Earthquake in Sumatra- Save the Children

Earthquake measuring 7.6 struck off the coast of Padang in West Sumatra on 30 September at 5.16 p.m. According to provincial authorities, the official death toll was placed at 739 people, with another 296 people missing and presumed dead, primarily in Padang Pariaman District. 863 people have been seriously injured and 1,356 people slightly injured. Damage to houses was widespread with 121,679 homes severely damaged, 52,206 moderately damaged, and another 57,510 lightly damaged, rendering homeless an estimated 250,000 families, many too frightened to return home. Hospitals, schools, places of worship, government buildings and public infrastructure were also all damaged. 3,108 classrooms and 118 health facilities were damaged, half of them extensively. These numbers are changing daily and are likely to increase, as the assessment extends to rural areas. Hospitals were initially overwhelmed with the injured, particularly in Padang City, where authorities established makeshift temporary hospitals to treat the injured. Health officials expressed concern about the potential for outbreak of diseases including tetanus and skin diseases due to contaminated water. Save the Childrenfs Response As of October 9 Save the Children distribution teams have provided relief supplies to approximately 20,725 people including 12,435 children Following on from field assessments it is our estimation that the geographic impact of this quake is less than previously expected, but in the areas that were affected that impact was more intense than first thought. Our current estimations are that 50% of the total population of these provinces has been directly or indirectly (taking in families etc) affected and that 80% of those living in the worst affected areas have been impacted. Our target is to provide assistance to 30% of the affected population. We hope to reach 150,000 people (30,000 households) through the provision of shelter, hygiene and NFI kits, education services and child protection programs. Mike Penrose, Director Emergency Programs for Save the Children Australia is currently heading up relief operations in Indonesia following the earthquakes over the past week. He is currently in Pariaman town, approximately one and a half hours north of Padang city. gAs I travel through the affected areas, the devastation is far worse than we could have imagined. All the villages are badly affected. I would estimate that more than 70% of buildings are damaged, and although they may not have collapsed completely, they are completely unsafe for habitation. Just because they are standing doesnft mean they are liveable. The occupants canft go back inside, they are living on the streets with their children.h