country information bulletin - indian ocean's earthquake

COUNTRY INFORMATION BULLETIN INDIAN OCEANrsquoS EARTHQUAKE

12005

1 Introduction 11 This Bulletin has been produced by the Country Information and Policy Unit Immigration and Nationality Directorate Home Office to identify information about the effects of the Indian Ocean earthquake and subsequent tsunami of 26 December 2004 on Bangladesh Burma [Myanmar] India Indonesia Kenya Malaysia Maldives Seychelles Somalia Sri Lanka Tanzania and Thailand The information has been obtained from a wide variety of recognised sources It does not contain any Home Office opinion or policy 12 This Bulletin has been prepared for background purposes for those involved in the asylum human rights determination process The information it contains is not exhaustive It concentrates on the issues most commonly raised in asylum human rights claims made in the United Kingdom It includes information available up to 12 January 2005 13 The Bulletin is sourced throughout It is intended to be used by caseworkers as a signpost to the source material which has been made available to them The vast majority of the source material is readily available in the public domain The source material for each country is listed within the relevant country section and the numbering of the sources for each country begins with source number [1] 14 This Bulletin is only intended to cover the situation in Bangladesh Burma [Myanmar] India Indonesia Kenya Malaysia Maldives Seychelles Somalia Sri Lanka Tanzania and Thailand as a result of the Indian Ocean earthquake and should be read in conjunction with other information on these countries including the most recent Country Reports 15 This Bulletin and the accompanying source material are publicly disclosable Where sources identified in the Bulletin are available in electronic form the relevant link has been included The date that the relevant link was accessed in preparing the Bulletin is also included Paper copies of the sources have been distributed to nominated officers in Asylum Caseworking Directorate and all Presenting Officer Units 16 If after reading the information related to individual countries caseworkers require further information on specific areas within individual countries they should contact the relevant Country Information and Policy Unit Country Officer for more detailed information 2 Bangladesh Degree of damage caused by the tsunami and estimated casualties 21 On 26 December 2004 Agence France-Presse quoted the Meteorological Department in Dhaka as saying that earthquake tremors had been felt in the coastal areas of Chittagong and Barisal divisions in the southeast of Bangladesh but that only minor flooding had occurred in those areas There were no reports of tsunami damage or casualties elsewhere in the country [1a] Two people had however been killed when a tourist boat capsized in the Bay of Bengal [1b] 22 Associated Press confirmed on 31 December 2004 that Bangladesh had escaped the tsunami relatively unscathed [2] The UK Department for International Development (DFID) in their situation report of 5 January 2005 listed the total number of Bangladeshi casualties as 2 dead (see 21 above) [3] Source material for Bangladesh

[1] Agence France-Presse (via LexisNexis) a Bangladesh feels tremors but no reports of casualties from Indonesian quake dated 26 December 2004 b Father and son die after waves capsize boat in Bangladesh dated 26 December 2004 [2] Associated Press (via LexisNexis) Bangladesh Escapes Tsunami Unscathed dated 31 December 2004 [3] UK Department for International Development - DFID CHAD Situation Report No16 dated 5 January 2005 accessed 12 January 2005 httpwwwdfidgovuknewsfilesemergenciesasian-earthquake-sitrepsasp 3 Burma [Myanmar] Locationdistrict of the areas affected 31 As noted on 10 January 2005 by Scoop newsReports indicate that the wave force reaching the coast of Myanmar was greatly reduced in comparison with neighbouring countries and the particular topography of the southern and delta coastlines as well as the rocky nature of the islands provided physical protection for the population A series of assessment and verification missions were undertaken by one or more of the partners already working in Myanmar - to the Rakhine Coast the Ayeyarwady Delta and the southern coast including the most populated island of the Myeik archipelago and the islands of Kawthaung around Lampi Island [2] 32 The worst affected area was the Irrawaddy Delta inhabited by poor subsistence farmers and fishing families According to a BBC article dated 8 January 2005 [1] Estimated number of casualties extent of damage and relief situation 33 The BBC reported on 11 January 2005 that Burmas military junta put the death toll at 64 but the World Food Programme (WFP) says this may be an underestimate One WFP employee found 200 households where at least one person who had been out fishing when the tsunami struck was missing [1] 34 According to the World Health Organisation report dated 12 January 2005 10-15000 people have been affected long-term and 5-7000 have been directly affected 592 houses of 17 villages have been destroyed leaving 3205 homeless households Forty three people were injured with 3 missing and between 60-80 deaths [3] 35 According to a press release from Scoop dated 10 January 2005 the Tsunami Assistance Coordination Group met on 7 January 2005 to consolidate the findings of the different assessment and verification missions undertaken throughout he affected areas of Myanmar The coordination group set up at the onset of the disaster is chaired by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies The group concluded that Myanmar has been largely spared from the destructive forces of the earthquake and subsequent Tsunami and that the initial emergency needs have been met by the Government and by the aid community The groups assessment of the scale of impact is in line with the Governments own findings The group confirms a death toll of 60-80 and estimates the longer-term affected population at 10-15000 of whom 5-7000 are directly affected [2] 36 According to the same source the findings identified immediate needs in the following sectors shelter safe drinking water food and non-food items (blankets clothes cooking sets mosquito nets etc) Agencies are closely coordinating their responses through the coordination group and are largely using pre-positioned stocks andor redirecting resources from other areas of the country or through their regional mechanisms Emergency family kits have already been distributed in both the delta and southern regions and further support is announced or planned for the next days [2] 37 As reported by Scoop on 10 January 2005 Future coordination and planning will be ensured by a small liaison group following up on a second assessment phase for mid and longer term needs and support Initial assessments point to a longer-term impact on livelihoods and community coping mechanisms The aid partners will ensure particular attention will be paid to clean water sources damage to soil and crops destruction or damage to houses fishing boats and nets They

will also pay attention to disease surveillance and response and access to health care education infrastructure and services community services and communications and the needs of particularly vulnerable groups within the affected population [2] Source material for Burma [Myanmar] [1] BBC news At-a-glance Countries hit - 11January 2005 accessed 12 January 2005 httpnewsbbccouk1hiworld4126019stm [2] Scoop Myanmar - Tsunami Assistance Coordination Group - 10 January 2005 accessed 11 January 2005 - httpwwwscoopconzmasonstoriesWo0501S00071htm [3] World Health Organisation - South AsiaTsunami and Health Situation Report 14 12 January 2005 httpwwwreliefwebintwrwbnsf480fa8736b88bbc3c12564f6004c8ad5beda28d83c8b 4 India Locationdistrict of the areas affected 41 BBC news reported on 11 January 2005 that Indias south-east coast particularly the state of Tamil Nadu was the worst affected area on the mainland [1] The earthquake was felt widely along the east cost of India and the quake was also felt along the Coromandel coast The tidal waves hit several coastal districts of Tamil Nadu namely Chennai Thiruvallur Kancheepuram Cuddalore Nagapattinam Tiruvarur Thanjavur Thhothukudi Ramanathapuram Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari as reported on 10 January 2005 by the Government of Tamil Nadu [7] 42 A Government of India presentation of 10 January 2005 states that the coastal states of Tamil Nadu Kerala Andhra Pradesh and the Union Territories of Pondicherry and Andaman and Nicobar Islands suffered massive damage [11] 43 As reported by World Health Organisation on 12 January 2005 2260 KM of coastal land has been affected penetrating 300m to 3km with 36M people affected [12] 44 The state of Andhra Pradesh lies in southern India on the eastern shores of the peninsula In the Godavari delta Andhra Pradesh surrounds an enclave of the Union Territory of Pondicherry the small port of Yanam To the south lies the state of Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh is the fifth most populous state of the Union with a population of 76210007 according to the 2001 Census as noted in Europa [14] 45 As noted in Europa (2005) the Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie in the Bay of Bengal along an arc stretching from the Irrawaddy delta in the north-east to the island of Sumatra in the south-east [14] The extent of damage caused by the tsunami 46 According to a Government presentation report dated 10 January 2005 897 villages are affected 158 lakhs (lakh=100000) dwelling units destroyed 3614 lakhs population affected In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands 15 islands have been badly affected 2 in Andaman and 13 in Nicobar 7 islands have been fully evacuated with relief operations in 8 [11] 47 The BBC reported on 6 January 2005 that in addition to Tamil Nadu other badly hit areas of the mainland were the states of Andhra Pradesh Kerala and the territory of Pondicherry It is reported that the main expense in Tamil Nadu will be the rebuilding of homes and buildings along the coast most of which were completely destroyed or made uninhabitable In addition the costs of repairing and replacing about 15000 fishing boats is bound to be immense The Indian Government has cited getting the fishing communities earning a living again as a top priority and no expense will be spared Officials hope to get Tamil Nadus fishing fleets fully operational within 6 months The BBC correspondent reported that the aid operation in Tamil Nadu appeared to be going well with enough resources to meet peoples immediate needs However long-term rebuilding may be a different case with costs more difficult to estimate and many unforeseen expenses The estimated reconstruction costs are Tamil Nadu - $613m Kerala - $305m Andhra Pradesh - $162m Pondicherry - $115m Andamans still being assessed (these figures were sourced to the Indian Government) [2]

