Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami Emergency Update · More than 400 combined deaths have also been reported in Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Maldives, Somalia, Tanzania and Kenya

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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Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami Emergency Update

December 31, 2004 Note: New content has been inserted in red, italicized, bold font. Overview

• 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 has now reportedly climbed to well over 120,000. As of today (December 31), tsunami related deaths have been reported in 11 countries including 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 nearly 80,000, with 1,240 missing 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. The World Health Organizations (WHO) estimates that 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 28,508 and 7,763 deaths respectively. India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as the southern state of Tamil Nadu, have been the worst hit areas where nearly 8,000 people are still reportedly missing. The death toll in Thailand’s resort islands of Phuket and Phi Phi has now climbed over 4,560 including 2,230 foreigners from some 36 countries. More than 400 combined deaths have also been reported in Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Maldives, Somalia, Tanzania and Kenya. (Dec-31, AFP, AP, Multiple)

• 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. • Indonesia has called for an international donor 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. Special envoys of the UN Secretary General, and officials from the World Bank, the World Health Organization, the Asian Development Bank and the European Union will also attend the meeting to be chaired by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The meeting will coincide with the UN flash appeal to be launched on January 6.

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said today (December 31) that it is immediately making

US$325 million available to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Maldives to recover from the crisis. • German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder is calling on the Paris Club of creditor nations to

suspend debt repayments from countries ravaged by last week’s earthquake/tsunami. The moratorium would apply only to Indonesia and Somalia, which have substantial debt owed to the Paris Club.

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

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

• The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says as of

today (December 31) nearly US$600 million (US$593,937,139 to be exact) have been pledged by nations around the globe.

• 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 displacement remains unclear, particularly in case of affected island groups where people may not have many options to move elsewhere. The full extent of displacement will not be known until field assessments have been completed.

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

speed. According to the UN, water, sanitation, food, shelter and health are priority sectors to stem any disease outbreaks. Due to the contamination of drinking water sources, the risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, malaria and dengue fever, remains very high. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 3 and 5 million affected people do not have access to clean water, adequate shelter, food, sanitation and healthcare. 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. WHO is seeking US$40 million to address the issue. 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. Mosquito nets, malaria medicines, spraying of stagnant pools of water with insecticide as well as provision of water purification tablets to people can help stem some of the water-borne diseases. (Dec-30, UN News Service, PBS, )

• A number of logistical problems have been reported. Logjams have been reported at Sri Lanka’s

Bandaranaike International Airport near the capital city Colombo. Among some of the issues, shortage of trucks to transport relief supplies, lack of storage facilities and limited capacity of the airport to land relief planes have been reported. In Indonesia, only international military planes are allowed to fly in humanitarian relief supplies to the airport in Banda Aceh. Transportation of relief supplies from the airport continues to a problem and a widespread shortage of gasoline has also been reported. In Aceh, local government has collapsed and coordination mechanisms do not appear to be in place. A shortage of helicopters to transport relief supplies to affected areas that are no longer accessible by road has also been reported in both Sri Lanka and Indonesia. In Thailand, the 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)

• Country representatives from United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in affected

countries are working with other UN agencies to coordinate their relief efforts and to assess the food situation. FAO is carrying out food/crop assessments in Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia in conjunction with the governments of those countries.

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

consolidated 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.


Indonesia

Responsible estimates have the ultimate Indonesian death toll at 100,000 or higher, with perhaps 1 million affected or displaced and in need of immediate relief. The Indonesian Health Ministry says that the death toll from Sunday’s (December 26) earthquake off the coast of Sumatra and resultant tsunami has climbed to 79,940 with 1,240 others missing. Most of the dead come from Aceh province, located at the northern tip of Sumatra Island and some 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 ministry says the death toll has increased as 12,000 additional bodies were found in the town of Sabang on the island of Weh, just off the coast at Banda Aceh. The largest town on the devastated west coast, Meulaboh, reportedly started receiving assistance Thursday (December 30). Indonesian Defense Force Col. Ahmad Yani Basuki said that some 419 soldiers had parachuted in to the town with food, medicine, and communication equipment. UNDP estimates that some 40,000 may have died in the town. More isolated portions of the west coast are just being reached, so the extent of death and destruction is not yet known—anecdotal reports are discouraging. Collapsed bridges and broken roads from Banda Aceh to the west coast prevent land delivery of relief supplies and have forced the military to airdrop supplies. Fixed-wing airdrops and helicopter delivery appear to be the only short-term way of reaching the area. 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.


