Media release
1 October 2009
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Caritas sends relief teams to Sumatra
Caritas Australia’s local partner agencies Karina and CRS have
sent teams specialising in Disaster Response to the heavily affected
areas in West Sumatra after a devastating magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit
Padang, West Sumatra on Wednesday afternoon.
“The relief effort overnight has been slow with the city in
blackout and communications severely limited. Thousands remain trapped
while thousands more have been displaced”, said Caritas CEO Jack
de Groot.
The National Disaster Agency has reported 500 houses have caved in while
the Health Ministry's crisis centre reports a hospital close to the
epicentre of the quake has collapsed trapping patients inside.
Hotels and schools have also collapsed trapping people.
“Caritas Australia’s partners responded to the quake off
Western Java earlier in September and will use their experience in
Padang. There will be a need for medical support to victims, tarpaulins
and tents for temporary shelter” said Mr De Groot.
Caritas Australia is accepting donations to the Indonesia Emergency
Appeal and once immediate needs are met will focus on the long term
rehabilitation of the affected populations.
You can support the Caritas Australia Indonesia Emergency
Appeal by calling 1800 024 413 or making a donation online.
For more information call Tim O’Connor (02) 8306 3444 or
0417 284 831
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