Mentawi Update

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Drew Kampion has sent this update on the Mentawi situation.
Padang, Indonesia – 26 October 2010
SurfAid staff member missing as Mentawai tsunami toll rises
SurfAid’s Tom Plummer and other assessment teams spent yesterday surveying the damage in villages along the tsunami affected areas of North Pagai and South Pagai.
Villages in the area have either been completely destroyed or suffered significant damage.
One of our Indonesian staff members from Pasapuat village, Pagai South is reported to be missing. The organization is intensifying its efforts to respond to the disaster and reports coming in from the field continue to tell a grim tale.
The village of Sabeugungung has been completely wiped out, with 50 dead and 150 missing presumed dead. Sikakap hospital is overflowing with over 200 people seeking assistance.
Late yesterday SurfAid sent out 1000 shelter kits, 500 building kits and 500 hygiene kits on the charter boat “Huey” which will head for Sikakap.
The charter boat, Barrenjoey, has delivered the first batch of blankets, tarpaulins, floormats, towels, 40 water containers, and rope to the village of Bosua. Captain John McGroder reported that in the village of Bosua 10 residents are dead, one is still missing, while 78 houses have been destroyed.
Assessments and emergency supply deliveries will continue today.
SurfAid CEO Andrew Judge met the Indonesian Vice President Bapak Boediono, and presented SurfAid’s response plan. SurfAid is liaising with Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB), the Indonesian disaster management authority, to provide whatever support and assistance is needed.
The Mentawai Tsunami Appeal has been set up and people can donate at: www.surfaidinternational.org
Australian donors can also call 1800 257 957