Aftershocks were reported in Aceh province, sparking some panic--they are expected to continue for months; Scientists do not anticipate additional tsunamis. The Banda Aceh airport runway is intact and capable of C-130s, Boeing 737s and the like. The control tower is operating out of a tent, communications are difficult, holding is expected, unloading is haphazard, there is a serious backlog of relief supplies at the airport, and fuel is not available. 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. Although less dysfunctional than the Banda Aceh airport, Medan is receiving many more flights than usual and ground space is at a premium as relief supplies accumulate. Buses and trucks are going from Medan to Banda Aceh, but current throughput is small. Medan is closer to some of the devastated west coast areas than Banda Aceh. With infrastructure in ruins, reports indicate that the Indonesian military is very inefficient in distributing supplies taken to Banda Aceh, as it also collects and buries bodies and continues to pursue the Free Aceh Movement. (Until very recently, humanitarian activity in Aceh Province was extremely limited by the Indonesian government due to anti-insurgency operations.) Officials appeared focused on retrieving and burying dead bodies in mass graves. Around Banda Aceh British diplomats report injuries leading to infection in the absence of medication, lack of clean water for drinking or food preparation, lack of food, bodies lined up along roadways, and stagnant water—all precursors to additional deaths without immediate intervention. There is one public hospital partially operating in the province in Banda Aceh and one military hospital. Medical supplies are in extremely short supply. Potable water and sewage are not available. Power is out, as is most phone service. The UN office was destroyed and they are working out of borrowed quarters. UNICEF reports a near total collapse of Banda Aceh infrastructure. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected to fly into Sumatra on Saturday (January 1) to inspect the damage. Yudhoyono today urged separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels to lay down their arms and help to rebuild the devastated province. He said that the disaster called for a permanent end to the rebellion which has been fought since 1976. Yudhoyono also today said that he called upon the UN to sponsor an international conference on efforts to help affected countries. Domestic Response

Local Government • 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.

(Dec 30, US Consulate Medan)

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


• 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.

• Both President Yudhoyono and Vice President Kalla visited the Medan Command Post on

December 28. He also noted the importance of locating all of the victims as quickly as possible, and of re-establishing telecommunications. (December 30, US Consulate Medan)

• Military planes reportedly dropped hundreds of food packets to survivors on the ground.

Officials say that most survivors may have fled to escape the smell from the dead bodies. Most local government have ceased to function because officials may have been killed or are looking for family members. Many areas lack basic supplies such as food, water and fuel. There are reportedly only two functioning gas stations in the capital. (Dec 30, MSNBC)

• Electricity and cellular phone service has returned to some parts of Banda Aceh.

• Indonesian state-owned oil company Pertamina has announced it is sending 300 kiloliters of

heating oil to Banda Aceh. Telephone service provider Telkom has announced it is providing 15 free service telephones to Banda Aceh customers for outgoing calls. (December 30, US Consulate Medan)

• Government estimates that it will cost US$150 million to rebuild the province in the coming year

and more than US$1 billion over the next five years. (Dec 30, AP)

• Indonesian government says that the military could only reach a quarter of the western coast of Sumatra. Military reportedly attempted to push through on the ground, but was unable to reach many areas.

• Reports say that four out of the five public hospitals in Aceh are in ruin.

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

province.

Local Organizations

• 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

• Relief supplies from at least 18 countries have arrived. (Dec 31, AFP) • Troops on the ground from Taiwan, Australia, South Korea, US, Malaysia, and Singapore.

(Dec 31, AFP)


• C-130 aircraft from US, Australia, and New Zealand—C130s brought in relief supplies—

will stay to shuttle supplies; Helicopters from Singapore. (Dec 31, AFP)

• In addition to US, ships coming from Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and India. (Dec 31, AFP)

• Singapore opens its ports and airfields as major supply base for Indonesia, noting relief

supply backup in Medan and Banda Aceh. (Dec 31, AFP)

• US Marine DRAT assessment team on Sumatra.

