Gabra 1
A list of info I have collated in respect of Sumatra which may be of interest. EAOA!
Aussies know the area and have a valuable Aeronautical info service for relief work in Sumatra, pass word protected.
http://www.raafais.gov.au/
Medan not physically affected by quake or flood.
US warships stationed off Banda Aceh coast
Aussie ships arrive in a few days with a field hospital and Chinooks.
Banda Aceh was locked down by military to squash insurgents. 500 troops were in BA when wave hit.
No relief was allowed in until 29th as the province was/is under martial law.
Aid is stockpiled at BA airport. But severe lack of means of transporting it to the countryside.
Can't find any info regarding availability of fuel at BA.
Road Journey from Medan to BA normally 12 hours.
Airport elevation was listed by RAAF En Route Suppliment regional in Oct 04 as 65 feet. Apparently there are signs that it is now lower.
As Medan is stretched to the limit there are unconfirmed reports for a military base in Kuala Lumpar is to be used as a hub.
If things get hairy, Phuket is 200 miles away and apart from coastline, is functioning with electricty water ect and hotels looking for business.
The big story is Sumatra. But with few westerners missing in the area it is just not getting the attention of Sri Lanka and Thailand. This quote from Indonesian Vice-President Jusuf Kalla
"Today our estimation is around 30,000-40,000 dead. Aceh's population is about 4.5 million with 300,000 in Banda Aceh," Mr Kalla told diplomats at a meeting.
"Maybe 5 per cent of Banda Aceh's population is dead, or maybe more," he said. (ABC NEWS)
To anyone who has seen the pictures from Banda Aceh a 5% death toll would be a miracle.
best of everything to you
Mickjoebill
Planning maps from UNJLC here
http://www.unjlc.org/content/index.phtml/itemId/5478
Here is an extract from bulletin 1 by UNJLC Air Coordination Cell posted Dec 31st.
http://www.unjlc.org/content/index.phtml/itemId/28424
"Indonesia
For Indonesia, Medan (WIMM) will be the point of entry for relief flights once this is confirmed by the authorities.
On Banda Aceh airport: The runway is in acceptable condition for C 130/AN 12-type of aircraft. The airport is extremely congested: there may be a need to hold for a considerable time or to land elsewhere and refuel.
Planned UN flights were cancelled because of the heavy traffic. Offloading is done manually as there is only one functioning forklift truck. IHP may want to consider bringing own offloading equipment. The Indonesian military and GARUDA also had problems getting flights in. It is not clear what the reason for the congestion is. There seem to be problems in communication.
These issues will be resolved next week, since a strategic pipeline will be brought in by donors. The greater part of the goods will go to Medan (WIMM). This could cause new congestion since there is no reliable onwards transport (ground or air).
Airport coordination is needed locally in WIMM, Jakarta (WIII) and Banda Aceh (WITT).
Priority needs for immediate distribution: instant food and baby food, body bags, water purification equipment, generator sets, medicines, mobile medical clinics, blankets, shrouding cloth, tents, mosquito nets, water buckets, clothes, mattresses, emergency lights, kitchen sets, gloves and masks.
Procedure for delivering humanitarian aid (extract of briefing to diplomatic corps regarding natural disaster in Aceh and North Sumatra dated 29.12.04:
Flight clearance is to be issued by Department of Foreign Affairs in coordination with TNI Head quarters and Department of Transportation.
Flights may be authorised to proceed directlyto WIMM (Medan) or_ WITT (Banda Aceh,). Refuelling could only be made at WIMM because relevant ground handling facilities at WITT are minimal. WITT is capable of handling Hercules, Airbus A300, Boeing 737 and Antonov. Visa will be issued upon arrival in Banda Aceh or Medan. Coordination is necessary with officers from Emergency Centres or liaison officers from the department of ForeignAffairs stationed at the airport."
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