-05)


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• In Krabi, UNDAC reports that the Krabi Hospital is in need of intravenous antibiotics, body bags, dry ice and or refrigerated containers for human remains. (UNDAC, Jan-01-05)

http://www.narentorn.or.th/

http://disaster.co.th/

http://www.phuketcity.com/

http://www.phuketgazette.net/

• The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has begun building temporary shelters for affected residents in Takua Pa district in Phang Nga. Construction is expected to be completed by Monday (January 3). So far, 100 families have expressed intention to move into the temporary houses. (Bangkok Post, Dec-31-04)

• The Royal Thai Police said 3,000 volunteers, including community guards from Yala, Pattani

and Narathiwat provinces were heading to the 6 affected provinces to build and repair homes. The Agriculture Ministry has drawn up a list of people eligible for housing assistance. (Bangkok Post, Jan-01-05)

• Army engineers were being mobilized to construct houses and other public utilities in Phang

Nga. (Bangkok Post, Jan-01-05)

• UNDAC reports that capacity at key hospitals is improving as many countries are airlifting injured victims out of Phuket. However, due to the humid climate and danger for infection, hospitals remain at full capacity. WHO is currently assessing hospitals. (UNDAC, Jan-01-05)

• About 200 public health officers have arrived in Phang Nga to introduce disease control and

prevention measures, although no outbreaks have been reported so far. (Bangkok Post, Jan-01-05)

• Corpses in clearing centers in Takua Pa district have been sprayed with disinfectants and

pesticides. The Communicable Disease Control Department warned people in Ban Nam Kem in Phang Nga province not to drink from public water sources after some residents came down with diarrhea. (Bangkok Post, Jan-01-05)

• The Public Health Ministry is sending counselors to provide grief counseling to survivors, which

is badly needed. (The Nation, Dec-30-04) Social Development and Human Security Minister Sora-at Klinprathum ordered a relief coordination center to be set up at Ban Nam Kem and 40 psychiatrists to be brought in to counsel victims. (Bangkok Post, Jan-01-05)

• In Ranong, health workers are working in Phra Thong, where an outbreak of diarrhea was

reported in the Moken sea gypsy community there. (The Nation, Jan-01-05)

• The Mental Health Department has sent 60 psychologists and social workers to treat victims. Two teams have gone to Takua Pa district, where many residents from the Khao Lak areas have gathered. (The Nation, Dec-31-04)

• The Ministry of Health also has declared the six provinces disease-control areas, and additional

medical teams were sent today to prevent the spread of disease. The Ministry of Health has reported that no disease outbreaks have occurred, however, there has been an increase in reported cases of diarrhea, fevers and respiratory infections. The Ministry said that the health system is responding effectively, with clean water being distributed, children being immunized and a disease surveillance system in place. However, international assistance is still welcome. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)


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• Phang Nga governor Anuwat Metheewiboonwut has asked for donations of money to build about 2,000 houses for victims, saying that relief items should no longer be given since it is overwhelming local officials. (The Nation, Dec-31-04)

• A temporary relief center was opened on Monday (December 27) in the Rangsit campus of

Thammasat University in Pathum Thani province, just north of Bangkok, with more than 600 tsunami survivors from at least 25 countries, including Thailand. Free medical care, food, lodging, internet and other services were provided. (The Nation, Dec-31-04)

• Hospitals and schools in Phuket are being used as shelters and are collecting donations.

Caskets and cloths for Muslim funeral rites are badly needed. (The Nation, Dec-30-04) The Muslim Youth Association of Thailand is soliciting funeral clothes to donate to Muslim victims. (Bangkok Post, Jan-01-05)

• The Thai government has closed all schools within 300 meters (984 ft) of the sea for safety

reasons. (UNICEF, Dec-31-04) • The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a Ad Hoc Task Force on Tidal Wave Disaster to

coordinate international assistance and has appointed a Humanitarian Relief Coordinator. • The Bangkok Post reported today that about 15,000 troops deployed to the insurgency-hit south

will not participate in rescue operations for tsunami-hit provinces on the southwestern coast due to continuing violence in Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. However, troops from the upper South, including Nakhon Si Thammarat and Chumphon provinces, have been deployed to take part in the rescue operations.

