ASIA TSUNAMI DISASTER
Worldwide by Wednesday 5th January, donations to Oxfam now total US$47.6 million/€35.2 million . Of this Oxfam Ireland has received €600,000 although we are behind in our counting. On behalf of those overseas now being assisted, Oxfam Ireland wishes to express our gratitude to the Irish public for their outstanding generosity; and we confirm that Oxfam's policyin all such emergency appeals is that every cent contributed by the public goes, without deductions of any kind, to those suffering overseas. Nothing whatever is withheld for administration or any other purpose.
UPDATE FROM THE FIELD
Aceh, Indonesia:
* The logistical situation continues to be difficult, and access to much of the hinterland has still not been achieved due to bridges and roads being washed away. Road convoys from Medan to Banda Aceh have reported driving within earshot of what is presumed to be fire fights between Indonesia government forces and break-away rebel groups.
* Oxfam will is now providing clean water and sanitation for 250,000 people. Plans for increasing this to 500,000 have been put on hold as we fear the loss of life outside Banda Aceh is so great that there will not be this number of survivors in the area.
* Two further planeloads of equipment will be arriving on 9th and 12th of January, and is intended to provide water to the smaller, scattered communities.
* Oxfam has procured a helicopter to deliver supplies to the remoter villages. Some military helicopters are also available, but these are of limited value for carrying freight. The Australian army has provided trucks which are also of considerable use.
Sri Lanka:
* Large distributions of non-food items (soap, plastic sheeting, mosquito nets, candles, matches, buckets, etc) continue.
* A large shipment of water equipment has just been delivered to the
Trincomalee area.
* Provision of clean water and sanitation is beginning to switch from the temporary camps for survivors to the repairing and enhancing of permanent water supplies back at villages.
India:
* The Indian government is coping well and providing good coordination to other agencies. For example, Oxfam has been allocated complete responsibility for a number of villages to provide shelter, food, water, medicines, etc.
In General:
* Despite the difficulties and, in some cases, loss of family members, the people of Oxfam's local partner agencies in all affected territories have, in fact, provided the bulk of the relief to the survivors of the disaster. Oxfam would like to commend, and to highlight, the tremendous efforts by these partner organisations in assisting their neighbours.
* In general, all Oxfam field personnel report that coordination of relief work on the ground is being well-handled by the UN representatives in conjunction with the governments of each affected country.
Oxfam Ireland's Humanitarian Programme Co-ordinator Clodagh Heagney represented Oxfam Ireland today at Aras an Uchterain this morning at 11.00am for the three minutes silence.
ADVOCACY CONCERNS:
On Thursday of this week, world leaders are meeting in Jakarta to coordinate the overall response to the disaster. On Friday, EU foreign, development, and health ministers are meeting to consider how Europe should respond. Oxfam urges political leaders to do the following at both of these events:
* Preparations for long-term reconstruction of the devastated areas should begin immediately, so that the present engagement of both the public and politicians can be harnessed to provide the very large resources needed.
* Debt relief for the countries affected by the tsunami should be provided immediately. It would be extremely embarrassing, if nothing else, if rich countries, the World Bank, and the IMF were to continue to demand debt repayments at a time when the affected countries are struggling to cope with a disaster of this magnitude.
* Temporary rich country market access for exports from the affected countries would be of great benefit in cushioning the impact of the destruction and loss of life.
Dr Brian Scott, Oxfam Ireland chief executive, said, “Prompt decisions on long-term reconstruction, debt relief, and trade access, despite being taken far away from the devastation, would be of profound benefit to the suffering millions who have lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones.
RESPONSE TO JOINT IRISH AID AGENCY PUBLIC APPEALS
"Oxfam Ireland greatly welcomes suggestions for greater emergency fundraising coordination amongst Irish aid agencies. Previously, Oxfam Ireland has put forward specific proposals for joint public appeal arrangements to our colleague organisations, the details of which have been under discussion via Dochas the umbrella body of Irish aid agencies." Dr. Brian Scott.
Oxfam Ireland's Asia Earthquake Floods appeal : you can donate online here or lo call 1890 60 60 65 (ROI) & 0845 303 0337 (NI) or visit any Oxfam Ireland Shop.
Further information from Oxfam International website here
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