At invitation of Indonesia's Ambassador in Singapore, MMTA Chairman, Anom Suheri will join the West Sumatran delegation to meet investors and interested parties in Singapore. The focus of the seminar is investment in Tourism sector.

The 3 massive earthquakes that destroyed over 6,000 homes in Bengkulu have also done terrible damage to parts of south and west coast Mentawai. Some villages such as Malakopak near Thunders and Rags breaks report that 100% of homes are either destroyed or so badly damaged that they will have to be demolished. In Silabu village close to Macas surf break, over 50% of homes have been damaged beyond repair or submerged due to subsidance. Only 6 homes remain useable in Sinaka village just a few miles from the Hole and Lighthouses.

Reports are still filtering in from remote communities and the news is grim. The weather has now compounded problems with strong west winds and heavy rain adding to the misery of families who are camped on muddy hill tops in fear of more earthquakes or tsunamis.

Village economies in the south and west are at a standstill and food, drinking water, shelter, sanitation needs and medical care are all needed urgently. With damage spread over hundreds of miles of remote coastline, government transport is not able to distribute aid supplies. MMTA are mobilizing ferry and cargo boats to assist with distribution of food and water supplies that are on hand at the moment. Shelter and sanitation supplies need to be purchased and delivered as soon as possible.

 MMTA have established a POSKO (Aid Post) in Padang where NGOs and private donors can drop supplies for delivery to area most in need.

POSKO MMTA

Jl Batang Arau No. 66E (next door to Pertamina Fuel Station)
Padang
West Sumatra
Indonesia

Tel  + 62 751 36527
Fax + 62 751 31913

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All MMTA boat owners  or boat representatives are requested to make a minimum donation of Rp3,000,000 to support ferry and cargo boat fuel and running costs so that this urgently needed aid can be delivered.

Please transfer or deposit funds to:

Bank Negari, Account No. 21000105002087, Account Name: MMTA

If you have any problems or questions about donating funds please contact Yanti  HP 08126622716

Thanks

Bangun - Secretary MMTA

All,

PADANG - 1800hrs 13 Sep 07

BMC hospital (Padang)  is unsafe and patients in the street waiting for alternative beds. 6 patients died due to the loss of services or stress. Not sure about other hospitals yet.

Bumi Minang Hotel is badly fractured (best hotel in town) and not sure about viability.

Pangaran Beach Hotel seems fine.

Rocky Plaza & Hotel (sic) status unknown but doubtful

Plaza Ramayana (Padang's newest and biggest) closed and likely for ever. Plaza Andalas damaged and unsure of viability.

Padang City almost a ghost town tonight. Most along the coast have moved to stay with friends or relatives inland.

Fuel is fine and some shops open. Water supplies are fine. Power is ok but shuts down after every little shake (they forgot to do this for the first quake and that causes some fires). Roads and bridges are ok.

Port fine and fully operational despite wharf flooding this am due to tsunami surge. No damage.

A few flights arrived today. Not sure of carriers but understand Mandala (ex airforce jockeys  and pretty gung-ho)

Tua Pajet (capital of Mentawais) has a few large buildings down. 30% of masonry homes are badly compromised and thought not safe. A lot of wood frame buildings here and they are fine.

Sioban (Sipura) about the same as Tua Pajet.

Muara Siberut reports a lot of damage. Built on river delta so mud below.

Sikakap has 30% of buildings damaged badly.

Weather is good so far and that helps those camped on hill tops. No big ones this afternoon. Feels like we are missing a sense of closure ..... suggest highest level of caution at resorts and on charter boats.

Could boats in the Katiet area please advise the number of guests/name/nationalities staying at Hussain's guest house and in other village buildings. We have been unable to contact Katiet Villa resort and embassies are requesting help to locate family members thought to be in this area.

Thanks

Rick Cameron