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

• Medan Command Post authorities tell us doctors arriving in Medan from the US Navy’s Medical

Research Unit-2 (NAMRU-2) will be sent directly to Meulaboh on the devastated west coast. (December 30, US Consulate Medan)

• The carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and four other vessels will arrive off Aceh on the northern tip

of Sumatra island and can provide airlift and medical services. (Dec 30, Reuters)

• 100,000 safe water treatment kits provided by the USG through CARE reportedly sent to Banda Aceh on Wednesday, December 29. (December 30, US Consulate Medan).

• Food and supplies coming from Canada, Malaysia, Singapore and the United States are

reportedly trickling in to areas. (December 30, Kyodo)

• Japan sent twenty-two doctors and nurses for Indonesia and two disaster surveillance experts(Dec 30, AFP)

• China will send 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)

• Spain was also sending a plane carrying sanitary material, doctors and aid personnel to

Indonesia (Dec 30, DPA)

United Nations

• UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) teams being established in Jakarta and Banda Aceh. (Dec 31, USAID/OFDA)

• 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. (Dec 31, UNJLC)

• UN determines coordination processes. (Dec 30, OCHA)


• 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

• IOM planned to send 25-30 trucks from Medan to Banda Aceh mid-morning December 29 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. This IOM effort is largely funded by USAID (approximately 300,000 USD, with 20-30,000 USD of co-funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)). With Dutch funds, IOM has procured 5,000 body bags, also due to arrive in Banda Aceh on December 29. IOM's office in Banda Aceh is also hosting the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) effort. (December 30, US Consulate Medan)

• 28 Dec. 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 Djakarta and the team has arrived in Aceh on the morning of 28th. 4 of the 6 local hospitals have been flattened, as well as lifeline still not being recovered at this stage. The AMDA team is working out of the military hospital, the only place where the electricity is available. (Dec 30, AMDA)

• Oxfam Australia will be sending a chartered plane load of emergency aid supplies into Sri Lanka and Indonesia today. The IL76 cargo plane will carry 27 tonnes of emergency equipment worth $250,000 which will be split between the two destinations. The load will include water tanks, pumps and taps to set up emergency drinking water systems for homeless families, and latrine slabs to build emergency latrines. (Dec 30, Oxfam Aus)

• CARE is preparing to provide clean water to affected populations. (Dec 30, CARE)


Sri Lanka

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. Sri Lanka observed a national day of mourning today (Friday, December 31) and cancelled traditional New Year festivities as the president’s office reported that the confirmed death toll from Sunday’s (December 26) tsunami disaster has reached 28,475 spread over 14 coastal and inland districts, while nearly 5,000 people were still missing. About 12,482 people were also injured and 889,175 people displaced after their homes were destroyed. Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who visited relief centers along the worst-affected areas along northern and eastern coasts on Thursday (December 30), added that the death toll could soon surpass 29,000 and that many of those still missing would likely be declared dead “in the next few days.” Kumaratunga said on Thursday that the collateral


damage was less than feared with reconstruction costs at less than US$1 billion. Efforts are underway to expedite relief services and distribute supplies at the Bandaranaike International airport outside the capital city of Colombo, the only international airport in Sri Lanka. On Thursday, S.P. Thamilselvan, a leader of the political wing of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which has been engaged in a 20-year civil war with the Sri Lankan state, said that the LTTE was willing to consider working with state agencies to deliver humanitarian assistance. “This new tragic situation has laid the foundation for both parties to come together and work towards closing the division between the two parties,” said Thamilselvan after a meeting with aid workers and Norwegian facilitators. Norway helped facilitate peace negotiations, leading to a cease-fire in February 2002, which has largely held. President Kumaratunga also added, “the threat of going back to war is far more remote than it was before December 26.” The Tamil Rehabilitation Organization, the relief arm of the LTTE, also released a statement that downplayed the threat of landmines, saying that competent demining personnel were available to deal with any mines that might surface. Domestic Response

Local Government

• 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 Government Task Force for Coordination agreed on the setup of a National

Operations Coordination Center to address coordination and information management issues. The Center will also provide links to other coordination and information management centers. (OCHA, Dec-31-04)

• The Sri Lankan government established a National Relief Operations Unit (NROU) on

Wednesday, December 29, which will be chaired by the Secretary to the President. The NROU has begun coordinating with a UN team to conduct needs assessments of affected regions in the country.

• 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

To be provided


Foreign Governments

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

• 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)

• 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).

