Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

SITUATION OVERVIEW
Sumatra, Indonesia
October 2, 2009

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit West Sumatra Province on September 30. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has confirmed the death of 715 people. The Ministry of Health (MoH) estimates that 3,000 people might still be trapped under collapsed buildings. The number of casualties is expected to rise as more search and rescue teams join the Government’s response efforts. It is also reported that 2,400 people are injured and 20,000 houses buildings are heavily damaged. Electricity and tele-communication facilities have not yet been restored.

The affected areas in West Sumatra Province are: Padang City, Pariaman City, Padang Pariaman District, Pesisir Selatan district, Pasaman Barat district, Agam district, Solok district and Solok City. The earthquake was felt in five additional provinces: North Sumatra, Bengkulu, Riau, Lampung and Jakarta. Several roads are still blocked by debris from landslides. The route to Padang Pariaman from Padang is still cut off.

On October 1st, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck 46 kilometres southeast of Sungai Penuh in Jambi Province at a depth of 10 km. According to the Ministry of Health, one person has died, 26 people have been injured and 719 houses have been damaged.

Immediate needs include: medical supplies and personnel; hygiene kits; soap; petrol; generators; heavy equipment and personnel for search and rescue efforts; and food items. Education and post-traumatic counseling is also a priority.

Operation USA has announced that its relief efforts will focus on medical aid and support for health clinics and hospitals.