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UN Conference Room Miguel Bermeo began by giving an update of the estimated figures, which was compiled with information from the UNV’s based in the districts, GA’s, police reports as well as NDMC. He emphasized that the figures were an estimate, which need to be reconciled with official government figures. He further informed that arrangements have been made to meet with the LTTE. Mr. Raniviraja, Commissioner general for Essential Services informed the participants of the following: - The government looks at this as a National Disaster and would rope in all political parties to work together in the relief efforts. - An Operations Room (OR) has been set up in the Ministry of Public Security and Law and Order. The main purpose of the OR is to provide coordination and not to take on the functions of the line ministries. The UNDAC team would help in the OR and Patrick Vandenbruaene would be based in the OR. - All GAs have been appointed as the Competent Authorities in their districts - The government is aware that there is a problem with coordination. Now with the setting up of the OR and the appointment of Commissioner General for Essential Services, this will be under control. - The government has mentioned that it does not require any more medical teams at this point. He mentioned that WHO would coordinate with the Health Ministry for the deployment of the available teams and the distribution of medicine. - There would be no discrimination in delivery of aid. - The president is very appreciative of the international support Presentation – Website Update www.lk.undp.org/ndmc· Ramraj mentioned that all technical problems with the website would be sorted out and will be accessible soon. All available data would also be updated. · The contact details of the UNDP, UNV’s attached to the GAs are available on the website. Please feel free to contact them directly for more information. Disposal of bodiesIt was mentioned that the Sri-Lankan police handles the disposal of dead bodies. ICRC informed the participants that there is an overwhelming request for body bags and they were unable to meet the demand. Mr. Raniviraja, Commissioner general for Essential Services mentioned that the disposal of bodies was the biggest challenge confronting the government at this moment. The usual requirement for post mortems have been waived and the police has been authorized to state the cause of death as ‘drowning’. Bodies of foreign nationals are not being disposed and special arrangements have been made to expedite the release of these bodies to be taken to the home country. Land MinesA preliminary assessment of the threats posed by land mines is being conducted and UNDP would provide and update on the latest situation at the next meeting. Mr. Raniviraja, Commissioner general for Essential Services mentioned that UNDP would be better placed to provide information on mine risks than the government including details from the LTTE controlled areas. Water and SanitationThis was flagged as an important issue that needs immediate attention. It was also mentioned that there was a need for water purification tablets and those providing these tablets also needed to provide information on usage in local languages. UNICEF would call a coordination meeting on this matter. LogisticsIt was brought to the attention that the coordination of supplies coming into the country was problematic, because of lack of clear instructions regarding the clearance process. - -- The UN team was requested to post on the website clear instructions regarding the process of clearing supplies that is applicable at present.- The UN team was requested to work with government authorities to set up a one stop shop clearing of supplies, with the help of the OCHA logistics specialists - Phone numbers of people who can be helpful with the clearance was to be provided It was also pointed out that agencies brining in supplies need to, whenever possible give reasonable notice to the government to expedite the process. Convey arrangements for safe delivery of foodIt was brought to the attention that trucks taking food was diverted in some places by people. It was suggested to overcome the problem that it may be useful for the distribution to take place in convoys. Mr. Raniviraja, Commissioner general for Essential Services mentioned that this had already been brought to his attention and in the future if there are any incidents to inform him immediately. Follow up- TRO was to be invited to join the daily meetings - A road accessibility map for the disaster stricken areas was to be provided in the website. - FAO will contact the veterinary department about disposing carcasses and will provide details during tomorrow’s meeting. - A preliminary assessment of the threats posed by land mines is being conducted and UNDP would provide and update on the latest situation at the next meeting. - Details on the flash appeal would be provided by Wendy - DIG Karunaratne, to provide information on giving support to the convoys delivering food - Details on air charter was to be provided in the website - UNICEF to coordinate a meeting with relevant organizations on water and sanitation issues - ADB is to conduct a long term needs assessment
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