• The Thai Defense Ministry said over 5,000 troops, along with a large number of aircraft, ships

and heavy machinery have been dispatched to assist in rescue and relief operations. (Bangkok Post, Dec-31-04)

• The police and military were among the first to deploy on Sunday (December 26), while

additional military rescuers were deployed from nearby provinces the next day. (Bangkok Post, Dec-31-04)

• Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has said that although there are sufficient personnel for

rescue and relief, there is a lack of equipment. • Authorities have sent 10 refrigerated containers to ease pressure on morgues, but facilities were

reportedly overwhelmed and forensic experts struggled to identify bodies.

• The government and military has launched a massive emergency response operation and has given priority to rescue and food airdrops for those stranded in remote islands, care for the injured, and the identification and repatriation of bodies.

Local humanitarian relief organizations

• After a meeting between local NGOs, community organizations and the south’s small-scale

fisheries association, a coalition of NGOs and civil groups will create a rehabilitation plan for the Note: This report has been compiled from publicly available information. Although information has been gathered from reliable sources the currency and completeness of the information reported herein is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. Except for Overview section that is rewritten weekly, any changes in the other parts of the report are highlighted in red. Inquiries, updates and comments are welcome and should be directed to PDMIN team at [email protected].

25

worst-affected fishing communities in the six provinces. Survey teams have been sent to affected areas and a report will be given to the fisheries association on Tuesday (January 4). Participating members include the Friends of the Andaman Group and the Community Organization Development Institute. (Bangkok Post, Jan-01-05)

• The National Human Rights Commission has joined with the Nakasathien Foundation to offer

assistance to the homeless and displaced in Phang Nga province. (Bangkok Post, Jan-01-05)

• Private donations from within Thailand exceeded 211 million baht (US$5.4 million) today (January 1). The donations would be added to the Prime Minister’s Office’s disaster relief fund, which had 22 million baht (US$565,000) before the tsunamis. (Bangkok Post, Jan-01-05)

• Some local foundations, such as the Poh Tek Tueng foundation, are working on retrieving

bodies in Phuket. (Bangkok Post, Dec-31-04)

International Response

Foreign governments • Japan is considering sending ground, maritime and air self-defense force teams to

Thailand to help in tsunami disaster relief efforts in cooperation with US forces, Kyodo News reported Sunday. Japan Defense Agency mulls sending destroyers and other vessels of the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) and C-130 transport planes of the Air Self-Defense Force, as well as a Ground Self- Defense Force contingent. The teams are to be based at the Utapao base in Thailand. The Japanese troops will discuss with US forces the roles they would play, but they are likely to include search and rescue operations and the transportation of relief goods. (Jan 2, Xinhua)

• The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is immediately deploying a team of 10

forensic specialists to Thailand to help identify those who perished in the disaster. (Jan 2, Government of Canada)

• The British Embassy in Bangkok remains closed until further notice for all normal business to

deal the tsunami emergency. (The Nation, Jan-01-05)

• Forensic teams from Australia, New Zealand, France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Israel and Switzerland, Chile, Japan, and Sweden are currently working in Phuket. Coordination of airlift for forensic teams occurring every evening at Phuket police headquarters. They have agreed to follow Interpol standards for forensic work and one database. A joint information collection center will be established at Phuket town hall for gathering information from relatives, while a database will be established at police headquarters. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04) (Thai MOFA, Dec-31-04) (Kyodo, Dec-31-04)

• The French Foreign Minister has travelled to Thailand to personally observe the situation,

possibly accompanied by a relief team. The French public health relief agency for Europe will send 12 volunteers to assist in relief efforts, in addition to equipment and supplies. France has also prepared 1 Atlanta reconnaissance aircraft and 2 C-130 transport aircraft, as well as search


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and rescue teams and dogs. On December 29, additional medicine and equipment were delivered to Thailand. (Thai MOFA, Dec-31-04)

• Iceland sent 9 tons of drinking water to Phuket. (Thai MOFA, Dec-31-04)

• The Asia-Africa Cooperation Centre (ACEC) in Kobe, Japan will donate clothing and blankets

directly to Phuket. (Thai MOFA, Dec-31-04)