48 As noted in the same BBC report the financial cost to the Indian mainland from the tsunami is more than $1bn according to the government Costs to the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands are still being assessed The southern state of Tamil Nadu on the mainland has suffered the worst damage incurring losses at some $580m The Indian Government have stated that they are confident that they have the capabilities and resources to overcome it [2] Estimated number of casualties incidence of disease and current relief situation 49 As reported by the BBC on 11 January 2005 more than 8800 people are confirmed dead in mainland India 7968 of them in Tamil Nadu and almost 600 in Pondicherry (for details of Andaman and Nicobar Islands see below) At least 140000 Indians mostly from fishing families are in relief centres [1] 410 Medical teams have begun a vaccination campaign to try to reduce the spread of disease according to the same source [1] 411 According to a World Health Organisation situation report of 12 January 2005 10151 people have died 5628 people are missing of which 5542 people are from Andaman and Nicobar Islands 3324 people are injured and 646820 people are displaced [12] 412 As reported by the Government of Tamil Nadu the death toll for Tamil Nadu as at 10 January 2005 stands at 7961 and many people have been rendered homeless [7] A further report by the state government of Tamil Nadu of 10 January 2005 stated that identification and disposal of dead bodies had been given top priority and almost 95 of the dead bodies have been retrieved and disposed of either by burial or cremation 412 relief centres are now functioning where food is provided [6] 413 As reported on 10 January 2005 by the Government of Kerala the death toll in Kerala stands at 180 5805 houses have been damaged and there are 150 relief camps In the district of Kannur 5 people are reported as missing [10] 414 As stated in a Government release dated 10 January 2005 in the districts and islands severely affected the death toll stands at 6035 in Nagapattinam 817 in Kanyakumari 612 in Cudallor 206 in Chennai 483 in Karaikal 382 in Car Nicobar and 303 in Katchal [11] 415 The same Government release notes that all dead bodies have been disposed of most of them by 30 December 2004 Cremation parties were dispatched to the Nicobar Group of Islands Standard procedures as prescribed by Ministry of Health and WHO were followed Bleaching powder and disinfectant were airlifted to A amp N Islands [11] 416 According to the same source 28734 people were rescued with 9950 of these in Kerala 9284 in A amp N Islands and 9500 in Tamil Nadu [11] 417 A total of 881 relief camps were opened with 604335 housed in the camps At present 614 camps are functioning with 384658 people housed in the camps according to the Government release dated 10 January 2005 [11] 418 As reported by the WHO on 12 January 2005 897 villages and 157393 dwelling units have been damaged There are 594 relief camps with 377512 people there and 646820 people have been evacuated [12] 419 According to an article on Relief web dated 6 January 2005 soon after the tsunami hit India a nationwide campaign to battle the disaster started throughout India Not only the central and state governments and the armed forces but also ordinary people have been mobilized to join in the relief work The affected areas such as Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh Pondicherry and Kerala have well-functioning state governments that could mobilize their resources while the Andaman and Nicobar Islands a Union Territory posed more of a challenge to the central government According to a status report released by the Home Ministry power and water supply have been restored partly in the islands and some harbours are functioning Satellite telephones have been provided The Indian armed forces were called upon to assist civilian authorities on an unprecedented scale with the deployment of 8000 army troops 5500 naval personnel and 2000 air force personnel in the islands With dozens of ships helicopters and cargo planes being

mobilized [5] 420 According to a Government release on 10 January 2005 relief supply hubs were designated with regard to food water and medicine and twice daily meetings are held to plan and assess the movement of supplies with a mechanism established for constant linkages between MHA and MOD [11] 421 Relief Web on 6 January 2005 reported that about 110 relief camps have been set up for over 41200 people over 1200 tons of food items 368 tons of drinking water 83 tons of medicines and disinfectant and 9975 tents have been delivered to the affected people No law and order problem in regard to distribution of relief materials in any of the islands has been reported [5] 422 Along the coastal states in southern India all seaports harbours airports and national highways are now fully functional and telecommunications have been restored The central government is continuing the relief and rescue operations and the situation in the tsunami devastated states has improved considerably with people beginning to return to their homes from the relief camps [5] 423 Further information from the Government of Tamil Nadu stated that as at 10 January a total of 376 villageskuppams had been affected 896163 member of the population affected 128394 houseshuts damaged 7961 human lives lost and 3324 persons injured [8] 424 No outbreaks of communicable diseases have been reported according to the WHO as at 12 January 2005 The situation is being monitored by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and stated administrations with support from WHO A medical team is visiting Tamil Nadu Kerala and Pondicherry to look at ways to strengthen the surveillance programme There has been an extensive immunisation campaign on the mainland vaccines and AD syringes have been airlifted to the Aamp N Islands [12] Andaman and Nicobar Islands 425 Andaman and Nicobar consist of about 400 islands 38 of which are inhabited The islands are peaks of submerged mountain range The population is around 370000 about 100000 in Port Blair The islands are home to a number of tribes some of whom have had little or no contact with the outside world as reported by the BBC on 6 January 2005 [4] The extent of damage caused by the tsunami in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands 426 As reported by BBC World news on 11 January 2005 the salt water which washed over the islands contaminated many sources of fresh water and destroyed large areas of arable land Most of the islands jetties have also been destroyed [1] 427 According to a BBC article of 6 January 2005 on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at least 900 of the islands 400000 people are confirmed dead and 61010 are missing - 4500 from Katchall island alone India has refused assistance from international aid agencies due to the presence of a military base on one island and stone-age tribes on some others About 12000 people have been moved to relief camps on larger islands Some remote tribes people are known to have survived because they shot arrows at coast guard helicopters[1] As stated in a BBC news item of 3 January 2005 on Car Nicobar a hundred people died of which more than half were air force officers and their families At Malacca village a mass cremation was carried out The defence authorities have set up tents along the roadside where some relief is received The chief of defence forces in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands said the relief and rescue operations were in full swing but aid hasnt reached some It was thought that it will take years for the land and people to recover[3] The Indian military says that more than 6000 people are still missing throughout the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago More than 900 are known to have died as reported by the BBC on 6 January 2005 Hundreds of Indian border guards have been flown in to help the navy and police search for the missing Indias Supreme Court lifted a ban on tree-felling on the island to help the rebuilding efforts Unicef have been granted access to vaccinate against measles in refugee camps [4] 428 According to an article dated 9 January by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration The Relief and Rescue mission carried out by the Integrated Relief Command continued To date1310 dead bodies have been disposed of 5544 persons are missing 4657 people have been evacuated

to mainland and 12697 persons have been evacuated to Port Blair from other islands 37449 persons are in relief camps spread across the Islands Aircraft sorties have been carried out and relief supplies have been carried to other islands The administration plans to provide shelters to al the affected people staying in relief camps before the monsoon [9] 429 According to the same source Great Nicobar is experiencing a shortage of water so tankers are being used to supply the water The power supply has been restored Water is now available at Hut bay in Little Andaman Medical services are available at all the Islands and no outbreak of diseases have been reported from any places [9] UNHCR Recommendations 430 In a note dated 12 January 2005 entitled Request for the Suspension of Enforced Returns to Areas Affected by the Tsunami UNHCR stated that The tsunami has left behind large scale destruction and a serious risk of widespread epidemics Access to many areas remains difficult hindering the delivery of humanitarian assistance and many of the regions affected lack any infrastructure [13] 431 The UNHCR note strongly recommended that in view of these considerations States suspend initially for a period of 3 months all involuntary returns to the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu Kerala Pondicherry Andhra Pradesh as well as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands even in the case of persons found not to be in need of international protection [13] Source material for India (including Andaman and Nicobar) [1] BBC news - At a glance - Countries hit - 11 January 2005 accessed 12 January 2005 httpnewsbbccouk1hiworld4126019stm [2] BBC news - Damage to India more than $1bn - dated 6 January 2005 accessed 6 January 2005 httpnewsvotebbccoukmpappspagetoolsprintnewsbbcocuk1hiworldsouth_asia4151705stm [3] BBC news Eyewitness Remote tragedies - 6 January 2005 accessed 6 January 2005 httpnewsbbccouk1hiworldsouth_asia4143847stm [4] BBC news - India steps up Andaman relief bid - 6 January 2005 accessed 6 January 2005 httpnewsnotebbccoukmpappspagetoolsprintnewsbbccouk1hiworldsouth_asia4150977stm [5] Relief Web Xinhua Relief Operations shift to restoration in Indias tsunami-hit areas - 6 January 2005 accessed 6 January 2005 httpwwwreliefwebintrwrwbnsfAllDocsByUNID0f06f34a2614214dc1256f8100332160 [6] Government Information Cell - Government of Tamil Nadu Rescue and Relief Operations - Relief Measures undertaken so far 10 January 2005 accessed 11 January 2005 httpwwwtngovintsunamirescuehtm [7] Government of Tamil Nadu - Government Information Cell - Tsunami - The killer Waves - updated 10 January 2005 accessed 11 January 2005 httpwwwtngovintsunamitsunamihtm [8] Government of Tamil Nadu - Damages - as at 10 January 2005 accessed 11 January 2005 httpwwwtngovintsunamidamageshtm [9] Andaman and Nicobar Administration - Lt Governors interaction with officials and representatives of PRIs in Diglipur and Mayabunder - Port Blair 9 January 2005 accessed 11 January 2005 httptsunamiandamantnnicinSunday0901_filesSunday0901htm [10] Government of Kerala - Tsunami Relief Operations in Kerala - updated 10 January 2005 accessed 11 January 2005 httpwwwkeralanicintsunamihtm [11] Government of India presentation on the Tsunami 10 January 2005 accessed 11 January 2005

