8 June 2006

Needs remain amongst increasing risk of an eruption of volcano Merapi

Populations in remote rural areas affected by the earthquake continue to be in need of assistance. While Action Against Hunger is implementing programmes in these areas, the risk of an imminent eruption of the Merapi volcano raises concerns about a deterioration of the situation and an increase in the number of displaced people.

Assistance is still required

Two weeks after the earthquake hit Indonesia, coordination problems, needs assessment, lack of funds and staff, and logistical problems still hinder the effective provision of assistance. Beyond the initial provision of assistance, few actors have started to take action and assistance is still limited in rural and isolated areas. Present in the Klaten and Bantul districts, Action Against Hunger staff continue their efforts: the distribution of 17 tons of protein rations for children and lactating women has started; 12 water tanks have been installed in different villages; nearly 8,000 jerry cans and more than 15,000 water flocculants and chlorine tablets have been distributed to provide clean water for families. In addition, wells and latrines are being cleaned to limit health risks.

Merapi volcano: Maximum alert level

The maximum alert level for the Merapi volcano has been reached and the volcano could erupt any time. Thousands of people that were evacuated from the volcano slopes returned after the earthquake. The security perimeter was set at 12 to 20km and masses of people are leaving these areas. Apart from lava, mortal gas threatens people in case of eruption. A resulting humanitarian catastrophe would lead to thousands of deaths: shelter and food stocks foreseen for those affected by a potential volcano eruption have been used to respond to the earthquake. Our teams on the ground are working to reconstitute stocks and to put in place a contingency plan to respond as quickly as possible if necessary.

This morning, the ground was shaking leading to panic and creating new damage in villages. Action Against Hunger highlights that all actors need to stay mobilised to best respond to populations’ needs.

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2 June 2006: Post-earthquake Indonesia (Read more)

30 May 2006: Action Against Hunger teams assessing needs (Read more)

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