• US Pacific Command says that the Bonhomme Richard strike group was headed for the Bay of Bengal, off Sri Lanka, to help with relief effort. Spokesperson says it has still not been decided whether any of the some 2,200 Marines would go ashore.

• 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.

• 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

• 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 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), which says at least 1 million people have been displaced

from their homes, 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 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)

• The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is organizing an airlift of relief

items from its UN Humanitarian Response Depot located in Brindisi, Italy.

• 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. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is initially distributing $380,000 worth of supplies, including 23,500 plastic sheets for shelter, 24,500 plastic mats, clothing, towels and 20,000 kitchen sets.


• UNHCR opening up its local relief stocks to help with emergency. Plastic sheeting (18000), plastic mats (17,000), rope, and non-food relief packages for 2,000 families. Stichting Vluchteling, a Dutch NGO, that works with UNHCR, said it will provide US$200,000 of approximately US$280,000 cost of the items.

• 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 Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has sent seven

flights of Red Cross health materials and relief goods to Sri Lank, with four more scheduled to land in Colmobo by Friday (December 31). (IFRC, Dec-31-04). Medical supplies and medicines for 125,000 people are being distributed through Sri Lanka Red Cross volunteers; 40,000 people are being assisted in 66 Red Cross camps; 5 basic health care clines are operational in southern Sri Lanka; 8 emergency response units specializing in water and sanitation, health care, and telecom are due to arrive by January 1.

• Mercy Malaysia and Malaysian Red Crescent Society are dispatching medicine and doctors.

Malaysian rotary clubs are also helping with relief work. (The Star online, Dec-29-04) • 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) A cargo plane with relief supplies is en route to Colombo to arrive on Friday, December 31. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04)

• 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 – ACT 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)

• AmeriCares is mobilizing an airlift 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.

• 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 and 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 medical team to Sri Lanka with supplies for 3,000 people.

(AlertNet, Dec-31-04)

• Islamic Relief is undertaking field assessments in Sri Lanka. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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 is sending a team to Sri Lanka. (AlertNet, Dec-31-04)

• 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)


• 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)


Thailand

The Thai government has now estimated the death toll to be at least 4,541, with 10,469 injured and 6,479 reported missing. The dead included 2,230 foreigners, nearly half the confirmed deaths. However, aid workers say that as bodies continued to be recovered, it is expected that the death toll will increase. Meanwhile, Phang Nga provincial Senator Wongphan Natakuathung said that the government continued to give more importance to rescue and relief efforts in tourist areas to protect the country’s lucatrive tourism industry. Locals continued to complain that they lacked adequate shelter and relief. Meanwhile, the Mental Health office in nearby Surat Thani said that more than 10,000 people would suffer psychological effects, but there were only 200 psychologists in Thailand. The Thai government has not requested international aid, however, international assistance is greatly welcome. Meanwhile, the US has designated Thailand as its hub for search and rescue operations in South and Southeast Asia, and will be based in the Utupao Air Base, near the resort city of Pattaya. The government was reportedly reluctant at first because of concerns about the sensitivities of the Muslim population in the south, however, given the severity of the crisis, assistance was accepted. Meanwhile, according


to the UNDAC assessment team, local hospitals are filled to capacity and are struggling to provide adequate service. The WHO is reportedly currently undertaking a detailed assessment of needs at the hospitals. According to UNDAC, there have been no reports of disease outbreaks. Currently, the focus is on the recovery and identification of human remains, which is still ongoing, and the capacity to identify bodies has improved with the arrival of experts from many countries. However, distributing formalin and body bags to all temples used as morgues remains a problem. UNDAC reports that immediate needs seem to be met in most places, however, there is increasing need to move on to the next step of ensuring that the affected population can be in charge of their own recovery. A report by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), based near Bangkok, has found that most needs have been met in Phuket, however, water and sanitation systems in Phang Nga province have been severely affected and more assessments are needed. The IFRC will also begin an assessment today (December 31), with a focus on local fishery communities in all 6 provinces. 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. 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)

• 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)

• Yesterday (December 30), the Thai Interior Ministry outlined the Thai government’s three-

phase response strategy: Phase 1 – Recovery and identification of human remains; Phase 2 – Preventive infectious disease control measures; Phase 3 – longer term reconstruction. The government is currently transitioning from Phase 1 to 2. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)


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

at: http://www.fa.go.th/tsunami/body_en.php/id=1568 (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