[12] Relief Web World Health Organisation 12 January 2005 South Asia Tsunami amp Health Situation Report 14 httpwwwreliefwebintwrwbnsf480fa8736b88bbc3c12564f6004c8ad5beda28d83c8b [13] UNHCR Information Note Request for the suspension of forced returns to areas affected by the tsunami - 12 January 2005 [14] Europa Regional Surveys of the world South Asia 2005 - 2nd Edition [15] Situation Report 31 - No32-52004 Government of India Tsunami impact (26 December 2004) in A amp N Islands UT of Pondicherry and other coastal States of Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh and Kerala - Relief Rehabilitaion and other follow up measures 13 January 2005 accessed 13 January 2005 httpwwwndmindianicinTsunami2004sitrep31htm 5 Indonesia Location of areasdistrict affected 51 The west coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra the closest inhabited area to the epicentre of the earthquake was devastated by the tsunami More than 70 of the inhabitants of some coastal villages are reported to have died As reported by the BBC on 11 January 2005 [1] 52 According to a World Health Organisation situation report of 12 January 2005 in Aceh one million people have been affected in 14 out of 21 districts Damage has occurred in 172 sub-districts 1550 villages and 21659 houses have been destroyed [10] A 62- magnitude aftershock hit Aceh at 500 am on 10 January 2005 with no reports of casualties as noted in a UN situation report [6] Estimated casualties and arrangements for burial 53 The death toll stands at more than 105000 but officials expect it to rise Heavy rains after the tsunami in Aceh on the western tip of Sumatra have increased the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases As stated by the BBC on 11 January 2005 The same source gives the actual figure for Indonesia as 105262 [1] 54 Indonesia was the hardest hit and has now reported 105262 fatalities with 10046 people still missing according to the social affairs minister as stated by Relief Web on 11 January 2005 According to the Ministry the largest death toll was in the almost completely destroyed town of Meulaboh situated on the remote northwest coast of Sumatra island where 28251 people died Aid workers on the ground expect more bodies to be collected [2] 55 As reported in a Relief Web article of 11 January 2005 up to 74623 people were confirmed dead in Aceh with 65594 already buried In addition there were 131476 people listed as missing but relief workers said it was possible many of the missing had moved to other areas An official from the Ministry of Social Affairs in Jakarta said a total of 104055 people were listed dead in North Sumatra which includes Aceh with 10088 others still missing [3] 56 Three additional battalions of troops and one battalion of elite police will be sent to the troubled province to assist with corpse removal and disposal as reported by Relief Web[4] According to an IOM press release of 11 January IOM provided generators at the request of the Indonesian military to speed up the collection of dead bodies Currently volunteer squads extract bodies from the debris by day and place them in body bags by the roadside where military trucks collect them every evening the generators will enable work to continue through the night [5] 57 According to a WHO situation report of 12 January 1443 people have been hospitalised [10] 58 The same source noted the number of internally displaced people at 391887 and efforts were under way to place them in 24 new relocation camps across the tsunami hit province [3] According to a UN situation report of 11 January 2005 the latest information from the Department of Social Affairs as at 10 January 2005 reported the number of victims in Aceh and North Sumatra as standing at 104055 persons 10088 persons are reportedly missing and 655144 internally displaced persons are living in the relief shelters [6]

59 The same source stated that the Government of Indonesia are making plans to establish 24 relocation sites for IDPs around Aceh Besar with a plan to establish the camps within 2 weeks UNICEF is reportedly planning to support the installation of water and sanitation facilities in all camps [6] Extent of Damage and Relief Situation 510 According to the BBC All infrastructure has been wiped out in the worst affected areas leaving people without water food or shelter Many local government officials are dead or missing Aid organisations were barred from the area because of separatist conflict until the tsunami struck Indonesias army has now said relief workers must register to travel to remoter parts of Aceh province[1] According to a Relief Web article of 11 January 2005 Aid organisations cannot go outside Banda Aceh without the permission of the Indonesian military [3] 511 According to an IOM press briefing of 11 January 2005 an IOM truck convoy broke through to Meulaboh carrying relief supplies and reached the devastated West Aceh town of Meulaboh which had been without road access since the tsunami hit The convoy carried diesel fuel clothes and tents together with relief provided by the Indonesian government and the local government of North Sumatra province [5] Other relief trucks are expected to reach different destinations in Aceh by the end of the week carrying food water clothing shelter materials and medical supplies [5] 512 According to a WHO report of 12 January 2005 Acute relief efforts continue particularly in Aceh with aid efforts hampered in certain key areas by access difficulties transportation and logistical problems [10] 513 According to a WHO report of 11 January 2005 some populations in remote areas in Banda Aceh Province remain difficult to reach Banda Aceh lacks basic sanitation The situation in Banda Aceh remains acute and efforts are underway to reduce the risk of outbreaks of disease The Government of Indonesia and UN relief agencies continue to work together with a sense of urgency Significant progress has been made in supplying drinking water in some affected areas Some 19 agencies are working on the water supply issue [9] Medical Issues 514 According to a UN situation report of 11 January 2005 the intensity of rain fall increases the risk of a diarrhoea outbreak in the IDPs settlement in Aceh The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that Measles immunisation campaigns have commenced in Northern Sumatra (Aceh and Medan) in response to a reported measles case in Banda Aceh and suspected cases in Meulaboh The number of cases of different diseases is increasing but no outbreaks reported In Meulaboh only one functional hospital remains on the outskirts of the city with one emergency room one surgical suite and one inpatient ward of 20 beds The French army are deploying field hospitals SurfAid International reported that pre-existing cases of malaria were identified along with low haemoglobin levels among children in West Nias Island There have also been reports of infectious diseases such as skin diseases (rashes of which some are turning fungal) and respiratory illness [6] Water and sanitation 515 Many organisations are addressing water and sanitation situation at the settlements through the provision of containers bottled drinking water disinfection tablets water tanks tap stands trucked water latrines bathing facilities and soaps Clean water from artesian wells and sanitary stations have been opened at a mosque in Banda Aceh in addition to 60 other refugee spot WHO indicated that access to safe water hygiene and sanitation is still inadequate basic sanitation infrastructure in Meulaboh is severely disrupted as noted by the UN on 10 January 2005 [6] 516 According to a WHO report of 12 January 2005 access to safe water and sanitation remain critical particularly in Aceh [10] Child Protection and Education 517 According to the UN report of 10 January 2005 The Ministry of Social Welfare is sending a registration form to all orphanages in Indonesia for children taken out of Aceh during crisis The

government has also set up check points at airports ports and other places to monitor and stop separated children from being taken out of Northern Sumatra A temporary care centre for unaccompanied children is being set up in Banda Aceh by UNICEF in support of the Ministry of Social Welfare [6] 518 According to a World Organisation Against Torture report immediate steps were taken by the President of Indonesia to prevent displaced and orphaned children being trafficked from the province of Aceh by closing its borders to children under 16 years of age Airport and harbour controls have been strengthened and police chiefs have been briefed on the methods used by traffickers The Indonesian Government attempts to reunite children with members of the extended family or shelter them in orphanages [8] 519 On 11 January 2005 Save the Children reported that they have been travelling to the camps in Aceh province identifying children who have been separated from their families Staff have registered the separated and unaccompanied children in 2 districts of Banda Aceh Save the Children will begin the registration process in Sigli east of Banda Aceh [7] 520 As reported by the UN on 11 January 2005 UNICEF reported the first primary school opened on 10 January 2005 attended by 53 students of which 15 were internally displaced Relocation of IDPs from schools is a major issue 5 schools in Banda Aceh are occupied by IDPs and 3 schools in Meulaboh by NGOs and military UNICEF also reported that a rapid assessment in 7 of 11 districts of Aceh shows that 420 schools have been destroyed and 1200 teachers killed[6] Background and current situation regarding Rebels 521 For the last 18 months martial law had been imposed on the troubled region of Aceh by the Indonesian government Since 1976 the Free Aceh Movement has been fighting government troops and around 12000 people have been killed in the civil unrest As stated in a Relief Web article dated 11 January 2005 [3] 522 According to an article on Relief Web dated 11 January 2005 Indonesian military officials have offered separatist rebels in the northern province of Aceh temporary amnesty if they hand over their weapons and help efforts to rebuild the tsunami-stricken province Rebels complying with the government terms would not be arrested for the time being according to the commander-in-chief of the Indonesian army [4] 523 As reported by the Edinburgh Evening News on 12 January 2005 the Indonesian government has demanded that foreign troops assisting with the aid effort leave Indonesia by the end of March 2005 It is thought Indonesian authorities wish to re-establish control over Aceh In addition Indonesian officials have said they would limit movements of aid workers to protect foreign aid workers from attacks by rebels [11] All aid groups and foreigners will be escorted and monitored while travelling to areas outside the provincial capital Banda Aceh and the town of Meulaboh Authorities say the move was needed to curtail a growing threat from separatists As noted in an SBS World news report on 13 January 2005 [12] UNHCR Recommendations 524 In a note dated 12 January 2005 entitled Request for the Suspension of Enforced Returns to Areas Affected by the Tsunami UNHCR stated that The tsunami has left behind large scale destruction and a serious risk of widespread epidemics Access to many areas remains difficult hindering the delivery of humanitarian assistance and many of the regions affected lack any infrastructure[14] 525 The UNHCR note strongly recommends that in view of these considerations States suspend initially for a period of 3 months all involuntary returns to Aceh Indonesia even in the case of persons found not to be in need of international protection [14] Source material for Indonesia [1] BBC News-at-a-glance - countries hit 11 January 2005 accessed 12 January 2005 httpnewsbbcocuk1hiworld4126019stm [2] Relief Web Source Agence France-Presse 11 January 2005 - Death toll in Asian quake

