West Sumatra Earthquakes - World Vision 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 World Vision is providing immediate relief to help meet the basic human needs of those affected by the earthquakes. Activities focus on providing essential household hygiene and shelter relief items including items such as blankets soap water containers mats and tarpaulins. The project is expected to reach an estimated 22 500 beneficiaries.