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

• Thailand is planning a meeting on tsunamis in January with experts from the US,

Australia and Japan to discuss an international warning system. (Bangkok Post, Dec-31-04)

• 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)

• UNDAC team members yesterday met with the Thai Interior Minister and Phuket

provincial governor and briefed them on the team’s mission. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

• 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 Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said some 500 forest protection

officials have been deployed to help in search and rescue. (Bangkok Post, Dec-31-04)

• 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)

• Authorities have installed microchips in about 1,000 bodies that have been autopsied

pending claim by their relatives. (The Nation, Dec-31-04)

• 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)

• Authorities and private rescue workers have agreed to divide the Phi Phi island into six

zones as the search for more bodies – about 300 to 400 more bodies are expected to be retrieved. (The Nation, Dec-31-04)

• Rangong governor Winai Mongkhonthan said that damage in the Muang Ranong and

Kapoe districts cost 436 million baht, with the death toll reaching 162, 14 missing and 189 injured. (The Nation, Dec-31-04)


• The Department of Mineral Resources said today that Satun’s four districts have been placed on a watch list for possible land subsidence – caves are under watch. (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 services and other services were provided. (The Nation, Dec-31-04)

• 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 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 would 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)

• Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra put Smith Thamsaroj, former Meteorological

Department chief, in charge of establishing an advanced seismic and tidal wave warning for the whole nation. (Bangkok Post, Dec-30-04)

• Hundreds of Thai volunteers are currently passing out food and water, and free phone and

Internet services were operating in hospitals in Phuket (DPA, Dec-30-04) • 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 Public Health Ministry is sending counselors to provide grief counseling to survivors, which is badly needed. (The Nation, Dec-30-04)

• 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)

• Officials today were concerned about freshwater shortages caused by the contamination of

seawater in underground and surface water sources. Officials said that freshwater ponds will be established in unaffected areas.

• 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 said yesterday (December 3) 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 welcomed. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

• Agencies at the scene included the Defense, Interior and Transport Ministries, the police, the

Ministry of Agriculture, the Royal Fisheries department, as well as private foundations. (Bangkok Post, Dec-30-04)

• 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)

• According to official Thai government figures from 1999, the breakdown of the

population in the six affected provinces are as follows: o Phang Nga – 223,000 o Phuket – 241,000 o Krabi – 358,000 o Ranong – 158,000 o Trang – 587,000 o Satun – 260,000

Total: 1,837,000 (UNICEF, Dec-31-04)

• According to The Nation on December 29, the breakdown of those affected in the six provinces are as follows:

o Phang Nga – 5,262 families from 123 villages in seven districts o Phuket – 1,463 families from 100 villages in three districts o Krabi – 3,425 families from 84 villages in five districts o Ranong – 2,203 families from 51 villages in five districts o Trang - 2,863 families from 57 villages in five districts o Satun – 4,962 families from 77 villages in four districts

(The Nation, 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.

• Authorities also struggled with looters attempting to steal belongings among the debris. More than 13,000 rescuers and volunteers from the country and abroad are currently working in the affected areas.

• 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).

• 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.

• The Health Ministry said that although there were concerns of a disease epidemic, there was

enough clean drinking water. However, the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority has said it would send about 20,000 bottles of water a day to affected provinces.

• More than 200 doctors and nurses have been sent to affected areas.

Local humanitarian relief organizations

• Many local foundations are collecting cash donations and relief items in Bangkok. (Bangkok

Post, Dec-30-04) • Some local foundations, such as the Poh Tek Tueng foundation, are working on

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


Foreign governments • Daily coordination meeting on forensic work has been established at the police

headquarters in Phuket (Tel: 076 220 622). 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)

• Forensic teams from Australia, New Zealand, France, Holland, Belgium, Germany,

Norway, Denmark, Finland, Israel and Switzerland are currently working in Phuket. Coordination of airlift for forensic teams occurring every evening at Phuket police headquarters. (UNDCA, Dec-31-04)


• Chile will dispatch a forensic team. (Thai MOFA, Dec-31-04)

• Japan sent two forensic experts to Thailand. (Kyodo, Dec-31-04) • There are representatives from 37 embassies in Phuket to give assistance to victims. (UN

OCHA, 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 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)

• Brussels ' Civil Protection agency from the EU has sent officials to observe the situation

in Phuket. (Thai MOFA, Dec-31-04)