disaster more than 157000 accessed 12 January 2005 httpnewsbbcocuk1hiworld4126019stm [3] Relief Web Source Deutche Presse Agentur - 11 January 2005 Relief Workers need military permit to go beyond Banda Aceh accessed 12 January 2005 wwwdpade [4] Relief Web SourceDeutche Presse Agentur - 11 January 2005 - Indonesian military offers temporary amnesty to rebels accessed 12 January 2005 httpwwwdpade [5] Relief Web International Organisation for Migration 11 January 2005 - IOM Press briefing notes 11 Jan 2005 Indonesia Sri Lanka accessed 11 January 2005 httpwwwiomint [6] Relief Web UN Office for the coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 11 January 2005 - Indonesia - Earthquake and Tsunami OCHA Field Situation Report Update No 16 accessed 12 January 2005 httpwwwreliefwebint [7] Relief Web Save the Children - 11 January 2005 - Registering children separated from their families in Aceh accessed 12 January 2005 httpwwwsavethechildrenorg [8] Relief Web World Organisation Against Torture - 11 January 2005 - Risk of children trafficking following the Tsunami disaster accessed 12 January 2005 httpwwwomctorg [9] Relief Web World Health Organisation - 11 January 2005 - South Asia Tsunami and Health Situation Report 13 accessed 12 January 2005 httpwwwwhoint [10] Relief Web World Health Organisation - 12 January 2005 - South Asia Tsunami amp Health Situation Report 14 accessed 12 January 2005 httpwwwwhoint [11] Edinburgh Evening News - 12 January 2005 - Foreign aid troops given deadline to quit Indonesia accessed 12 January 2005 httpnewsscotsmancominternationlcfmid=42182005 [12] SBS - The World News - Aid Groups Restricted in Aceh - 12 January 2005 accessed 12 January 2005 httpwww9sbscomautheworldnewsregionphpid=102914ampregions=2 [13] ABC Online - Rebels guarantee aid workers safety in Aceh - 11 January 2005 accessed 12 January 2005 httpstorynewsyahoocomnewsp=newsampg=eventsts122604indonesiaquakeampe=1amptr [14] UNHCR - Information Note - Request for the suspension of forced returns to areas affected by the tsunami - 12 January 2005 6 Kenya Locationdistrict of the country affected 61 VOA News reported on 27 December 2004 that in Kenya the Tsunami hit the northern coast of the country near Malindi and also affected boats and properties in Lamu and Mombasa [2] Climatetypical temperatures 62 Africa South of the Sahara 2005 reported that average temperatures may be roughly calculated by taking a sea-level mean of 26 degrees C and deducting 17 degrees for each 300 m of altitude For most of the country however rainfall is more critical than temperature Only 15 of the area of Kenya can be expected to receive a reliable rainfall adequate for cultivation (750mm in four years out of five) Rainfall is greatest at the coast and in the west of the country near Lake Victoria and in the highlands but the extensive plains below 1200m are arid or semi-arid [1] (p564) 63 IRIN News reported on 24 July 2004 a villager in Mtaa of Kwale District one of the areas seriously affected by drought in Kenyas Coast Province saying We have harvested little during the past four years and this year our crops withered and dried up a few weeks after plantingThe Kenyan ministry of agriculture has estimated that food production this year in five of the countrys eight provinces will be at least 40 percent below normal while drought conditions in pastoral areas

have rendered nearly a million people severely food-insecure [4] (p1) 64 The same report also noted that UN relief agencies will soon be appealing for international aid on behalf of the Kenya government which has already declared the shortages a national disaster [4] (p1) Population and location of areas affected 65 According to Europa Africa South of the Sahara 2005 the population of the Coastal Province is 2487264 The population of Malindi is 53805 and Mombasa 660800 (1999 Census) [1] (p583) 66 News 24com reported on 6 January 2005 that Five African sailors whose cargo ship was swamped by the Asian tsunami have arrived in the Kenyan port city of Mombasa after being saved over the weekend by the United States navy off the coast of Somalia Kenyan shipping authorities said on Thursday Kenya Seafarers Assistance Programme official Andrew Mwangura said The five men four Kenyans and a Tanzanian arrived late yesterday aboard a Kenyan Navys Madaraka vessel that went to pick them up from the USS Hue City ship which had saved them The article further noted that Mwangura said They [the survivors] said their vessel sank after being slammed by the tsunami waves on December 26 and they floated on the seas using life-saving equipment until the US navy ship saved them last weekend [3] (p1) The degree of damage caused by the tsunami 67 Afrol News reported on 3 January 2005 that Kenyas main coastal city Mombasa was indeed ravaged by the tsunami Also the coastal resorts north and south of the metropolis such as Malindi were badly hurt by the large wave [5] (p1) Estimated casualties and current relief situation 68 Afrol News also reported on 3 January 2005 that only one Kenyan lost his life to the wave It continued by saying that Seychelles warned the Kenyan authorities that they could expect a devastating wave The article said that National media were quick to broadcast alerts and all commercial vessels along the Kenyan coast were warned The police were ordered to evacuate beaches and to advise artisanal fishing boats without radio communication By the afternoon of 26 December all hotels on the Kenyan coast had been alerted and had taken the necessary action to secure their facilities and ensure the safety of their guests according to the Kenya Tourist Board All tourists at Kenyan coastal resorts are safe and unhurt Damage from the incident was limited to local fishing boats mainly around Malindi The impressive emergency operations in Seychelles and Kenya probably saved the lives of hundreds of national citizens and tourists However large-scale material damages could not be avoided In Kenya damages are concentrated on poor fishing communities which have seen their livelihood destructed [5] (pps 1amp2) Source material for Kenya [1] Europa Publications South of the Sahara 2005 [2] News VOAcom - Tidal wave hits Somalia Kenya dated 27 December 2004 httpwwwvoanewscomenglish2004-12-27-voa16cfm - date accessed 31 December 2004 [3] News 24com - Kenyan sailors survive tsunami dated 6 January 2005 httpwwwnews24comNews24AfricaNews02-11-1447_164367100html - date accessed 6 January 2005 [4] IRIN News - Food shortages force coastal residents to eat wild roots dated 24 July 2004 httpwwwirinnewsorgreportaspReportID=42363ampSelectRegion=East_AfricaampSelectCountry=KENYA - date accessed 6 January 2005 [5] Afrol News - How Kenya Seychelles avoided tsunami disaster dated 3 January 2005 httpwwwafrolcomarticles15120 - date accessed 6 January 2005

7 Malaysia Locationdistrict of the areas affected 71 Although Malaysia lies close to the epicentre much of its coastline was spared widespread devastation because it was shielded by Sumatra However scores of people were swept from beaches near the northern island of Penang As reported by BBC news on 11 January 2005 [1] 72 The tsunami struck several states on the northwest of the Malyasia peninsula [2] According to the World Health Organisation the northwest states of Penang and Kedah were affected [5] Estimated casualties the incidence of disease and current relief situation 73 At least 68 people are confirmed dead according to the BBC[1] According to the US Agency for International Development there are 68 dead and 6 missing with 8000 people displaced[3] According to a Sun network news item of 3 January 2005 a total of 52 people died in the resort island of Penang 12 in Kedah three in Perak and one in central Selangor state [4] 74 According to the World Health Organisation 8000 people have been displaced 30000 are in 9 camps there are73 in-patients694 outpatients There have been 68 deaths and 6 people are missing[5] About 8000 people are homeless and being given temporary accommodation in schools [4] 75 According to Relief Web cash aid of 20000 ringgit (5263 US dollars) will be given to the next-of-kin of each of those killed in the tsunami disaster which hit several states in the northwest of the Malaysia peninsula The decision was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak 20000 ringgit will be given for each victim killed in the disaster and for additional family members killed the amount will be multiplied accordingly It was also decided that 206 fish breeders and 102 farmers particularly paddy planters affected were eligible to receive aid of 500 ringgit (131 US dollars) each The fish breeders would also be compensated for losses In addition the Malaysian government has distributed two rounds of aid totalling 77 million ringgit (202 million US dollars) for tsunami victims [2] 76 According to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak the Tsunami caused losses exceeding 100 million ringgit (2631 million US dollars) The amount took into account damage and destruction to houses boats vehicles properties as well as damage to infrastructure like roads bridges community halls [5] 77 As stated in a UN article dated 29 December 2004 the national and state governments are providing immediate financial and material (food clothing etc) help for those affected by the disaster This is being well coordinated with multi-agency government support as well as through volunteers Direct emergency support was not considered necessary by the Deputy Prime Minister National Coordinator for Disaster Relief in Malaysia and the Director General of the Ministry of Health [4] Source material for Malaysia [1] BBC news At-a- glance - Countries hit 11 January 2005 accessed 12 January 2005 httpnewsbbccouk1hiworld4126019sstm [2] Relief Web Xinhua - Cash aid for tsunami victims in Malaysia - 10 January 2005 accessed 10 January 2005 httpwwwxinhuaorg [3] Relief Web US Agency for International Development - 9 January 2005 accessed 10 January 2005 wwwusaidgov [4] Sun Network - Tsunami toll in Malaysia rises to 68 - 10 January 2005 accessed 10 January 2005 wwwsunnetworkorgnews [5] World Health Organisation South Asia Tsunami amp Health Situation Report 14 - 12 January 2005 accessed 12 January 2005

httpwwwreliefwebintwrwbnsf480fa8736b88bbc3c12564f6004c8ad5beda28d83c8b 8 The Maldives Geography 81 As noted in the Europa World Surveys 2005 edition The Republic of Maldives (commonly referred to as -the Maldives) comprises a chain of 1190 small coral islands in the Indian Ocean lying about 675 km south-west of Sri Lanka and extending from just north of Equator to about 8 degrees north Of these islands which cover a land area of 298 sq km (115 sq miles) 200 are inhabited The Maldives rests on a submarine ridge which may be volcanic in origin The islands are grouped into 26 natural atolls (rings of coral islands each ring encircling a lagoon The population totalled 270101 as at the 2001 Census the population was officially estimated at 285066 at mid 2003 The average daily temperature ranges from 25 degrees to 31 degrees celsius and the average annual rainfall is 2143mm [1](p322) Locationdistrict of the areas affected 82 Twenty of the Maldives 199 inhabited islands have been described as totally destroyed The shallowness of the water limited the tsunamis destructive power but flooding was extensive Many luxury resorts will be closed for months As stated by BBC on 8 January 2005 [2] Estimated number of casualties incidence of disease and current relief situation 83 At least 82 people have died and 26 are missing About 12500 have been displaced As reported by the BBC on 8 January 2005 [2] 84 According to the Government some two thirds of the population are affected with 100000 severely affected As stated in a UN report dated 29 December 2004 [4] According to a World Health Organisation report dated 12 January 2005 20 atolls were affected 100000 people are without homes 21663 are displaced 83 people have been killed 26 are missing and 2214 are in injured [5] 85 According to the same article plans for rehabilitation are being developed alongside the continuing relief Much of the initial rescue efforts and the current relief and rehabilitation work has been done by the people and governments of the region [5] 86 According to a World Health Organisation Report dated 12 January 2005 No outbreaks or epidemics have been reported On January 10 2005 the Ministry of Health reported new cases of diarrhoea and ARI but said their numbers continue to be within expected range with no upward trend [5] 87 As noted in the same source The Water supply system is stable and five desalinization plants are in place WHO is providing technical expertise in relation to water quality testing sewage restoration etc [5] In response to a request from the Ministry of Health WHO and UNICEF will assess the nutritional situation of children on the islands [5] UNHCR Recommendations 88 UNHCR in a note dated 12 January 2005 entitled Request for the Suspension of Forced Returns to Areas affected by the Tsunami advised that The tsunami has left behind large-scale destruction and a serious risk of widespread epidemics Access to many areas remains difficult hindering the delivery of humanitarian assistance and many of the regions affected lack any infrastructure The UNHCR note strongly recommended that in view of these considerations States suspend initially for a period of 3 months all involuntary returns to the affected islands of the Maldives even in the case of persons found not to be in need of international protection [3] Source material for the Maldives [1] Europa Regional Surveys of the World - South Asia 2005 - 2nd Edition [2] BBC news At-a-glance Countries hit - 11 January 2005 date accessed 12 January 2005 httpnewsbbccouk1hiworld4126019stm

