Red Cross searches for survivors after Indonesia quake
Thursday, October 1, 2009A second quake shook the Indonesian island of Sumatra, one day after the first devastating earthquake left more than 500 dead and thousands more trapped. The quake, measuring 6.6 in magnitude, struck early this morning approximately 180 miles from the epicenter of the first tremor.
On Sept. 30, just after 5 p.m. local time, an earthquake measuring 7.6 shook Indonesia’s western coastline, setting off a destructive chain of events -- buildings caught fire, homes collapsed, airports closed, and residents and tourists became trapped. In Padang alone, at least 500 homes were caved in.
“Communications have been disrupted and electricity has failed,” said Alex Mahoney, manager of disaster programs in Asia with the American Red Cross. “The Indonesian Red Cross is directing this relief operation exclusively by hand-held radio.”
Immediately after the first earthquake, authorities issued a tsunami warning, and the Indonesian Red Cross (also known as Palang Merah Indonesia or PMI) began helping residents evacuate to higher ground. After the warning was lifted, local volunteers began assisting with search and rescue, and conducting damage assessments.
About Asia Pacific region
With this newest tragedy, the global Red Cross network is now responding to five near-simultaneous disasters in Asia Pacific.
- Oct. 1: a second major earthquake shook Jambi province in Indonesia, 180 miles from the epicenter of yesterday‘s quake
- Sept. 30: a 7.6-magintude earthquake was recorded off the West coast of Indonesia, about 30 miles from Padang, the capital of West Sumatra
- Sept. 29: An 8.3-magnitude earthquake was followed by a tsunami, affecting the Pacific islands of Samoa, Tonga and America Samoa
- Sept. 26: Typhoon Ketsana made its first landfall and dumped torrential rains in the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
Sadly, the region is living up to its reputation as one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world. The death toll in Indonesia following the two earthquakes is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
How you can help
You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift now to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.
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