• South Korea donated US$100,000, and sent search and rescue team and forensic experts. (Thai MOFA, Dec-31-04)

• Iran sent 23 tons of medical supplies, blankets and food to Phuket. (Thai MOFA, Dec-31-04)

• United Arab Emirates will donate US$ 350,000 to Thailand. (Thai MOFA, Dec-31-04)

• Saudi Arabia has pledged 31.2 million baht (US$200,000) worth of aid to Thailand, with 7.8

million baht going to the Red Cross. (The Nation, Dec-31-04)

• US officials said today that the Utapao Air Base, 90 miles (145 km) south of Bangkok, is being used by the US military for transport planes and personnel. The US has designated The Utapao Air Base as its hub for SAR operations in South and Southeast Asia. The Pentagon has also said that C-130 cargo planes would bring relief supplies to Thailand from Yokota air base in Japan, as well as from Utapao to southern Thailand. The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier strike group in Hong Kong was also diverted to the Gulf of Thailand, while a US official said that up to 1,000 US military personnel will be arriving. (AP, Dec-30-04)

• The US Embassy donated US$100,000 to Thailand through the Thai Red Cross (Thai MOFA,

Dec-31-04)

• Four helicopters and a 70-strong team from the Singapore air force left for Phuket this morning to join in rescue efforts for two weeks. (Channel NewsAsia, Dec-30-04)

• The Swiss government is sending a group of some 20 medical experts and specialists in

disaster victim identification (SADC, Dec-30-04). The situation in Thailand is being assessed by a Regional Coordinator from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA). Additionally 4 other persons will be sent next Monday (January 3) in support of consular protection, (SHA, Dec-31-04)

• Vietnam has granted US$100,000 in aid to Thailand, according to the report of Vietnam News

Agency. (Xinhua, Dec-30-04)

• The Czech Republic is sending a planeload of humanitarian aid to Thailand (AFP, Dec-30-04)

• China has donated US$300,000 to the Thai government for disaster relief.

• Japan today sent an additional 22 medical personnel to Thailand. (AP, Dec-30-04)


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• Japan has sent a team of 50 aid workers, police, fire department and coast guard officials to Phuket island. Twenty additional medical workers were scheduled to go on Thursday (December 30). By the end of the week, two fire department helicopters and a 40-member crew are due to arrive. Twenty-three Japanese firefighters headed for Phuket yesterday (December 31) to take part in relief efforts. Earlier this week, 50 firefighters were sent to Phuket. (AP, Dec-31-04)

• Vessels from Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force ended their relief activities on Saturday

(January 1). The 3 vessels recovered 57 bodies and also transported emergency rescue team members to Phi Phi island to search for missing Japanese citizens. (Kyodo, Jan-01-05)

• French and Australian jets carrying aid and medical supplies arrived in Phuket on Wednesday

(December 29). Greece, Italy, Germany and Sweden were all planning to send aircraft to take their respective nationals home from Phuket.

• The Italian Embassy in Bangkok sent a medical and forensics team to Phuket on Monday

(December 27)

United Nations

• UNDAC reports that various agencies are concerned that the relief needs of a Myanmar migrant population in Rangong is not being adequately addressed. (UNDAC, Jan-01-05) Many legal Myanmar workers in Ranong have applied for repatriation because their employers have been killed. (Bangkok Post, Jan-01-05) The UNDAC team’s preliminary finds of assessment taken on December 31 have focused on the provision of kitchen utensils and materials for emergency shelter in addition to the restoration of livelihoods. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

• Margaret Walhstrom, the UN Special Coordinator for Humanitarian Assistance in tsunami-

affected countries will visit Thailand between January 5 to January 6. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

• The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance Affairs (OCHA) provided relief supplies with estimated value of US$50,000. (Thai MOFA, Dec-31-04)

• UNDP donated US$100,000, sent relief officials and observers. Supplied 2 tons of

formaldehyde and 1,000 body bags. (Thai MOFA, Dec-31-04)