[3] UNHCR Information Note Request for the suspension of forced returns to areas affected by the tsunami 12 January 2005 [4] UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - 29 December 2004 [5] World Health Organisation South Asia Tsunami amp Health Situation Report 14 - 12 January 2005 accessed 12 January 2005 httpwwwreliefwebintwrwbnsf480fa8736b88bbc12564f6004c8ad5beda28d83c8b 9 Seychelles Geography 91 A report dated 31 December 2004 from the Scoop Internet News Agency a New Zealand news web site noted that Seychelles is an archipelago which lies in the western part of the Indian Ocean - 1593 km East of Kenya 2813 km South West of India and 925 km North East of Madagascar It consists of 115 islands of which 76 are coralline and the remaining are granitic The coralline islands are low averaging 15 meters above sea level and seldom exceed 9 to 15 meters in height Supplies of fresh water are scarce and settlements are small with rarely more than a hundred people Many of these islands serve as rookeries for large bird population The Tidal Wave of the 26th December 2004 was the first ever in known history to hit the islands [1a] 92 The Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) Seychelles Country Profile updated on 11 January 2005 recorded that The climate is tropical with uniformly high temperatures all year round (average 26C) and a wet season from December to March The FCO profile also noted that a 2003 estimate of the population was 82250 [2a] The extent of damage caused by the tsunami 93 The Scoop Internet News Agency report of 31 December 2004 noted that Nearly 8000 people or 110th of the entire population has been displaced from their homes says Olsen Vidot Principle Secretary for the Local Government - responsible for co-ordinating the national disaster relief campaign Houses have been washed away sewerage lines have been ripped up fuel lines are out and major roads have been totally destroyed With a population of only 80000 people and no commercial flights operating to the country aid seems very far away We have loads of first aid kits rescue and sanitary supplies which we have been trying to send but there is simply no freight running to the country says Tim Gordon the co-ordinator for the New Zealand aid fund operating for the Seychelles Government They have been more-or less ignored because of the size of their country Roads have been closed across the island Mahe the largest island of the group as tarmac was swept away and boulders mud and trees washed over the islands Emergency services are at breaking point with dwindling supplies and little rest since Sundays (December 26) Tsunami hit [1a] 94 The Foreign and Commonwealth Seychelles Travel Advice current on 12 January 2005 noted that The after effects of the tidal wave caused by the earthquake in Indonesia have caused some incidental damage This has been compounded by flooding and landslides caused by heavy rain (not unusual at this time of year) Public infrastructure such as roads and bridges and private seaside homes have all suffered damage [2b] 95 On 5 January 2005 Reuters reported that Seychelles had suffered widespread damage when massive waves hit three of its islands on December 26 The Reuters report also noted that Sylvestre Radegonde principal secretary of the foreign affairs ministry said the total damage was about $30 million But we are appealing to the international community for $9 million for rebuilding roads bridges and schools as we are assuming that hotels fishing vessels and private homes

have insurance he told Reuters Radegonde said four large hotels had been closed because of tsunami damage and 50 fishing boats had been destroyed Tourism and fishing exports are the main sources of revenue for the group of 120 islands off the southeast coast of Africa which has been mired in recession since the late 1990s Radegonde said the tourism sector was suffering with bookings being cancelled as a result of the tsunamis [3] Estimated number of casualties incidence of disease and current relief situation 96 The number of deaths reported in the Seychelles has varied according to different sources The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reported on 10 January 2005 that According to the Government of Seychelles 2 people were killed [4] (p6) On 11 January 2005 BBC News recorded that one person had died [5] However an earlier report of 31 December 2004 from the Scoop Internet News Agency stated that the death toll for the islands had risen to 8 people [1a] 97 An Internet report of 29 December 2004 by Emergency and Disaster Management Inc noted that Seychelles Red Cross Society (SRCS) mobilized volunteers to assist with evacuations and placed its National Disaster Response Team on standby The SRCS is also liaising with the Ministry of Health Its headquarters building was damaged but the SRCS will be assisting with ambulance services first aid tracing evacuation clearing and cleaning and the provision of food and non-food relief items [6] 98 A further report from the Scoop Internet News Agency on 1 January 2005 noted that thousands of people were still unaccounted for and the President James Michel was calling for international assistance The report also noted that Much of the capital Mahe remains under several feet of water According to the source Aid has been slow to reach the country with commercial flights suspended and most charitable funds focusing relief efforts on the larger nations closer to the epicentre Olsen Vidot Principle Secretary of the Local Government of the Seychelles expressed a concern that they had not heard from inhabitants from many of its outer-lying islands Some of the smaller islands have between 50 - 100 people on He said Local Government relief workers struggle to reach the worst-stricken islands and efforts hampered by land-slides and torrential rain experienced over the last 48 hoursCommunicable diseases are a further problem to the small island nation with the local emergency brigades lacking many of the basic supplies [1b] Source material for Seychelles [1] Scoop Internet News Agency (a) Rains and Landslides Worsen Seychelles Crisis dated 31 December 2004 accessed 5 January 2005 httpwwwscoopconzmasonstoriesPO0412S00304htm (b) The Seychelles Calls for Aid dated 1 January 2005 accessed 11 January 2005 httpwwwscoopconzmasonstoriesWO0501S00012htm [2] Foreign and Commonwealth Office (a) Seychelles Country Profile dated 11 January 2005 accessed 12 January 2005 httpwwwfcogovukservletFrontpagename=OpenMarketXcelerateShowPageampc=Pageampcid=1007029394365ampa=KCountryProfileampaid=1019744989632 (b) Seychelles Travel Advice current at 12 January 2005 accessed 12 January 2005 httpwwwfcogovukservletFrontpagename=OpenMarketXcelerateShowPageampc=Pageampcid=1007029390590ampa=KCountryAdviceampaid=1013618386649 [3] Reuters AlertNet Tsunami-hit Seychelles appeals for $9 mln aid dated 5 January 2005 accessed 13 January 2005 httpwwwalertnetorgthenewsnewsdeskL05445960htm [4] UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs India Indonesia Malaysia Maldives Seychelles Sri Lanka Earthquake and Tsunami OCHA Situation Report No 16 dated 10 January 2005 accessed 11 January 2005

httpwwwreliefwebintwrwbnsfvIDA7F5DFD44B021D5C85256F8500679A6AOpenDocument [5] BBC News At-a-glance Countries hit dated 11 January 2005 accessed 13 January 2005 [6] Emergency and Disaster Management Inc South Asia Tsunami Update Wednesday December 29 accessed 5 January 2005 httpwwwemergency-managementnettsunami_04htm 10 Somalia Locationdistrict of the country affected 101 The coastal areas of Somalia to the north and east of the country have been affected Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) in a report dated 4 January 2005 noted The tsunami triggered by an earthquake in the Indian Ocean that struck the Horn of Africa coastline just over a week ago has affected about 18000 households of varying sizes in Somalia the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Many of those affected were living in small villages along the Somali coastline particularly in the northeastern regions Their lives were devastated by the waves relief workers said [1a](p1) 102 IRIN in the same report stated In Jeriban and Eyl districts 1000 houses were either damaged or destroyed and around 1200 boats ruined All shallow wells were also reported buried while water reservoirs were destroyed by the waves In Bender Bayla 180 houses were reported completely damaged in addition to an estimated 1400 boats Relief workers reported they were having difficulty in reaching various affected areas that stretch out along 650 km of Somali coastline Existing road tracks had become impassable while the main bridge linking Hafun peninsula to the land was washed away At the time the waves hit the area was also heavily populated with migrant fishermen since this is the peak season for the industry Many of them were living in temporary shelters and have seen all their possessions washed away or damaged [1a](p1) Climatetypical temperatures 103 Somalia including Puntland has been affected by a serious drought in recent years The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) was already providing aid as reflected in a news release dated 26 November 2004 The United Nations World Food Programme announced it will expand its operations in Somalias northern Sool Plateau to respond to the worst drought to hit the region since 1981 WFP will begin distributing food to more than 60000 vulnerable people facing severe shortages [2a](p1) 104 The WFP in their release also noted that The Sool Plateau has not experienced rain for a long time and reserves of groundwater are drying up This years Deyr rains appear once again to be failing and both the people and their livestock are in a dire situation said the WFP Representative for Somalia Robert Hauser We need to intervene immediately to prevent widescale malnutrition and stave off a humanitarian disaster said Hauser [2a](p1) 105 The WFP stated in their news release of 26 November 2004 that The Sool Plateau covering parts of Sool and Sanaag districts in Somaliland as well as parts of Bari district in Puntland an autonomous territory in the north of Somalia have suffered three consecutive years of drought The report added that The Sool plateau region is claimed by both Somaliland and Puntland and has seen intense fighting in the past few months As the drought area straddles the borders between the two territories the UN has obtained access and security assurances from both authorities The food distributed in the critical areas will be delivered from both sides [2a](p1) Population and location of areas affected 106 The WFP in a news release dated 30 December 2004 noted the following WFP has started food distributions in the town of Hafun on the northern coast of Somalia Using two 4x4 trucks 12 tons of food were shuttled from Foar - 60km outside of Hafun through mud and water a journey that takes seven hours The road to Hafun was destroyed by the tidal wave caused by the earthquake in the Indian Ocean on December 26 [2004] [2b](p1) 107 The WFP in the same news release stated that the Latest reports coming from WFP

