Update: Earthquake in Sumatra

  1. The rubble of destroyed houses in the village of Lima Koto, Padang, after the earthquake in Indonesia's West Sumatra province. 2 October 2009. © Reuters/Erik de Castro courtesy of www.alertnet.org
  2. A woman sits in the ruins of her earthquake-damaged house in Pariaman, a coastal town in Indonesia's West Sumatra province October 2, 2009. © Reuters/Crack Palinggi courtesy of www.alertnet.org
  3. A family sleeps outside after fleeing their home in Padang, Indonesia, following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake. 2 October 2009. © Reuters/ Enny Nuraheni courtesy of www.alertnet.org
  4. Indonesian women wait to identify bodies at a hospital in Padang, West Sumatra, after a powerful earthquake killed over 1,000 people. October 2, 2009. ©Reuters/Dadang Tri courtesy of www.alertnet.org
  5. Villagers stand among the rubble of destroyed houses in Lima Koto, Padang, after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia's West Sumatra province. 2 October 2009. © Reuters/Erik de Castro courtesy of www.alertnet.org
  6. A survivor gives directions to a rescue team during a search for bodies after a hotel collapse in Padang, Indonesia, following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake. © Reuters/Enny Nuraheni courtesy of www.alertnet.org

On 30 September, an earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Padang, Sumatra, causing immense destruction. A devastating aftershock followed a day later. At least 900 people died while hundreds more are still missing. World Vision provided relief assistance to affected families.

How you can help:

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Date Published
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6 October 2009In Indonesia, World Vision calls for the prioritisation of children's basic needs
5 October 2009World Vision aid arrives in Padang, Indonesia
4 October 2009Indonesia update: More World Vision aid reaches Padang
4 October 2009Earthquake a double blow for Indonesia's poor
3 October 2009Indonesia update: World Vision's relief aid reaches Padang
2 October 2009Indonesia update: World Vision convoy en route to Padang 
2 October 2009Earthquake in Sumatra, Indonesia
2 October 2009Indonesia update: Thousands feared dead as over 500 bodies recovered
2 October 2009Indonesia update: World Vision sends relief team; gears up for aid response

Background

On 30 September 2009, an earthquake struck off the west coast of Sumatra, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was 33km from the town of Padang where wide-scale destruction is being reported. On 1 October, Padang was hit by a 6.8 magnitude aftershock, devastating the already ravaged area.

Reportedly, at least 1,000 people have been killed and scores are missing. It is estimated that up to 600,000 people have been affected, with more than 135,000 houses severely damaged.

Most destruction is reported to be in central Padang where tremors lasted 5-6 minutes. The earthquake was felt as far as Malaysia and Singapore, more than 300kms away.

This is the second 2009 quake in Indonesia that World Vision responded to. On 2 September, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck West Java province killing some 100 people.

World Vision has been working in Indonesia since 1961.

World Vision's response

World Vision has provided relief assistance to 13,509 families in Padang and Padang Pariaman Districts, including the distribution of:

  • 13,509 family kits, consisting of tarpaulins, sleeping mats, blankets, sarongs, and personal hygiene items
  • 5,000 packages for children under 5, consisting of baby oil, baby powder, tooth brush and tooth paste, soap, tissues and sanitary napkins, blankets and a sleeping mat
  • 9,916 collapsible water containers with 15 litre capacity 
  • Wheelbarrows to assist families clear away rubble 
  • Purification tablets distributed with water containers and awareness on usage provided to beneficiaries.

World Vision has also:

  • Set up of 13 child friendly spaces providing a safe place for 3,000 children to play, learn in an informal environment and share their experiences. 
  • Opened three mobile libraries each with 500 children’s books for the child friendly spaces 
  • Trained child friend space volunteers on child protection after emergencies and child rights 
  • Set up 44 portable toilets with septic tanks at schools for community access 
  • Provided 9 generators and two tents to sub-district Health Centres 
  • Begun the construction of temporary schools

Children sponsored by Australians

World Vision does not have child sponsorship programs in Sumatra.

How you can help

World Vision Australia's appeal for the earthquake in Sumatra has now closed. Thank you to everyone who donated to make our relief efforts possible. To help us prepare for and respond to future emergencies, we can still accept donations to our Emergency and Preparedness Fund, however please note that these funds may not be used in Indonesia.

 

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