• UNICEF donated US$150,000. (Thai MOFA, Dec-3-04) UNICEF is now deploying local staff to the provinces. UNICEF is currently assessing short and long-term needs in affected areas, including local fishing communities. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04). UNICEF is focusing on providing water, sanitation facilities and food for those in the affected areas, especially children, as well as addressing the longer-term needs for education, psychological support and replacing lost livelihood of entire communities. (UNICEF, Dec-30-04)

• UNFPA (UN Population Fund) donated US$ 50,000. (Thai MOFA, Dec-3-04) • WFP (World Food Programme) arranged funding worth US$500,000 to buy food. (Thai MOFA,

Dec-3-04) A Thai IRAEMOP (Immediate Response Account/ Emergency Operations) is also being arranged by the World Food Program (WFP). (WFP, Dec-30-04)


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• UNHCR donated 50,000 US dollars. (Thai MOFA, Dec-3-04) • IOM will send tents. (Thai MOFA, Dec-3-04)

• FAO will donate US$20,000 and provide assistance in the rehabilitation process. (Thai MOFA,

Dec-3-04) • WHO is in the process of coordinating with Thailand in relief efforts. (Thai MOFA, Dec-3-04)

International organizations

• The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) has conducted an assessment in Phuket and

Phang Nga provinces, and will forward their report to the UN team. Its report indicates that most needs have been met in Phuket, with water, clothes and food widely available in the province. Howver, Phang Nga water and sanitation systems are affected and more assessment is needed. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

• ADRA (Adventist Development Relief Agency) is on the ground in Thailand responding to and

assessing the damage. In Phuket Province, Thailand, ADRA is working with a local hospital to distribute personal care packages and provide relief assistance to nearly 3,000 people. (Interaction, Dec-29-04) ADRA has set up a crisis command center in Bangkok, Thailand to coordinate its network-wide response and continuing assessment in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India. Earlier this week, ADRA International committed $500,000 of private funds as part of the agency’s initial response. In Phuket Province, Thailand, ADRA distributed personal care packages benefiting nearly 3,000 people. (ADRA, Dec-30-04)

• The global alliance Action by Churches Together (ACT) International based in south and south

east Asia have mobilized humanitarian relief operations in Thailand. (ACT, Dec-29-04)

• CARE is assessing most affected areas in Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga and Ranong with a focus on assistance to migrant populations. (CARE, Dec-29-04)

• Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has committed at least $500,000 to provide shelter and

immediate health care needs to affected countries. CRS and local partners immediately mobilized to the hardest hit areas of Thailand. (Interaction, Dec-29-04)

• Project HOPE will be responding to the disaster in south Asia with appropriate medical

humanitarian assistance. (Interaction, Dec-29-04)

• The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) will focus on infrastructure and livelihood damage in all 6 provinces, especially to fisheries communities. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04) IFRC will also donate 100,000 Swiss francs. (Thai MOFA, Dec-3-04)

• World Concern will provide emergency shelter, food, water and sanitation to victims in southern

Thailand. (Interaction, Dec-29-04)


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• Cash and emergency commodities are being sent by World Emergency Relief to Thailand. (Interaction, Dec-29-04)

• In Thailand, nine volunteers from Taiwan’s Tzu Chi Buddhist foundation left for Phuket Island

from Bangkok on Dec. 26 to assess needs. They will provide 2,000 body bags and 1,000 surgical gloves. (Tzu Chi Foundation, Dec-30-04)

• World Vision Thailand is distributing 2,000 survival kits to affected communities in Krabi, and is

assisting at least 20,000 people in Krabi and Ranong. (World Vision, Dec-30-04). World Vision will coordinate communications and assessment with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), based in Thailand, as requested by the government (WFP) to share with UN agencies (WFP, Dec-30-04). World Vision continues to distribute food and kitchen utensils and medicine to both Thai workers and Myanmar migrant workers in the affected districts of Takua Pa, Taimuang, and Kuraburi districts in Phang Nga province. World Vision has also provided 570 sets of building materials to construct temporary housing. 36 water tanks and 90 latrines are planned. Relief efforts are continuing in Krabi, Phuket and Ranong. World Vision is also partnering with government agencies to distribute aid, NFIs and provide wat/san facilities. (World Vision, Dec-31-04)


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