Somalia field offices reveal that the severity and damage inflicted by the tidal waves vary throughout Somalias Indian Ocean coastal areas On the south coast tidal waves were less aggressive and resulting damage was relatively small Still some fishing communities have experienced heavy losses in property Some people were reportedly injured in the Galgudud coastal areas In a number of areas in the south fishing boats were either swept away or sunk by violent waves while makeshift dwellings were also destroyed [2b](p1) 108 The WFP also noted in their release of 30 December 2004 that On the northeast coast of Puntland the situation is more severe The impact of the tidal waves on the 800 km long upper north-east coast was particularly hard on the island of Hafun and its environs It is still too early to confirm the precise number of casualties and people affected Preliminary estimates show that around 30000-50000 people are affected and in need of immediate relief assistance [2b](p2) The extent of damage caused by the tsunami 109 IRIN in a news report dated 31 December 2004 reported the results of an aerial survey of the affected region and UN officials reaction She [Wafaa El Fadil a humanitarian affairs officer with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)] said the team had seen considerable damage to structures in the Hafun peninsula one of the worst affected areas on the Somali coastline The aerial mission had also seen some damage to structures in Bender Beyla she added [1b](p1) 1010 IRIN in the same report noted that El-Balla Hagona the UN Development Programmes director for Somalia said that unlike other affected countries in Asia Somalia lacked the indigenous capacity to assess the damage caused by the tsunami That has placed that responsibility on the UN and its collaborators Hagona said The remoteness of the affected areas was making efforts to assess the damage and estimate the number of affected people difficult The aerial survey has not provided a complete assessment Balla said [1b](p1) 1011 IRIN in their report of 31 December 2004 stated that El Fadil described the affected areas as remote and harsh Accessibility is an issue she told IRIN adding that it had not been possible to assess the effects of the tsunami on the livelihoods of Somali coastal communities yet [1b](p1) 1012 IRIN in their report also noted that Thomas Thompson a logistics officer with the World Food Programme (WFP) who was also on the aerial assessment team told the news conference that the tsunami had compounded the effects of a four-year drought that had already ravaged northern Somalia [1b](p1) Estimated number of casualties incidence of disease and current relief situation 1013 The BBC in an article dated 5 January 2005 reported the following At a news conference officials in the semi-independent region of Puntland announced that 298 Somalis had died The giant waves hit the north-eastern Somali coastline at the height of the fishing season when the population of coastal villages is larger than usual [3b](p1) Agence France-Presse in an earlier report of 3 January 2005 noted that The high seas killed at least 176 people in Somalia and left several others still missing [4a](p1) In a report dated 11 January 2005 Agence France-Presse reported the same figure as that given by the BBC stating that fatalities also occurred on the east coast of Africa and 298 people were declared dead in Somalia [4b](p2) However these are initial reports of the numbers who were killed and given the difficulties in gaining access to the region and the circumstances as outlined above a precise figure could not be given at the time of issue of this bulletin 1014 The Agence France-Presse in their report of 3 January 2005 added that The WFP spokeswoman [Laura Melo] said several people who were affected were fishermen who were caught unaware when the savage waves sparked by a deadly earthquake off the Indonesian coast lashed the Africas eastern coast on December 26 [2004] [4a](p1amp2) 1015 The BBC in their article of 3 January 2005 stated A BBC reporter says the situation is gradually improving despite reports of cholera a week after the tragedy The report added that US and German soldiers have been helping aid agencies in Somalia to get fresh water and other supplies to survivors of the tsunami disaster The UN are distributing 270 tons of food to thousands of people affected along the northeast and central coast [3a](p1)

1016 However information on the situation remains unclear as reflected in Agence France-Presse report of 3 January 2005 UN agencies face facing [sic] difficulty reaching thousands of people affected by a deadly tidal wave which struck the coast of Somalia a country ravaged for war for 13 years the World Food Programme (WFP) said Monday [2 January 2005] in Nairobi [4a](p1) 1017 IRIN in an article dated 11 January 2005 provided some details of assistance that had been received in the regions affected The UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) was assisting 12000 people in the villages of Hafun Garag Bender Beyla and Eyl on the northeastern coastline of Somalia Bob McCarthy UNICEF Somalia Emergency Officer told IRIN on Tuesday UNICEF has provided shelter materials and clean water and in collaboration with WHO [World Health Organization] emergency medical care and measles vaccinations McCarthy said via satellite phone from Hafun Collaboration is also taking place with WFP [World Food Programme] who are providing food assistance to children and with UNHCR [UN refugee agency] on longer-term shelter needs [1c](p1) 1018 The IRIN report also stated that According to McCarthy residents of the fishing community of Hafun the worst hit area had more than half their homes destroyed by the killer wave leaving them without shelter clean water sanitation and food They were now living 300-400 mt from the shore under makeshift homes made from branches or sheltering under plastic sheeting provided by UNICEF after vacating a school that had become their home [1c](p1) 1019 IRIN also noted in their article of 11 January 2005 UNICEF said the displaced vacated the school so that children could return to class With local water sources being contaminated UNICEF is collaborating with the Somali Red Crescent Society to provide household chlorination Limited amounts of safe drinking water are also being transported from 92 km away in trucks [1c](p1) UNHCR Recommendations 1020 The UNHCR in a letter dated 12 January 2005 requested Governments suspend involuntary removals to the coastal areas of Somalia initially for a period of three months [5] The UNHCRs position on returns to Somalia as a whole is outlined in paragraph 6123 of the October 2004 Somalia country report Source material for Somalia [1] Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) (a) SOMALIA Thousands of households affected by tsunami dated 4 January 2005 httpwwwirinnewsorgreportaspReportID=44899ampSelectRegion=Horn_of_AfricaampSelectCountry=SOMALIA Date accessed 12 January 2005 (b) SOMALIA UN agencies appeal for help for tsunami affected communities dated 31 December 2004 httpwwwirinnewsorgreportaspReportID=44868ampSelectRegion=Horn_of_AfricaampSelectCountry=SOMALIA Date accessed 12 January 2005 (c) SOMALIA Relief agencies assist tsunami-affected communities dated 11 January 2005 httpwwwirinnewsorgreportaspReportID=45006ampSelectRegion=Horn_of_AfricaampSelectCountry=SOMALIA Date accessed 12 January 2005 [2] United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) (a) Worst drought in decades leaves tens of thousands of Somalis in need dated 26 November 2004 httpwwwwfporgindexaspsection=2 Date accessed 12 January 2005 (b) WFP convoy reaches victims of tsunami wave in Somalia dated 30 December 2004 httpwwwwfporgindexaspsection=2 Date accessed 12 January 2005 [3] British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

(a) Quake - hit Somalis get foreign aid dated 3 January 2005 httpnewsbbccouk1hiworldafrica4142789stm Date accessed 12 January 2005 (b) Somali tsunami victim toll rise dated 5 January 2005 httpnewsbbccouk1hiworldafrica4147097stm Date accessed 12 January 2005 [4] Reliefweb (a) UN faces difficulties accessing victims of wave death in Somalia source Agence France-Presse via reliefweb dated 3 January 2005 httpwwwreliefwebintwrwbnsfsEE0409CEDAD14EAEC1256F7E004B262F Date accessed 12 January 2005 (b) Death toll in Asian quake disaster more than 157000 source Agence France-Presse via reliefweb dated 11 January 2005 httpwwwreliefwebintwrwbnsfsEC98B384154A6E30C1256F8600317F6E Date accessed 12 January 2005 [5] UNHCR Information Note Request for the suspension of forced returns to areas affected by the tsunami dated 12 January 2005 11 Sri Lanka Locationdistrict of the areas affected 111 As stated by BBC on 11January 2005 More people have died in Sri Lanka as a result of the tsunami than anywhere else apart from Indonesia Southern and eastern coastlines have been ravaged Homes crops and fishing boats have all been destroyed [1] 112 As reported by the BBC on 11 January 2005 More than 30000 people have been killed and 835000 have been made homeless mainly in the southern and eastern coastal regions Worst affected districts are Jaffna Kuchaveli Mullativu Trincomalee Batticaloa Ampara Hambantota Matara and Galle Some 49000 people are living in refugee camps in Galle alone[5] 113 According to an article on Maps of the Worldcom dated 26 December 2004 the Government of Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency following the tsunami [9] Estimated number of casualties and current relief situation 114 As reported by BBC on 11 January 2005 Some 30882 have died and thousands more are missing The number of homeless people is put at between 800000 and one million [1] 115 As stated in a Deutsche presse Agentur report of 12 January 2005 the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security stated that the death toll may rise to over 40000 as more bodies are recovered and information about the missing was known[4] According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report of 12 January 2005 30725 deaths have been recorded 5903 people are missing15122 persons injured [2] 116 As reported by WHO on 12 January 2005 491008 people have been displaced with 91749 fully damaged houses and 25731 partially damaged houses 97925 families have been affected and 103753 houses affected [2] 117 As reported by the BBC The United Nations and other agencies are working to distribute food shelter and supplies in these districts Tensions between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels are hampering aid distribution to some parts of the north east of the country [5] 118 The BBC reported on 11 January 2005 A relief operation is in full swing but a row is intensifying over whether the government has given enough assistance to the north-eastern part of the country controlled by Tamil rebels BBC correspondents say the disaster now looks likely to exacerbate rather than resolve ethnic grievances [1] Health Issues

