The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.110)

TZU CHI 110 37 Indonesia 2019.03.17 – 03.30 Landslides and Flooding in Eastern Indonesia lobal News Reported by Tzu Chi Documenting Team Translated by Translating Team Photographs provided by Tzu Chi Taiwan Headquarters O n March 16, 2019, the eastern region of Indonesia’s Papua province was hit by torrential rain from evening through late at night, resulting in severe flooding and landslides in the Jayapura regency. Several districts were affected by the disaster, namely Sentani, Waibu and West Sentani, all of which are located on the fringes of the Cycloop Mountains. The disaster was a consequence of prolonged exploitation of the forest surrounding the mountain range, which functions as a water catchment area and contributes to flood prevention. As of March 22, the death toll had reached 112, with 915 others reporting varying degrees of injuries and 94 missing. The disaster also left 11,556 evacuees seeking refuge in 28 evacuation zones. According to data released by the Indonesian National Board of Disaster Management, the floods had caused extensive damage to infrastructure and properties, including 479 residences and shoplots, 5 places of worship, 8 schools, 4 bridges and a marketplace. Tzu Chi volunteers based in Jayapura, Biak and Papua immediately initiated disaster relief measures in the affected areas, including distributing material aid and hot meals, organizing free clinics, as well as extending emotional support to ease the victims’ suffering. The local volunteers travelled to 17 evacuation centres and the village of Putali from March 17 to 30, to assess the aftermath of the disaster and deliver material relief in the form of daily necessities, totalling over 7,000 provisions of aid. Furthermore, TIMA members were stationed at the HIS, Pokem, Youwe and SKB evacuation centres to provide medical services, serving 614 disaster victims from March 20 to 29. The volunteers also distributed condolence money to 40 families who have lost their next of kin to the disaster. The floods had wrought devastating destruction, yet the volunteers’ timely emergency relief efforts served as the first step towards helping the disaster victims rebuild their lives.