Dozens Feared Dead in Massive North Sumatra Floods

UNCLAS JAKARTA 001574 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/MTS, OES E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV SENV EAID ID SUBJECT: Dozens Feared Dead in Massive North Sumatra Floods ¶1. (U) This message was coordinated with Embassy Jakarta. ¶2. (U) Widespread flooding caused by heavy rains in the Mandaling Natal Regency in the interior of the province of North Sumatra on September 15 resulted in at least 15 deaths with at least 38 more people missing and feared dead. Flash floods caused mainly by soil erosion resulting from intensive logging impacted over 2,000 persons in six villages in the area. Observers in the environmental NGO community contacted by Consulate Medan on September 16 recounted years of mismanagement in this area, shared by Taman Gadis National Park, a logging concession, and production forest. A history of dumping of timber byproduct upstream contributed to the inability of the river flow to absorb added water after recent rains, local NGOs added. ¶3. (U) Many former logging concessions have closed in recent years, including one partly owned by fugitive Indonesian timber baron Adelin Lis. (Lis was previously acquitted on charges of large-scale illegal logging in 2007 in a controversial decision and remains on the run charged with money laundering) This has resulted in a deterioration of logging access roads that further complicates the relief effort. ¶4. (U) Local officials have responded by sending disaster relief teams including the Indonesian Red Cross and local disaster management and social welfare authorities. They stated to Consulate Medan on September 17 that the majority of the 2,000 people impacted remain cut off from assistance and communication due to poor infrastructure in the area. Small amounts of aid have reached the area but much more is needed. It is still unclear how many of the local residents are injured or missing. ¶5. (U) North Sumatra police admit publicly that their first-responders have no means to access the area due to the lack of road network and flooding of the rivers. Heavy equipment needed for rescue work is also unable to traverse the road network and helicopter support to drop relief supplies remains an option being explored by local authorities. The impact of the logging concessions and years of mismanagement is clear in the disastrous consequences for local residents. Some local aid was reported on local TV arriving via the port city of Sibolga by ship and directly by police helicopter on the afternoon of September 17. The Indonesian government has not requested international aid as of this time. OSIUS