Friday, October 29, 2010
JAKARTA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- The latest death toll in the remote Indonesian islands of Mentawai after the tsunami caused by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake has risen to at least 413 with 298 people still missing, 267 critically injured, and another 142 suffering minor injuries, officials said Friday.
Hendri Doris Satoko, Chairman of the House of Representatives in the Mentawai Islands, said focus has shifted on providing medical assistance, logistics, and shelter for the victims as rescue searches continue to be carried out in the region.
Satoko said the regional police department of West Sumatra has been delivering food and good through Hercules aircraft, underling the humanitarian assistance provided by non-governmental organization (NGO) SurfAid.
Over 700 buildings have been affected, 500 of which have had heavy damage.
One of the biggest challenges national and international aid agencies have been facing is reaching the remote Mentawai Islands in order to provide assistance and to identify further humanitarian needs caused by the tsunami.
Mentawai Regent Edison Saleleubaja emphasized the difficulties of not having heavy equipment or transport vehicles to carry heavy equipment as an uncertain number of victims remain buried.
Saleleubaja added that a hospital will be set up in the Sikakap area, where all of the injured will be taken. However, the Mentawai Regent also underlined the difficulties behind evacuation. Weather conditions have made traveling by boat almost impossible, and local authorities have access to only three helicopters - two from the police department and one from the military. Furthermore, around 4,000 liters (1,056 gallons) of fuel has been provided.
From: http://ping.fm/2AG76
Hendri Doris Satoko, Chairman of the House of Representatives in the Mentawai Islands, said focus has shifted on providing medical assistance, logistics, and shelter for the victims as rescue searches continue to be carried out in the region.
Satoko said the regional police department of West Sumatra has been delivering food and good through Hercules aircraft, underling the humanitarian assistance provided by non-governmental organization (NGO) SurfAid.
Over 700 buildings have been affected, 500 of which have had heavy damage.
One of the biggest challenges national and international aid agencies have been facing is reaching the remote Mentawai Islands in order to provide assistance and to identify further humanitarian needs caused by the tsunami.
Mentawai Regent Edison Saleleubaja emphasized the difficulties of not having heavy equipment or transport vehicles to carry heavy equipment as an uncertain number of victims remain buried.
Saleleubaja added that a hospital will be set up in the Sikakap area, where all of the injured will be taken. However, the Mentawai Regent also underlined the difficulties behind evacuation. Weather conditions have made traveling by boat almost impossible, and local authorities have access to only three helicopters - two from the police department and one from the military. Furthermore, around 4,000 liters (1,056 gallons) of fuel has been provided.
From: http://ping.fm/2AG76