• The Swedish Foreign Minister and officials from the Swedish Rescue Service Agency travelled to Phuket on 29 December. Will also arrange 20 chartered flights (10 to Phuket and 10 to Bangkok) to fly Swedish nationals home. (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)

• UAE (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 Embassy said that surveillance planes were already flying search and rescue missions over Thailand, and the first supply planes arrived in Thailand overnight. 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 the 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 are expected in the next week. In addition, a military forensic team was also due to arrive to help in identifying bodies. (AP, Dec-30-04)


• Seven U.S. ships can produce 90,000 gallons of fresh water a day and one ship can deploy a field hospital ashore when it arrives in Thailand in about a week. (Reuters, Dec-30-04)

• A US Marine disaster relief assessment team arrived in Thailand yesterday (December 29).

(American Forces Press Service, Dec-30-04)

• The US has designated Thailand as its hub for search and rescue operations in South and Southeast Asia, and will be based in the Utupao Air Base, near the resort city of Pattaya. Andrew Natsios of USAID said that agreements between the Thai and US militaries permit US military disaster relief teams to use the Air Base. (The Nation, Dec-31-04)

• 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)

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

• A US$5m allocation by the Australian government to support international emergency relief efforts in other countries, including Thailand and the Maldives, and the deployment of Australian personnel. No breakdown of the allocation was provided. (AUSAID, Dec-30-04)

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

• Hong Kong SAR has sent 120-strong relief team to Thailand to assist return of Hong Kong

tourists.

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

• 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.

• Japan has dispatched three Self Defense Force vessels, two destroyers and a supply ship to

Phuket carrying two helicopters.


• 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

• 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. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

• 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) • 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)

• In Thailand, UNICEF is assessing both immediate and long-term needs in the affected areas, which in addition to the tourist spots Phuket and Krabi also include fishing communities along other areas of the coast which were completely destroyed. 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)

• A Thai IRAEMOP (Immediate Response Account/ Emergency Operations) being arranged by

the World Food Program (WFP). (WFP, Dec-30-04)


• UNDP (UN Development Program) released an emergency grant of $100,000, while WFP has allocated $500,000 to purchase food for immediate distribution to the affected population. (UN News Services, Dec-30-04)

• The World Food Program (WFP) has said that coordination is lacking and that the Foreign

Affairs Ministry, its main contact, is overwhelmed with dealing with missing or dead foreigners, and evacuating them. Meanwhile, the Red Cross was expected to send an assessment team tomorrow (December 31) to Phang Nga. (WFP, Dec-30-04)

• UNICEF is currently assessing short and long-term needs in affected areas, including local

fishing communities. UNDP has released an emergency grant of US$10,000, while WFP has allocated US$ 500,000 for food aid. (WFP, Dec-30-04)

• UN agencies have pledged to contribute about 90 million baht (US$2.3 million) in aid to

Thailand. • A UNDAC team flew to Phuket today (December 29) to assist with relief. Team was

accompanied by UN resident coordinator in Thailand, and representatives from UNICEF, the WFP and the WHO. They will conduct needs assessment and help the government in coordinating international aid. UNDAC team has set up a coordination center in Phuket, with two representatives there. One WHO representative is in Phuket, 3 WFP members are in Phang Na and Ranong, and 3 UNICEF members are in Krabi and Trang. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

• UNDAC said yesterday (December 30) that the UN team will conduct assessments in 4

provinces – Rangong, Phang Nga, Trang and Krabi. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

• UNDAC today (December 31) has deployed two field assessment teams and a report from the assessments will be included in a situation report due on January 1 (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

• Bangkok has reportedly asked the UN to coordinate relief efforts and the international support.

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)

• In one of the largest initial responses for emergency assistance in South and Southeast Asia,

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 -- initially in Thailand, possibly in other affected countries, as need and resource and logistic questions are answered. (Interaction, Dec-29-04)

• The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) will begin an assessment in Phang

Nga today (December 31) and will focus on infrastructure and livelihood damage in all 6 provinces, especially to fisheries communities. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

• IFRC will 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)

• 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 has conducted assessments in Ranong and Phang Nga. (UNDAC, Dec-31-04)

• 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)

Documents

Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami Emergency Update · More than 400 combined deaths have also been reported in Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Maldives, Somalia, Tanzania and Kenya