4 September 2009

World Vision is sending 4,000 packages of family kits worth US$250,000 to support quake survivors in hardest-hit Pengalengan and Tasikmalaya areas in West Java, Indonesia.

“We will distribute 1,500 relief packages in several villages in Pengalengan and another 1,500 packages in Tasikmalaya. We’ve also prepared 1,000 emergency kits for children under five, containing items such as baby oil and soap,” said Trihadi Saptoadi, director of World Vision Indonesia. The distribution of the emergency supplies started yesterday.

“This earthquake damaged and destroyed thousands of children’s homes,” said Jimmy Nadapdap, World Vision Indonesia Relief Director. “It is imperative that those children have a safe place to shelter and clothes to keep them warm. Our relief kits contain tarpaulins and plastic sheets, soap, clothing and hygiene products for children under five,” he said.

“We expect to complete the distribution of all the 4,000 packages by the end of the week,” Mr Nadapdap.

The 7.3 magnitude quake brought about a very strong tremor across West Java province and capital city Jakarta, some 250 kilometres northwest of the epicentre, off Tasikmalaya district. People as far away as Bali and southern Sumatra felt the tremor.

Reports say more than 50 people have been found dead and scores of others are still missing. Bodies are still being recovered after a quake-triggered landslide in Cianjur district in West Java. Hundreds suffered from injuries. The quake also caused damage to more than 18,000 houses.