Tsunami Situation

 

Following an 8.0 magnitude undersea earthquake south of the main Samoan Island chain on 29 September, a tsunami struck Samoa and Tonga. The official death toll stands at 123, with 142 injured. A total of 32 000 people were affecte.d Initial response is underway with international medical teams on the scene. 

 

Medical Needs: IHP is supporting a team from the UK working directly with the Samoan disaster coordinator.  A range of essential medicines is being sent along with medical supplies. 

 

WHO Report

IFRC Report

 

Indonesia Situation

 

On 30 September, a 7.6 earthquake struck off the coast of Padang in West Sumatra, and was followed by an aftershock of 6.2. The earthquake affected 11 sub-districts. The coastal city of Padang (with a population of 900,000) is the most affected. The Ministry of Health have reported 529 dead, 105 injured and thousands still missing, but those numbers are expected to be significantly higher. Around 2,650 buildings have been damaged. 

 

Medical Needs: IHP is in touch with NGOs on the ground which are reporting that the Government is not allowing medicines into the country requesting they be purchased locally.  IHP remains on full alert to send medicines should the situation change. Assessment on the damages to the health sector is on-going.

 

Philippines Situation

 

Tropical storm Ketsana (maximum winds 85kph and gusts up to 120kph) hit Luzon island on 26 September. The storm flooded villages and roads along with the capital Manila and forced thousands of families to seek shelter in evacuation centres. As of 1 October, over 2.5 million people have been affected, over 680 000 people are in 726 evacuation centres and 277 people have died, 5 injured and 42 are missing.

 

Medical Needs: IHP immediately offered 20k treatments of essential medicines to partner NGOs on the ground, however the airport is congested and supplies cannot get safely into the country.  There are sufficient stocks locally to avoid the need for a call for international assistance.

 

Vietnam Situation

 

The eye of typhoon Ketsana hit Quang Nam province on the evening of 29 September with wind power of 150 kph. Twelve provinces in central coastal areas were directly affected by the rains and flooding. The most affected are Thua Thien, Hue, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, and Binh Dinh. As of 30 September, 41 deaths, 81 injuries and 10 missing persons have been reported.

 

Medical needs: Assessment on the damages to the health sector is on-going.  Several provincial and district hospitals such as Ly Son and Son Tinh were damaged. Many community health centres and clinics were also damaged, however reconstruction activities have started.  IHP is in touch with international NGOs to ascertain if there is an ongoing need for medicines above locally available supplies.