UN helps Indonesian authorities assess needs after tsunami and volcano

The United Nations and its partners are helping the Government of Indonesia to assess the needs of people affected by the tsunami and the volcano eruption which hit the country earlier this week, the world body reported today.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said authorities had indicated that they have the capacity to respond to both disasters.

On the tsunami, which was triggered by 7.2-strength earthquake off the south-west coast of Pagai Island in West Sumatra on Monday, assessments by the Government, UN agencies and their partners got under way today.

There have been 154 confirmed deaths, 400 people are missing and more than 500 families have reportedly been displaced. Some 179 houses were severely damaged and another 300 sustained slight damage, according to official reports.

The Mount Merapi volcano in Central Java erupted yesterday, causing 24 deaths and triggering the evacuation of thousands of people. OCHA is facilitating an inter-agency rapid assessment team in support of the Government. Authorities have identified blankets, mattresses, masks, and temporary latrines as the most immediate needs of those affected.