Sumatra earthquake: Action Against Hunger teams are on the ground

7th March 2007 - On 6th March, the Indonesian island of Sumatra was struck by two earthquakes resulting in 50 to 70 deaths and hundreds more wounded. An Action Against Hunger team is evaluating the needs of people affected by the catastrophe.

Once again the inhabitants of the island have been struck by a natural disaster; the worst hit districts being Solok, Pedang Panjang, Batu Sangkar and Pedang, all in the Pedang region in the East of the island.

At this point in time, it is still difficult to make an exact assessment of the severity of the situation; it is estimated that more than 2 million people live in the affected area. According to first reports, 50 to 70 people were killed by the disaster and hundreds more injured. 3,500 homes have been destroyed and roads blocked. Hospitals are operating above capacity and make-shift clinics are being set up.

The most urgent needs for affected people are to have access to food, water and shelter for the coming days. As they are too afraid to return to their homes, people find themselves outside in the middle of the rainy season.

Action Against Hunger responds

The day after the earthquake, an Action Against Hunger team – already present in Indonesia – went to the affected area to assess the immediate needs of the inhabitants. As of tomorrow, the team will be joined by two colleagues from the organisation’s emergency pool.

Action Against Hunger has been implementing programmes in Sumatra since the tsunami and responded to the recent floods in Jakarta. The organisation has emergency stocks in place ready for immediate use once an intervention is confirmed. This includes packs with basic necessities and first aid kits. Since the Indonesian archipelago is extremely vulnerable to natural disasters Against Hunger’s teams in Jakarta also carry out risk mitigation projects.

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