BodyJust a quick update from Sumatra..
We spent today helping organize Susi Air Flights to Meulaboh after we flew
Ex-President Suhartoputri to Nias Island. Additonally we had a chance to gather
thoughts regarding what we can do to remain most effective at reducing the
suffering. Late last night we discussed specific needs of the operation. One
of the needs will be to service remote Meulaboh to Banda Aceh areas. These
areas are currently serviced only by a single Cessna 206 out of Meulaboh run
by MAF. Today they didn't operate because there is no Avgas available.
Victor has a helicopter which would suit this mission fantastically. Victor's
helicopter can use Jet fuel so this is not a problem as it is readily available.He
will have to come back to Guam and spend two days boxing it up for air freight
here. This will be about $10,000 one way and will not be possible without
funding. He would leave tomorrow to get the copter on its way if funding is
guaranteed for that phase of the operation He can deliver food to about 4000
people per day at a daily operating cost of about $3,000. I think (hope) we
can arrange for food to be supplied from the UN.
We are working fast and furious on another plane coming in for the operation.
Will keep you appraised as that developes. Discussed the issue with Col. Gandhara
and he was completely positive on that happening without delay.
In the late afternoon we managed to get two loads carying about a ton of food
and a large team of Japanese Red Cross doctors and supplies from Medan to
Meulaboh. They have a new emergency room tent hospital they are setting up
now. They told us the case load is still intense, but one of their surgeons
is acting as a gofer. Mike is working as copilot for SusiAir and I expect
to within the next few days as well.
Haven't heard from Brahm and Iti today from Meualboh but then we didn't expect
to. We have arranged a message system where they will leave notes on the airplane
and we will pick them up when we arrive. Nicole at Satcom Direct has promised
us a phone when we have an address to send it to. Should get one tomorrow.
If we get the chance we will set up an HF base station tomorow in Meulaboh.
Then we could get one also in Medan but an HF under the canopy tent base sation
we are working out of would be pretty sensitive to weather. Sorry to Bruce
Best we have been moving to fast to even think about sitting down and geting
this done yet.
Meanwhile the UN started getting the blades on one of its helicopters today.
I am happy to see that the hangar of aid supplies on the military side of
the hangar is getting some more supplies in. One thing I notice when I look
at headline world news is not a word about the Tsunami disaster. We must not
forget about these people. These people will not have any semblance of a normal
life for months and months and will need our support.
Another comment on the Indonesian people. I read reports about the threat
to westerners from rebels etc. I have met nothing but the nicest, most sincere,
polite, pleasant people I have seen anywhere. We are treated with the greatest
respect and kindness no matter where we go. These people are truly thankful
for our efforts. Wahab who works for the ground handler hauls us around everywhere
and refuses payment. Susi is an unbelievable lady. Someone who has an incredible
energy and desire to help people. Always smiling, always moving. Everyone
provides the greatest cooperation possible.
At the airport I have seen Indonesian, Guamanian, Pakistani, Russian, American,
Spanish, French, Australian, South African, Swiss, Brazilian, Singaporean,
Japanese, Filipino, Irish, and other planes and crews. Everybody works in
the greatest spirit of cooperation and kindness I have encountered in my life.
As I was riding to get some supplies on the back of Wahab's scooter we were
discussing that if anything can be good about this horrible disaster is that
people can learn to come together and work as friends for the better of all
Off to Meulaboh at 4:30 Am tomorrow. Need to catch a meal before heading there.
Don't expect to eat much in the Meulaboh Airport Park Hotel. At least we will
have mosquito nets tomorrow night provided the water buffalo dont knock them
down as they walk through the bedrooms.
Joe
Vince, Victors foot is numb, swolllen and has limited flexion at the ankle.
No cuts or punctures. No heat, no fever. He was using a shovel ,hard, with
zories and I think he has a nerve and possibly other bruising. treating with
Naproxen
Thoughts?
Joe
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