DISASTER DECLARATION Q INDONESIA: EARTHQUAKE OFF

UNCLAS JAKARTA 001481 AIDAC FOR DCHA/OFDA, WMILLER, RTHAYER DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, CA/OCS, CA BANGKOK FOR USAID/OFDA ADWYER SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV CASC ECON EAID SENV ID SUBJECT: DISASTER DECLARATION Q INDONESIA: EARTHQUAKE OFF COAST OF JAVA REF: JAKARTA 1467 -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (U) This is an action message. Please see para 6. ¶2. (U) On September 2 at 2:55 p.m. local time, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of western Java, Indonesia, approximately 95 km south-southwest of the nearest heavily populated city, Bandung, and approximately 195 miles south-southeast of Jakarta. Two aftershocks measuring 5.1 and 5.4 on the Richter scale, respectively, occurred within two hours of the first temblor. Initial damage assessments indicated little significant damage in Jakarta and Bandung cities, but more significant damage in Tasikmalaya and Garut districts along the Java coastline. Local tsunami warnings were issued for coastal areas within several hundred kilometers of the epicenter but were withdrawn approximately one hour later. ¶3. (U) According to international media reports, government officials had reported at least 42 deaths and 300 injuries resulting from the earthquake as of the morning of September 3. In addition, according to the GOI Disaster Management National Agency (BNPB),more than 40 individuals are missing and presumed dead following an associated landslide in the district of Cianjur, approximately 100 km south of Jakarta. BNPB officials note that the death toll could rise significantly higher, as communications with coastal areas are currently limited. In addition, government officials report that the earthquake damaged approximately 1,300 homes. ¶4. (U) In Garut, affected sub-districts include Cikaret, Cibalong, Singajaya, Cilawung, Pancatura, Banjarwangi, and Paameungpeuk, with an estimated 40 percent of houses heavily damaged in some of the most-affected sub-districts, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). In Tasikmalaya, the most- affected area is Cipatujah Sub-District, with local officials reporting that an estimated 70 percent of homes and other buildings had collapsed in Ciharas village in Cipatujah. According to OCHA, damage in Tasikmalaya City remained limited. -------------- USG RESPONSE -------------- ¶5. (U) The Chief of Mission has determined that the September 2 earthquake off the coast of western Java, Indonesia, caused damage beyond the immediate capability of the host government to respond, that the host government is willing to accept international assistance, that the disaster is of sufficient magnitude to warrant U.S. Government assistance, and that it is in the best interest of the U.S. Government to respond. The Chief of Mission is therefore exercising the disaster assistance authority. ¶6. (U) Post requests that USAID/OFDA release USD 100,000 for the immediate relief and early recovery through a non- governmental organization. In addition, Post welcomes the visit of USAID/OFDA Principal Regional Advisor Al Dwyer from Bangkok to work with MDRO Alfred Nakatsuma and other Mission staff to assess the situation and determine if additional assistance is required. HUME