Water purity standards are poor so that people boil their waters as a matter of necessity. The danger from bad water could be worse now but to date there is no report of any significant increase in the occurrence of diarrhoea or other ailments. Malnutrition already identified among some children in the province could be made worse by shortage of food. The other potential threat, particularly if there is significant rain in the near future is from landslips that could block major and minor roads as well as damage some badly sited houses. It will also affect people who are living outdoors and the patients in the improvised hospital tents.
Central government is committed to supporting the provincial government.
The relief operation is constrained by the lack of an existing provincial disaster management or disaster relief plan so the relief structure and procedures are being developed 'on the run'. IFRC intends to deliver 15,000 family kits over the next ten days. Kits will include two 6 x 4 metre tarpaulins. World Vision Indonesia intends to distribute family kits, including a single 6 x 8 metre tarpaulin, from the end of next week. 6 x 8 metre tarpaulins are the preferred size but may not be available in all countries.