INDONESIAN EARTHQUAKE: AUSTRALIAN AID UPDATE

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SIPDIS

AIDAC
SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/MTS
PACOM FOR POLAD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR EAID PGOV PREF PREL AS ID
SUBJECT: INDONESIAN EARTHQUAKE: AUSTRALIAN AID UPDATE

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SUMMARY
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1. (U) Australia has provided AUS$7.5 million (US$5.7
million) in assistance in response the May 27 earthquake in
Indonesia to date. The lead agency for the Australian
disaster relief effort, AusAID, had sent or was preparing to
send more than 80 disaster, logistics and relief specialists
to affected areas in Yogyakarta and Central Java, as of May
31, including two medical teams, a critical infrastructure
team and an essential services team, along with a coordinate
team. AusAID has prioritized the most urgent needs as
medical supplies, medical and surgical support, food, water
and sanitation, along with Indonesian Government-identified
needs for antibiotics, blankets, tents, and food for
children. End Summary.

EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
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2. (U) AusAID, the Australian Government aid agency that has
the lead in coordinating Australia's response to the May 27
Indonesian earthquake, provided a May 31 update of
Australia's response to the disaster. AusAID assessed that
the earthquake affected all districts of Yogyakarta and four
districts of Central Java, with Bantul District of Yogyakarta
and Klaten District of Central Java the hardest hit areas.
The south and center of Yogyakarta city sustained significant
structural damage. In its report, AusAID noted that
electricity had been restored in most of the affected areas,
and the Yogyakarta airport had reopened, which would
facilitate emergency response efforts. The report updated
the official death toll to 5,428 people, with up to 8,000
injured and varying reports of between 100,000 and 200,000
left homeless. It noted that hospital and medical facilities
had been overwhelmed.

AUSTRALIAN RESPONSE
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3. (U) According to AusAID, on May 30 Australia increased to
AUS$7.5 million (US$5.7 million) its commitment for critical
humanitarian assistance to survivors of the earthquake. This
incorporated AUS$500,000 for the Indonesian Red Cross for
medical teams, field hospitals, tents for displaced persons,
field kitchens, medical supplies and equipment; and
AUS$200,000 for orthopedic equipment. The total aid package
of AUS$7.5 million included:

- $2.5 million for medical teams, equipment and consumables;

- $0.5 million for engineering teams;

- $4 million through UN and non-government organisations.
This included assistance for emergency shelter and kitchens
to feed quake victims;

- $0.5 million for other needs as they were identified.


4. (U) AusAID reported that a 27-person Australian medical
team, led by an AusAID representative and comprising
surgeons, anesthestists, operating staff, disaster medicine
specialists and logisticians, arrived in Yogyakarta from
Australia on May 31, accompanied by 12 tons of medical
Quipment and supplies. Previously, on May 30, Australia had
mobilized a 15-member Indonesia-based medical team to
commence emergency assessments and operations, and was
providing medical, hospital and relief supplies, including
AUS$200,00 of orthopedic instruments.


5. (U) The Australian Government planned to send more than 80
disaster experts to Yogyakarta as part of an expanded
emergency response to Saturday's earthquake, including
critical infrastructure and essential needs teams, comprising

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engineers, electricians, water and sanitation experts,
pharmacists, and logisticians.


6. (U) AusAID staff, who had been on the ground in the
affected areas since Saturday, were assessing needs,
coordinating medical and other assistance and liaising with
local authorities and the local and international media. A
nine-person AusAID advance deployment had arrived in
Yogyakarta, including an Australian logistical adviser to
assist the Government agencies in Yogyakarta.


7. (U) An Australian consular response team had set up in the
Yogyakarta Hyatt Hotel to assist Australian citizens. AusAID
reported that all Australians were accounted for, with no
casualties reported, and thus the consular role was winding
down.


9. (U) Australia was providing funds and personnel through
international aid agencies for relief needs, including
funding to Muhammadiyah, an Indonesian NGO, as well as
Australian NGOs and United Nations agencies to support
medical and feeding programs in the worst affected areas.

URGENT NEEDS
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10. (U) AusAID had identified as the most urgent needs
medical supplies, medical and surgical support, food and
non-food items, water and sanitation. It noted that the
Indonesian Government had encouraged international
assistance, and had indicated a preference for assistance in
the form of antibiotics, food for children, blankets and
tents.

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSES AS REPORTED BY AUSAID
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11. (U) According to the AusAID report, several international
organizations had responsed to the earthquake:

- OCHA had established an Information Center within the
Government Office in Bantul.

- A United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination
(UNDAC) team of disaster management professionals had been
deployed.

- The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC),in
conjunction with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) had set up a
field hospital in Bantul. They were also delivering food,
water, tents, and tarpaulins and transporting mobile medical
teams where roads were passable.

- WHO was assisting in establishing a disease surveillance
system and measles vaccination program.

- UNICEF had established a WATSAN office in Yogyakarta and
was distributing water.

- WFP had mobilized relief staff and was distributing
fortified biscuits and noodles.

- Oxfam was on the ground, providing clean water and
essential supplies.

- World Vision planned to distribute essential non-food
items, including blankets, tarpaulins for shelter, clothing
and medical supplies.

STANTON