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http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MYAI-7WH93H?OpenDocument
Oxfam responding on multiple fronts to regional
humanitarian crisis
Source: Oxfam
Date: 04 Oct 2009
International aid agency Oxfam has activated an unprecedented region-wide humanitarian
response following a week of devastation across Asia Pacific.
Oxfam staff and local partners are on the ground providing humanitarian aid to
communities in the aftermath of the earthquake in Sumatra, the tsunami in Samoa and
Typhoon Ketsana and Parma in the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Oxfam Australia Executive Director Andrew Hewett said, "In my 18 years with Oxfam,
there have been bigger storms, greater tremors and grimmer death tolls, but never such a
relentless succession of crises.
"As part of our disaster preparedness plans, Oxfam had emergency supplies already on
hand in several of the affected areas to cover immediate needs, but the challenge now
being faced is getting additional supplies through to the places that need it most," Mr
Hewett said.
"Consecutive days of humanitarian hammer blows is putting even greater pressure on the
global aid system. That is why coordination with other aid agencies, and the respective
governments and communities in each of the affected countries, is even more vital to
avoid any duplication of resources and to ensure aid is being targeted to the people and
areas in greatest need.
"It is also why we need the support of the Australian public to donate to our appeal and
help us to respond, not just to the immediate needs of those affected, but also to helping
these communities rebuild in the months and years ahead," said Hewett.
Oxfam has acknowledged global expertise in the provision of water sanitation and hygiene
promotion (WASH) in emergency situations which is essential in preventing the second
round of deaths from communicable diseases.
Samoa Response Update
After rushing in a relief team to help deliver the most basic emergency supplies – drinking
water, shoes, clothes, Fala Lilii (mats), sleeping bags and boxes of tinned fish – Oxfam is
ramping up its response in Samoa.
Oxfam staff on the ground are co-leading on the priority issues of water and sanitation
(WASH) for the coordinated international operation.
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More expertise will join Oxfam's team in the coming days, with a short-term focus on the
provision of clean water, construction or repair of latrines, delivery of hygiene kits, kitchen
sets, and public health awareness.
In addition, Oxfam will continue supporting its Samoan partner organisation, Women in
Business Development (WIBDI), who are part of the livelihood early recovery effort being
lead by the United Nations Development Program.
Oxfam is also monitoring the recovery effort in Tonga. The Red Cross at this point has not
sought further assistance from other aid agencies.
Sumatra Response
Vital stocks of emergency aid have been dispatched to the quake zone in Sumatra,
Indonesia, including two emergency water treatment units, with the capacity to supply
clean drinking water to 26,000 people per day.
Two JCB heavy earth movers are en route from Java to help with clearance and hundreds
of rolls of plastic sheeting for emergency shelter for those made homeless by the
earthquake, is also being flown to the disaster zone.
An additional Oxfam aid team has arrived in Padang on the island of Sumatra this morning.
They will join staff from local partner organisations who are distributing Oxfam's pre-
positioned emergency stocks, including 5,000 tarpaulin sheets for shelter, as well as 2,500
hygiene kits and clothes.
Cambodia Response
An early damage estimate from Typhoon Ketsana of more than 30,000 hectares of rice
paddy and crops could be double, or even triple, as flood waters continue to rise. This
could cause severe crop failure for Cambodia's largely farming population.
Oxfam's staff report that water levels have increased half a metre in Preah Vihear
overnight, causing the already evacuated population to struggle even more. Up to 20,000
people are affected in Preah Vihear compared to just 100 families a week ago.
In addition to the already distributed stock, Oxfam made new purchases of non-food items
including 4,000 water containers, 2,500 plastic sheets, 1,000 sarongs and scarves, 500
sleeping mats, 2,500 water filters and nearly 3,000 mosquito nets. These items are on
their way to the affected areas, particularly hardest-hit Kampong Thom.
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Philippines Response
Oxfam has local staff on the ground with additional teams flying in. Currently helping
25,000 of the worst-affected families in the Philippines by providing clean water and
emergency materials like blankets, soaps, cleaning equipment, clothes, and water
containers. Oxfam is also providing small cash grants and shelter at evacuation sites as
part of its initial response.
Vietnam Response
Currently working closely with Government and other agencies to help build a clearer
picture of the immediate and longer term needs. Initial work by Oxfam is focused on
responding in Kon Tum in the central Highlands with water supplies, household items,
hygiene promotion and livelihood support.
Laos Response
Oxfam has over 30 staff on the ground in Laos. Assessment teams are out in Kalum
District of Sekong Province and Ta Oy District of Saravane province as part of a
coordinated response with the Government (National Disaster Management Office) and
other agencies. Oxfam's initial relief work in Laos is also focusing on shelter, non-food
related items such as cooking utensils, WASH, emergency food and livelihoods.
With such an unprecedented spread of demand on Oxfam's humanitarian resources
across the region, Oxfam Australia is calling on the public to respond generously to their
appeal for funds to support Oxfam's relief work in Indonesia, Samoa, Philippines,
Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
To donate to Oxfam Australia's Asia Pacific Disaster Appeal please visit
www.oxfam.org.au
or phone 1800 088 110.
For more information contact:
John Lindsay, Media & External Relations Manager, Oxfam Australia on +61 425 701801,
johnlindsay@oxfam.org.au