World Vision response

World Vision distributed tarpaulins and water filters for people in Sipora displaced by the tsunami.  Staff from the World Vision Indonesia’s emergency response team distributed the relief items while conducting a rapid needs assessment on the island.

A ship carrying the World Vision assessment team, a medical team from local aid organisation, Yos Sudarso, Caritas and other humanitarian organisations was the first ship to bring aid to Sipora on Mentawai Island.

Background information

On the island of Mentawai, West Sumatra, at least 112 people have died and more than 500 are missing after a 7.7 earthquake struck Monday at 9:42 p.m.  Eyewitnesses reported seeing a 2-metre-high tsunami hit Sikakap sub district and a 5-metre-high tsunami hit Pagai Selatan.  

Some villages were isolated due to heavy rain. The most affected area is in Betu Monga, Pagai Utara sub district with the highest number of death toll and missing people.

The tsunami flooded the local market and damaged food stock, which will impact peoples’ access to food in the coming months.

World Vision Indonesia’s rapid response emergency team deployed immediately to the site of the disaster to assess the affected villages on Mentawai Island.  World Vision pre-positioned emergency supplies such as family kits (toothpaste, toothbrush, clothing, blankets), baby kits (soap, nappies), tarpaulins and collapsible water containers, ready for distribution.

Download the Indonesia - Country Profile

Children sponsored by Australians

World Vision does not have programs in the area affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

How you can help

Support for the Emergency & Preparedness Fund enables World Vision to prepare for emergencies by pre-stocking and positioning life-saving supplies and ensuring trained staff are available to be on the scene quickly, to respond to emergencies.

Find out more about our Emergency & Preparedness Fund or donate now.