119 According to a World Health Organisation situation report of 12 January 2005 There are no confirmed reports of disease outbreaks though independent verification has not taken place A Team of WHO epidemiologists is starting to strengthen the disease surveillance system at district level [2] 1110 As noted in the same report WHO Oxfam and UNICEF are liaising to improve water and sanitation with a focus on water quality surveillance hygiene promotion training for field staff and 50 temporary latrines are being installed per day WHO Ministry Of Health and operational partners are strengthening public health lab backup and an early warning electronic disease outbreak surveillance system in the affected areas [2] 1111 As also noted in the same report Two mental health experts have been deployed Work is beginning on developing psycho-social counselling in cooperation with UNFPA UNICEF and other health partners Supplemental food rations in camps with corn soya blend for all children less than ten years of age will be commenced[2] Child care Issues 1112 As reported by the Deutsche Presse Agentur on 12 January 2005 Sri Lankan airports have been alerted to prevent any children being smuggled out of the country while the NCPA has appealed to the public not to shelter children without informing them and not to adopt any displaced ones A man offering two displaced children for sale was arrested by the National Childcare Protection Agency The raid was carried out by the National Childcare Protection Authority (NCPA) which is leading a campaign to protect children affected by the tsunami About 100 children have lost both parents and 650 have lost either their father or mother[4] 1113 According to a BBC news item dated 6 January 2005 The Sri Lankan authorities have banned the adoption of children affected by the tsunami until further notice The move follows concerns expressed by the UN that some orphans were being targeted by criminal gangs There are no statistics for the number of orphaned children by the tsunami but the government says it is compiling a census [7] Relations between Government and LTTE 1114 According to a BBC news item of 3 January 2005 there had been some optimism in the south of Sri Lanka that relations between the government of Chandrika Kumaratunga and the Tamil Tiger rebels might improve People were encouraged by the fact that the rebel leader offered his condolences to the people of the south and were also encouraged that the Tigers were willing to accept aid from the Government However there has been sporadic tension on the ground the Tigers complained to the government that an aid convey on its way to rebel territory was sent back by the army The army has accused the Tigers of setting a refugee shelter on fire a claim the rebels deny and counter-claim that the army torched the camp when survivors refused to accept relief materials from soldiers Rumours and misconceptions have spread There have been some positive developments at a local level in terms of co-operation between the government and the Tigers in the distribution of emergency aid [6] 1115 The BBC news report also noted that there is deep resentment in rebel areas regarding the quantity of aid coming from the central government the Tigers claim to have received nothing from the Government in the first 3 days and then only a little help Most of the assistance in rebel areas has come from international aid agencies and the United Nations as well as some individual donations The Head of the LTTE political wing stated that the government had merely talked about working with the Tigers to impress the international community however this is strongly denied by President Kumaratunga who stated that more aid had been sent to Tamil Tiger controlled areas than to government-controlled areas [6] 1116 As reported by BBC news on 8 January 2005 Tensions between rebels and the government are threatening to overshadow the aid effort Sri Lankas government refused to agree to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan visiting tsunami affected areas under Tamil Tiger control [8] UNHCR Recommendations 1117 In a note dated 12 January 2005 entitled Request for the Suspension of Enforced Returns to

Areas Affected by the Tsunami UNHCR stated that The tsunami has left behind large scale destruction and a serious risk of widespread epidemics Access to many areas remains difficult hindering the delivery of humanitarian assistance and many of the regions affected lack any infrastructure[3] 1118 The UNHCR note strongly recommends that in view of these considerations States suspend initially for a period of 3 months all involuntary returns to the coastal areas in the North East and South of the country even in the case of persons found not to be in need of international protection [3] Source material for Sri Lanka [1] BBC news - At a glance - Countries hit - 11 January 2005 - httpnewsbbccouk1hiworld4126019stm [2] Relief Web - Source World Health Organisation - South AsisaTsunami amp Health Situation Report 14 dated 12 January 2005 - wwwreliefwebintwrwbnsf [3] UNHCR Information Note Request for the suspension of forced returns to areas affected by the tsunami - update of 12 January 2005 [4] Relief Web Source Deutsche Presse Agentur South Asia Suspected child trafficker arrested in Sri Lanka - dated 12 January 2005 - httpwwwreliefwebintwrwbnsf [5] BBC News Mapping the Destruction Sri Lanka undated Accessed 14 January 2005 httpnewsbbccouk1sharedsplhiworld04asia_quakequake_mapshtml3stm [6] BBC News Will disaster stir Sri Lanka peace - 3 January 2005 httpnewsbbccoukgoprfr-1hiworldsouth_asia4143487stm [7] BBC News Sri Lanka bans tsunami adoptions 6 January 2005 httpnewsvotebbccoukmpappspagetoolsprintnewsbbccouk1hiworldsouthasia4152257stm [8] BBC News UN chief restricted from Tiger areas - 8 January 2005 httpnewsvotebbccoukmpappspagetoolsprintnewsbbccouk1hiworldsouth_asia4156763stm [9] Maps of the World Tsunami Sri Lanka Tsunami Hit Areas in Sri Lanka dated 26 December 2004 httpwwwmapsofworldcomworld-new26-12-2004-srilankahtml 12 Tanzania Extent of damage caused by the tsunami and estimated number of casualties 121 As documented in several news reports the coast of Tanzania was affected by the Tsunami [2] [3] [4] [5] An article by the Kenyan based newspaper The East African dated 3 January 2005 reported that Although the tidal waves were weakened by the long distance they had travelled - some 4800 kilometres they hit Dar es Salaam on Sunday afternoon after crossing the Indian Ocean at a speed of 1000 kilometres an hour [9] 122 A number of news articles noted that ten people were killed by the Tsunami while swimming in the sea in Dar es Salaam [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [9] A report by the World Food Programme (WFP) dated 7 January 2005 however stated that The 26 December tsunami claimed the lives of 11 people in Tanzania An unknown number of people were also treated for minor injuries [1] 123 The same report observed that Many fishing boats were damaged however no serious damage to buildings was reported The islands of Zanzibar and Pemba were less affected than mainland ports such as Dar es Salaam and Kilwa [1] The East African News report dated 3 January 2005 added that There were no casualties in Zanzibar because the government reacted to the impending catastrophe quickly It aired announcements on radio and television warning to the public to stay away from the sea shore [9]

Source material for Tanzania 1 World Food Programme (WFP) WFP Emergency Report No 1 of 2005 7 January 2005 (via ReliefWeb) httpwwwreliefwebintwRWBNSF055442a31f8ab1a1285256f8200754a0bOpenDocument Date accessed 1 January 2005 2 International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) Tsunami prompts African aid recipients to become donors 7 January 2005 (via ReliefWeb) httpwwwreliefwebintwrwbnsf0266b2c95d144e13349256f8300224683OpenDocument Date accessed 10 January 2005 3 News24 Tanzania hit by tidal wave 28 December 2004 httpwwwnews24comNews24AfricaNews02-11-1447_164072600html Date accessed 10 January 2005 4 The Sunday Telegraph Australia Waves kill at least 10 in Tanzania 28 December 2004 httpwwwsundaytelegraphnewscomaustory0935311799978-170200html Date accessed 10 January 2005 5 United States Department of State (USSD) Effects of Tsunami Also Felt in East Africa 5 January 2005 (via allAfrica) httpallafricacomstories200501060017html Date accessed 10 January 2005 6 BBC NewsTsunami devastates Somali island 29 December 2004 httpnewsbbccouk1hiworldafrica4129639stm Date accessed 10 January 2005 7 BBC At-a-glance Countries hit 11 January 2005 httpnewsbbccouk1hiworld4126019stm Date accessed 10 January 2005 8 IRIN Tsunami blamed for high fish prices 3 January 2005 httpwwwirinnewsorgreportaspReportID=44887ampSelectRegion=East_AfricaampSelectCountry=TANZANIA Date accessed 4 January 2005 9 The East African Tanzanian Govt caught napping 3 January 2005 (via allAfrica) httpallafricacomstories200501040753html Date accessed 10 January 2005 13 Thailand LocationDistrict of the country affected 131 Thailand lies to the North-North-East of the earthquakes epicentre Country Information on Thailand from Reuters AlertNet accessed on 10 January 2005 advises that Bounded by Myanmar [Burma] to the north and west Malaysia to the south Laos to the northeast and Cambodia to the east Thailand has coastline on the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea [5a] A BBC news report updated on 10 January 2005 stated that The west coast of Thailand was severely hit including outlying islands and tourist resorts such as Phuket [3a] Travel advice issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and updated on 9 January 2005 advised that the most badly affected areas included Khao Lak and the Phi Phi islands [6] ClimateTypical temperatures 132 Country Information provided by Reuters AlertNet and accessed on 10 January 2005 advised that Thailand has Equatorial climate in the south tropical monsoon climate in the centre and north with abundant rainfall throughout the country between June and October when it is warm humid and cloudy November to April period is much drier and the hottest months are April and May Hot and humid for most of the year particularly during the monsoon season between May and October [5a] The extent of damage caused by the Tsunami 133 According to an on-line article dated 9 January 2005 in the magazine Hotels

