A major earthquake magnitude 7.6 struck after 5pm local time on Wednesday 30 September, north-west of Padang (pop. 800,000), the capital of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The next day, a further 6.8 magnitude quake struck just before 9am in the same location.
October 2, 2009
Several hundred concrete buildings have collapsed and are on fire, and due to the time of the initial quake, thousands of people are still thought to be trapped and killed under the rubble. Relief efforts are being hampered by heavy rain and poor access to Padang, as well as blackouts. The official death-toll is currently 1,100 with over 2,500 people injured, but this is expected to increase significantly as bodies are pulled out of the rubble.
Humanity First Indonesia’s team in Padang are assessing conditions and establishing relief services in the city. Their focus is medical assistance, emergency shelter, blankets, hygiene kits and hot food. Further details will be provided once known.
The team has previously responded to disasters in Banda Aceh, Yogyakarta, Mount Merapi and Pangandaran across Indonesia as well as long-term water, educational and orphan care projects.
October 3, 2009
There are over 3,900 people left homeless in the Sungai Limau District, which is about 80 kilometers from Padang city. A soup kitchen has been set up in the area, serving hot meals twice a day for 700 people. A team of volunteers from Humanity First Indonesia are currently providing these services.
Take Action
Please support the efforts of Humanity First by contributing to our disaster relief fund by through our donations page (pay through credit card or PayPal) or mail your checks directly to Humanity First at:
Humanity First USA
300 E. Lombard Street. Suite 840
Baltimore, MD 21202
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