This report was issued by OCHA Indonesia. It covers the period from 30 September to 1 October 2009.
I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES
- At least 529 people have died due to a powerful earthquake in West Sumatra Province.
- More than 500 buildings have collapsed; thousands are feared trapped under rubble.
- Padang and Pariaman are the worst affected areas.
- The Government of Indonesia has declared a State of Emergency for two months, declared an initial emergency relief fund of US$ 10 million, and welcomed international assistance.
II. Situation Overview
At least 529 people are confirmed dead due to a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that stuck off the coast of Padang city, the capital of West Sumatra Province. The number of casualties is expected to increase rapidly as search and rescue efforts pick up. Initial reports indicate the collapse of at least 500 buildings, and thousands of people are feared to be trapped under the rubble. Heavy rains and landslides have triggered displacement of thousands of people. Padang and Pariaman are the worst affected areas. Even though there has been no information on the situation in Mentawai, it is feared that the impact on the island is also significant. Further, the Meteorological Office has issued a warning about the possibility of waves between two and three metres high along the coast of West Sumatra.
In Padang, hundreds of buildings have collapsed and some are under fire. Firefighters are still struggling to douse the fire and rescue people trapped in them. Hundreds of people are also trapped in two main hotels: Ambacang and Bumi Minang, and scores of students in a school. All economic and academic activities are at a stand-still; some people reported difficulty in accessing food.
Telecommunications, electricity and water supplies are not functional. Some roads to and from neighboring districts are cut off due to damaged roads and bridges, and landslides, which might hamper aid distribution. Roads to Teluk Bayur Port are cut off, but the Port is functioning well. Minangkabau International Airport and Tabing Airport are now functioning well. Most fuel stations are open with reports of long queues of vehicles.
Affected communities are staying outside houses and are taking refuge in public facilities. Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts have faced challenges due to rain and limited heavy equipment to remove rubble.
In Bukit Tinggi, landslides have been reported in several areas and have obstructed the evacuation of victims. Landslide covered roads in Sicincin sub-district. The traffic has been redirected to Maninjau which is two times the normal distance. Land access from Bukit Tinggi, Medan and Bengkulu is cut off.
On 1 October, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Jambi province at a depth of 10km. According to Provincial Social Affairs Office, scores of houses have been damaged in 15 villages in the Province. More information is being sought about its potential impact.
