NIAS MAIN ROAD CUT

Ali spent all day yesterday working with IOM in Gunung Sitoli unloading the Rotary family boxes from 2 wooden boats into trucks. One of the Nias ferries has broken down completely and the remaining ferry is dedicated to supporting private vehicles. A total of 7 smaller trucks were ready yesterday to proceed to Gomo but heavy rains have cut the road near Hiliwet Gido. A very long bridge was damaged beyond use, a monument to the power of this mega quake. Vehicles have been fording the river but that is clearly not feasible now that the rains have started. This is the main North/South road on Nias and it links the two largest cities and the majority of the population.

ELM/UV volunteers continue to work with Dr Laia in and around Gomo while we wait for these supplies. IOM say they have loaded more boats in Sibolga but bad weather has kept them in port so far.

Broken ferries, damaged roads, broken bridges and flooding & storms are seriously delaying deliveries to much of Nias.