Rapid Assessment in Kediri, East Java, Indonesia after Mount Kelud eruption
On Day One Mission, Sunday, 16 February 14, I joined the WFP Representative mission to Kediri as part of the Rapid Response Team to conduct first hand assessment on the impact of the Mount Kelud eruption.. The mission was tasked to assess the humanitarian situation in the area due to volcanic eruption in Kediri Regency. I picked up three colleagues of WFP at the airport Juanda at around 1230hrs. After that we proceeded to visit BPBD (Provincial Disaster Mitigation Agency) to meet Mr. Sugeng, Chief of Operation and Control Center to get detail information on Mount Kelud eruption. We continued to go to Hotel 88 on Jalan Embong Kenongo Surabaya to stay overnight prior to go to Kediri.
We were received by Mr. Eko from Camat Puncu Office. He told a lot of info regarding situation in Puncu district during Eruption up to now. Puncu district is the worst area that were affected by volcanic ash fall of Mount Kelud due to it is in 9km radius from Kelud crater. Many houses and field plantation were destroyed by ash fall. I also discuss with Police in Puncu and Police informed that so far there was no any significant security incident in relation to Crimes. However, Police always keep patroling the affected area due to many cattles, livestocks, poultries are not relocated from the affected areas. We also checked cold lava tracks in Asmorobangun village. The area is dedicated to receive mudflow and cold lava from Kelud. At around 1500hrs we return to Kediri and passed by the bridge that was swept by cold lava in the evening after torrential rain in Kelud. We are lucky to passby the bridge before cold lava came and swept the bridge.
We also checked cold lava tracks in Asmorobangun village. The area is dedicated to receive mudflow and cold lava from Kelud. At around 1500hrs we return to Kediri and passed by the bridge that was swept by cold lava in the evening after torrential rain in Kelud. We are lucky to passby the bridge before cold lava came and swept the bridge.
On Day Two Mission, Monday 17 Feb 14, we started travelling
to Kediri from Surabaya at 0700hrs. It took around 2hrs 30 minutes and it is
around 126 km. Road and Traffic condition are good, however, there are some potholes on the road that possible to
cause accident, especially for motorist. While entering Kediri city, the road
are mostly still covered by ash and it became dusty, foggy and caused
visibility interference for drivers. The road condition is slippery and also
dangerous for cyclist and motorist to ride in high speed.
Based on information provided by Mr. Dody, the current
situation of Mt. Kelud is still on level IV (Alert/Awas), however, people in
radius less than 10km from the crater already been evacuated to some IDP’s
shelters to prevent serious incident. BMKG predicted in next two days, there
will be rain around Kelud, and this situation is critical for mudflow and cold
lava floods.
After short meeting with BNPB Officials in Wates, we
proceeded to Media Center on Jalan Tugurejo, Simpang Lima Gumul, Kediri. It is
located at Convential Hall in radius 30km from Kelud crater. It is a Main
Command Post and led by Military District Commander of Kediri as Incident
Commander of Kelud Eruption. There is a Logistic Center here to receive and distribute
all donations from many parties such as Govt. institution, private sectors, and
other donators. For further information on Kelud situation can be reached on
the following datas:
1.
Main Command Post :
0354-7415299, 0354-7415290, fax 0354-7415314
2.
Logistic Command Post:
0354-7415318, Cell phone: 0821-4068-2830
3.
Information Center:
0354-7415289
4.
Email : poskokelud@gmail.com
5.
Website: www.poskokelud.kedirikab.go.id
6.
BB: 2990AAF8
All activities finished at around 1700hrs and we returned to
hotel.
On Day Three Mission, Tuesday, 18 Feb 2014, at 0800hrs we started traveling to displacement center
located at Elementary School Segaran yard, Segaran, Wates Kediri. However, we found nothing in this area. Then we proceeded to travel to Puncu district. Puncu is located in 9km radius from Kelud crater. We found there was a Command Post established in Camat Puncu Office. Some IDPs also got health service from Private Sector and NGO in collaboration with Police Medical Center.
The following strengths can support local residents surrounding Mount Kelud to more survive:
1. Government involvement in prevention and mitigation measures is very good.
2. Support of Local Security Authorities with assurances given by Police, TNI and other security entities is very good.
3. Local residents living in surroundings of Mount Kelud have been experienced in prevention and preparedness of a natural emergency.
4. Residents have fully made aware of its impact and enhanced public awareness over the period.
5. Logistic supports to IDPs at the IDP Centers are enough to cover for at least one month period.
6. Public Health Facilities at the IDPs Center have been established by the Disaster Mitigation Agency.
7. BNPB and BVPMG always keeps monitoring the situation of Mount Kelud.
However, I also noticed some weakness to be anticipate:
1. Logistic distribution to IDPs in displacement centres is less evenly.
2. The eruption causes lost to people’s livelihood due to many agricultural crops/farming, manufacturing sectors and infrastrure are mostly damaged.
3. Disaster Mitigation Agencies in district level are not established yet.
4. Situation of Mount Kelud is unpredictable, the torrential rain after the aftermath of the eruption would cause mudflow and cold lava floods in the affected areas in the coming days and weeks.
5. Disasters Preparedness is still low and needs to be improved.
6. Despite an improvement in the public awareness and understanding of disasters, the disasters preparedness has not become a social attitude, practice and culture as the frequency of such disaster is inevitable.
The following threats possible to happen in the area of eruption:
1. Protest – Protest against government officials/policies in distribution of logistic support in displacement centers due to less evenly.
2. Hazard
Natural disaster- Torrential rain is expected to cause mudflow and cold lava floods.
Health – The volcanic ash also can cause acute respiratory infection to IDPs and humanitarian workers.
In view of the above, the following recommendations are aimed to reduce the risks while visiting the affected areas in Kediri, Blitar, Tulungagung and Malang:
1. Use 4x4 Vehicle in affected areas and always rolled down the window glasses to avoid volcanic ash entering into the vehicle.
2. Avoid to drive in high speed due to slippery road that caused by sand/volcanic ash.
3. Use health mask as much as possible to avoid acute respiratory infection.
4. Avoid driving at night time due to foggy caused by volcanic ash.
5. Carry emergency items such as water, snacks, rain coat, Gum boot in the vehicle while visiting the sites.
6. Keep low profile while visiting IDPs centers.
7. Monitor the weather forecasts from media before traveling to the sites.
8. Follow the instructions from SAR team during the visits in the area.
9. Protective Measures: Mask, Google or corrective eyeglasses instead of contact lenses to protect eyes from irritation.
10. Drinking water: filter ash particles before drinking; collect enough drinking water for at least one week (up to one gallon-19liters or 3-4 liters per person/day)
On Wednesday, 19 Feb 2014, Our mission is accomplsihed and we returned back to Jakarta.
On Wednesday, 19 Feb 2014, Our mission is accomplsihed and we returned back to Jakarta.
Komentar