The extent of damage to Phuket the largest resort affected by the tsunami is becoming clearer -and the picture emerging is one of random destruction At Patong luxury properties monopolising the prime beachfront locations were worst hit including Patong Merlin Impiana Phuket Cabana and Amari Coral Beach Cheaper guesthouses further from the beach were less damaged Conversely further north at Bang Tao the upmarket enclave of Laguna Beach was protected by a headland and suffered little damage while backpacker-hut operations at the southern end took the full force of the waves Many have been wiped out Kamala beach was the worst-hit on the island with most of the central area destroyed Yet hotels at Kalim beach 2 miles south were almost untouched Despite the destruction hoteliers claim that more than 80 of rooms are open and that life in many areas has returned to normal However occupancy levels are low at what is usually the busiest time of the year In Khao Lak and Ko Phi Phi the extent of the devastation continues to make travel inappropriate For further information visit wwwphuket com wwwsawadeecom or wwwtatnewsorg [9] Estimated number of casualties incidence of disease and current relief situation 134 According to the BBC news report updated on 10 January 2005 more than 5200 people in Thailand had been confirmed dead [3a] A statement made on 6 January 2005 by Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs - MFA - confirmed that In Thailand about half the victims are from all corners of the world [10a] The MFA also issued a list of useful telephone numbers and web links to assist people searching for the names of deceased and injured people [10b] 135 According to a UNICEF report dated 3 January 2005 Almost 600000 children have been affected both Thai children and children who are tourists said UNICEF Representative in Thailand Inese Zalitis Children make up approximately one third of the 19 million people in the affected southern provinces including Phang-nga Krabi Ranong Satun Trang and the popular vacation destination Phuket [7] 136 A BBC news report of 10 January 2005 stated that The bodies of hundreds of tsunami victims are being exhumed in Thailand because of mistakes made in identifying victims immediately after the disasterMore then [sic] 5300 bodies have so far been recovered in Thailand but the Thais now admit there were so many found in the first few days that the situation became confusedNow bodies will be unearthed from Bang Muang and rehoused in refrigeration containers until they can be definitely identified and released to relatives [3b] 137 The MFA announced that on 5 January 2005 there had been a meeting between the MFA an ICRC expert and officials from the Interior Ministry Public Health Ministry Royal Thai Police and the Thai Red Cross Society to discuss the identifying and matching of missing persons with bodies found in the South of Thailand [10c] Other releases from the MFA gave details of three service centres set up to help foreigners [10d] and financial donations given by Thai embassies consulate-generals and Thai communities from around the world [10e] 138 According to the World Health Organisation No disease outbreaks have been reported however an increase in diarrhoeal [sic] cases (90 cases) has been reported Additionally 9 cases of respiratory syndrome 6 cases of dengue fever and 21 wound infections were reported No vaccinepreventable diseases have been reported A cluster of 7 cases of food poisoning in a camp in Ranong was reported indicating an urgent need to improve sanitation and hygienic conditions in displacement camps Interior Minister Bhokin Bhalakula reiterated that the government would provide help to all 334 tsunami orphans [1]

139 An update on the Tsunami response issued by Reuters AlertNet on 10 January 2005 advised that the World Vision Foundation of Thailand had identified the provinces of Ranong Phang Nga Phuket and Krabi as being the areas most in need It stated that World Vision is close to completion of 250 temporary shelters for people living in relief camps Counselling will also be available shortly Local agencies government and volunteers are also working to ensure that the displaced people have access to nutritious foods fresh water clean bathroom facilities clothing advice and importantly for the children transportation to a local school and child friendly areas within the camp [5b] 1310 An ActionAid report accessed 10 January 2005 advised that an ActionAid team had carried out relief and rehabilitation assessments in Phang Ngha Ranong Trang Phuket and Krabland and that poor fishing communities had suffered the most [8] 1311 A Reuters AlertNet report of 3 January 2005 gave details of assistance given by Malteser Germany in the form of supplies and medical assistance to the local population and German tourists [5c] On 9 January 2005 the World Food Programme issued a Press Briefing which stated that an assessment mission had been completed and they would deliver a report on food needs this week [2] Many NGOs Government sources and International organisations are providing help and ReliefWeb issued tables on 7 January 2005 to identify what help is being provided by them [4b] Source material for Thailand [1] World Health Organisation Tsunami Thailand situation update dated 9 January 2005 accessed 10 January 2005 via httpwwwwhointhaccrisesinternationalasia_tsunamitha2005_01_09en [2] United Nations World Food Programme WFP Press Briefing Tsunami 09 January 2005 accessed 10 January 2005 via httpwwwwfporgnewsroombriefing2005tsunami050109html [3] BBC News Online via httpnewsbbccouk (a) 10 January 2005 At-a-glance Countries hit accessed 11 January 2005 via httpnewsbbccouk1hiworld4126019stm (b) 10 January 2005 Thailand tsunami victims to be exhumed accessed 11 January 2005 via httpnewsbbccouk1hiworldasia-pacific4162529stm [4] ReliefWeb Thailand Tables of humanitarian operations in South Asia tsunami and earthquake affected countries by sector dated 7 January 2005 accessed 10 January 2005 via httpwwwreliefwebintwrwbnsfvIDA27597BF4DAF4D02C1256F82004DB2DBOpenDocument [5] Reuters AlertNet via httpwwwalertnetorg (a) Thailand accessed 10 January 2005 via httpwwwalertnetorgthefactscountryprofiles220293htmv=detailscp_human_dev_indic (b) World Vision Asia Tsunami Response Update 10 January 2005 accessed 10 January 2005 via httpwwwalertnetorgthenewsfromthefield110531941483htm (c) Malteser Relief in Thailand India Sri Lanka and Germany dated 3 January 2005 accessed 10 January 2005 via httpwwwalertnetorgthenewsfromthefield110475147484htm [6] Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice by Country Thailand updated 9 January 2005 and accessed 10 January 2005 via httpwwwfcogovukservletFrontpagename=OpenMarket2FXcelerate2FShowPageampc=Pageampcid=1007029390590ampa=KCountryAdviceampaid=1013618386505 [7] UNICEF Death toll on the rise dated 3 January 2005 accessed 10 January 2005 via httpwwwuniceforgemergdisasterinasia24615_24718html [8] ActionAid Asian Tsunami Earthquake Disaster accessed 10 January 2005 via httpwwwactionaidorgtakingactionasian_tsunami_disasterhtml [9] Hotels magazine Thailand pleads for early tourist return to Krabi dated 9 January 2005 accessed 11 January 2005 via httpwww6lexisnexiscompublisherEndUserAction=UserDisplayFullDocumentamporgId=616amptopicId=12552ampdocId=l250316264ampstart=14

[10] Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs via httpwwwmfagoth (a) Statement of Minister of Foreign Affairs to Special ASEAN Leaders Meeting dated 6 January 2005 accessed 10 January 2005 via httpwwwmfagothtsunamidetailpress_enphpid=11370 (b) Useful telephone numbers dated 10 January 2005 accessed 10 January 2005 via httpwwwmfagothtsunamiindex_enphp (c) Ministry of Foreign Affairs host a meeting dated 5 January 2005 accessed 10 January 2005 via httpwwwmfagothtsunamidetailpress_enphpid=11330 (d) Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up 3 service centres accessed 10 January 2005 via httpwwwmfagothtsunamidetailpress_enphpid=11327 (e) As of 11 January Thai embassies and consulate-general together with Thai communities around the world accessed 12 January 2005 via httpwwwmfagothtsunamidetailpress_enphpid=11369

[1] Agence France-Presse (via LexisNexis) a Bangladesh feels tremors but no reports of casualties from Indonesian quake dated 26 December 2004 b Father and son die after waves capsize boat in Bangladesh dated 26 December 2004 [2] Associated Press (via LexisNexis) Bangladesh Escapes Tsunami Unscathed dated 31 December 2004 [3] UK Department for International Development - DFID CHAD Situation Report No16 dated 5 January 2005 accessed 12 January 2005 httpwwwdfidgovuknewsfilesemergenciesasian-earthquake-sitrepsasp 3 Burma [Myanmar] Locationdistrict of the areas affected 31 As noted on 10 January 2005 by Scoop newsReports indicate that the wave force reaching the coast of Myanmar was greatly reduced in comparison with neighbouring countries and the particular topography of the southern and delta coastlines as well as the rocky nature of the islands provided physical protection for the population A series of assessment and verification missions were undertaken by one or more of the partners already working in Myanmar - to the Rakhine Coast the Ayeyarwady Delta and the southern coast including the most populated island of the Myeik archipelago and the islands of Kawthaung around Lampi Island [2] 32 The worst affected area was the Irrawaddy Delta inhabited by poor subsistence farmers and fishing families According to a BBC article dated 8 January 2005 [1] Estimated number of casualties extent of damage and relief situation 33 The BBC reported on 11 January 2005 that Burmas military junta put the death toll at 64 but the World Food Programme (WFP) says this may be an underestimate One WFP employee found 200 households where at least one person who had been out fishing when the tsunami struck was missing [1] 34 According to the World Health Organisation report dated 12 January 2005 10-15000 people have been affected long-term and 5-7000 have been directly affected 592 houses of 17 villages have been destroyed leaving 3205 homeless households Forty three people were injured with 3 missing and between 60-80 deaths [3] 35 According to a press release from Scoop dated 10 January 2005 the Tsunami Assistance Coordination Group met on 7 January 2005 to consolidate the findings of the different assessment and verification missions undertaken throughout he affected areas of Myanmar The coordination group set up at the onset of the disaster is chaired by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies The group concluded that Myanmar has been largely spared from the destructive forces of the earthquake and subsequent Tsunami and that the initial emergency needs have been met by the Government and by the aid community The groups assessment of the scale of impact is in line with the Governments own findings The group confirms a death toll of 60-80 and estimates the longer-term affected population at 10-15000 of whom 5-7000 are directly affected [2] 36 According to the same source the findings identified immediate needs in the following sectors shelter safe drinking water food and non-food items (blankets clothes cooking sets mosquito nets etc) Agencies are closely coordinating their responses through the coordination group and are largely using pre-positioned stocks andor redirecting resources from other areas of the country or through their regional mechanisms Emergency family kits have already been distributed in both the delta and southern regions and further support is announced or planned for the next days [2] 37 As reported by Scoop on 10 January 2005 Future coordination and planning will be ensured by a small liaison group following up on a second assessment phase for mid and longer term needs and support Initial assessments point to a longer-term impact on livelihoods and community coping mechanisms The aid partners will ensure particular attention will be paid to clean water sources damage to soil and crops destruction or damage to houses fishing boats and nets They
























country information bulletin - indian ocean's earthquake

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