Children climbing over the rubble of collapsed buildings

5 October 2009: Plan is dispatching hygiene kits and other essential items to survivors of the devastating earthquake on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

More than 700 people have been killed and thousands made homeless by 2 earthquakes which struck the city of Padang and surrounding areas last week. Officials believe that as many as 3,000 people are still trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Over the coming days, Plan will continue to distribute shelters and other vital supplies. A 6-month relief effort for those in immediate need will be followed by a rehabilitation and reconstruction programme expected to last a further 18 months.

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Child safety

Plan’s director of disasters and humanitarian response, Roger Yates, said: “Our priority right now is to meet the needs of the many children and their families affected by the 2 earthquakes. Plan is especially concerned for the safety of children who have been displaced from their homes.

“Plan staff have learnt many lessons from previous disasters such as the Niaz earthquake and the Boxing Day tsunami. We are now putting these valuable lessons into practice by quickly sending initial support while co-ordinating with other organisations to collect the detailed information needed for a full response.”

Massive rescue operation

A massive rescue operation is under way after the earthquake, thought to be one of the biggest to hit Indonesia in recent years, devastated the area. The roof of the city’s airport was brought down, as well as hotels, schools and houses. Power lines were cut and there were reports of landslides.
 
The earthquake was so strong that people reported that shaking could be felt in high buildings in the capital, Jakarta, and in Singapore and Malaysia.

There was further panic after another earthquake struck close to Padang on Thursday.

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