West Sumatra Earthquakes - Oxfam Canada 2009

October 8 2009 - A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Indonesia on September 30 45 km west-northwest of Padang Sumatra. A second earthquake of magnitude 6.8 followed on October 1st. The quakes triggered landslides reportedly destroying at least four villages across the western coast of the island leaving over 700 people displaced and over 2 000 injured. There has been extensive damage to homes and buildings with current reports indicating over 179 000 houses destroyed in the city of Padang and surrounding villages severely affected. The priority emergency needs of those affected include access to safe water and sanitation facilities as well as essential household and hygiene relief items. With CIDA support Oxfam Canada is providing immediate relief to those affected by the earthquakes in West Sumatra. Activities focus on: improving access to safe water by installing water treatment units providing safe drinking water through tanks and water trucking and repairing damaged water sources; improving access to sanitation facilities by providing emergency latrines and bathing facilities; and distributing essential relief items to affected populations including water containers blankets tarpaulins and hygiene kits. The project is expected to reach an estimated 100 000 beneficiaries.