Earthquakes in Indonesia

In addition to an earlier earthquake in southern Indonesia, on 30 September 2009, two large earthquakes struck the western coast of Sumatra. Latest reports indicate more than 1,100 people have died and thousands more been injured.

In some rural areas where Plan works 80% of homes are severely damaged. In addition an estimated 60% of primary school buildings unsafe for use. The education of approximately 90,000 students from preschool through to upper secondary level has been affected.

The the government of Indonesia has declared a state of emergency. The government is currently focusing its efforts on relief. During these two months of emergency, the government will ensure food aid and medical services for affected people.

Shelter is becoming even more of a priority as the monsoon season has now arrived, with daily heavy rains making temporary living arrangements difficult.

The Ministry Of Health will dispatch 130 health staff from Jakarta and set up a field hospital for the injured. The Indonesia Navy will also set up a hospital on the coastline. The Government of Indonesia is committing funds towards emergency relief and long-term recovery and rehabilitation following this disaster.

Children are among the worst affected. School buildings collapsed, with children buried under the rubble.

People who have been displaced in the quake are in immediate need of potable water, food, tarpaulins or tents, blankets, mats and medicine.

Plan has launched an initial 6-month immediate relief program focusing on emergency shelter, health and hygiene kits, child protection, disaster risk reduction (DRR) and education. An 18-month rehabilitation and reconstruction program is planned to follow.

So far Plan has helped over 5,000 households. Working with the Indonesian Red Crescent, Plan is providing mobile health clinics reaching thousands of patients across 20 villages. Plan is also cleaning wells and drilling new ones. Plan is beginning a temporary schooling program. This program will also include a component of psychosocial awareness for teachers Plan will develop 20 temporary learning centres to support the educational rights of children in rural villages. Plan will soon begin to provide psychosocial training to teachers, so they are better equipped to identify children exhibiting signs of prolonged stress and anxiety.