United Nations ready to assist flood-stricken Indonesia

(Jakarta: 8 February 2007, 12 pm): The United Nations agencies and international organizations are providing assistance at the request of the Government of Indonesia in response to severe flooding that has affected the capital of Indonesia and surrounding areas since 31 January 2007.

According to the latest figures issued February 8 by the National Coordination Board for Disaster Management (BAKORNAS PB), there are now 25 confirmed deaths and 287,498 persons displaced as a result of the floods.

While the flooding has disrupted the provision of basic services across the capital, and more rains fell again on Thursday, the floodwaters have begun to recede, reducing congestion on the city's biggest thoroughfares and prompting citizens to begin the massive clean up. Yet in many affected areas, the supply of clean water remains cut off or reduced and the fear of water-borne diseases persists. Heavy downpours have continued in the area, affecting Jakarta's sluice gate levels.

The Government is now actively providing emergency relief supplies and services to those who need it most, including food, drinking water, tents, sanitation facilities, and public kitchens. The Social Affairs Department (DEPSOS) has distributed food and non-food items and is deploying a specially trained search and rescue team for further logistical assistance. The Air Force has dispatched a field health team and established a public kitchen while the District Level Coordinating Unit for Disaster Management (SATLAK PB) continues to distribute aid across Jakarta.

Though the Government has issued no formal request for international assistance, a wide range of countries and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are now providing assistance or stand ready to assist Indonesia, including Saudi Arabia, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The European Commission Humanitarian Office (ECHO) has committed 600,000 Euro to the international NGOs ACF, CARE, WVI and MDM-France. The US Government, through USAID-OFDA, will provide US$100,000 in emergency relief assistance through the IFRC and its partners PMI, CARE, Mercy Corps and World Vision. The Netherlands today announced it will provide 1 million Euro for emergency relief, half of which will be spent through the Dutch Red Cross and its Indonesian counterpart on boats, food, water, medicine, clothing and blankets. The other half will be used by IOM for the purchase of boats.

"Hopefully the crisis has peaked, but we remain vigilant for potential floods as heavy rains continue to be predicted by the national weather services," commented Bo Asplund, UN Humanitarian Coordinator. "A UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team can be quickly deployed if called upon to provide international assistance."

Several United Nations agencies are providing assistance as requested by the Government. WFP has delivered 3.42 metric tons of noodles and biscuits to the Tangerang area, one of the hardest hit locations. UNICEF, in coordination with the Public Works department, is preparing water bladders and purification tablets and will provide zinc supplements to children to treat diarrhea. UNFPA will distribute hygiene kits and reproductive health packages through Ministry of Health counterparts. WHO has helped to establish 15 mobile health units across Jakarta and is carefully monitoring cases of acute respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, leptospirosis as well as gastro-intestinal diseases. IOM is providing logistical support.

The Office of the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Jakarta continues to support the BAKORNAS PB Operating Centre in disseminating public information and conducting assessments.

The Government has identified food (including rice, baby food, ready-to-eat food and drinking water), clothes, blankets, medicines, sanitation facilities, tools, rubber boats, trucks, inner tubes, flashlights, lanterns, and water tanks as ongoing needs.