Indonesia Earthquake Relief Update

Day 2 - September 13, 2007
Northern Bengkulu Victims In Need of Aid- The disaster team arrived in Bengkulu today with a doctor and medical supplies.

The team in a coordination meeting conducted by Vice-Governor of Bengkulu, Muhammad Syamlan and other local officials.  As of today, 10 people are reported dead and 23 injured.  Patients at the Muhammad Yunus Hospital were moved into emergency tents in front of the hospital.  Damage reports show that 778 houses destroyed, 1,741 heavily damaged, while 3,536 with minor damage.

The city of Bengkulu seems to sustain little impact from the earthquake, but the rural northern coast of Bengkulu is the hardest hit. HOPE worldwide 's  relief team surveyed the damage along the coast from Bengkulu to Lais and Ketahun sub-districts.  Remnants of high-tide or a small tsunami were present.   Logs, debris, and sand were washed over the road around Lais and Ketahun.  Some reports mentioned that the tsunami waves were nine feet high.

As the sun sets, the team stopped at local homes in Ketahun. No electricity or help is present, but many are eager for medical assistance. Although homes in the region have suffered much damage, fortunately it appears the victims or injuries been as numerous as in past disasters, or at least for now. The team plans to continue the journey to Muko Muko district, six hours north of Bengkulu towards Padang, along the west coast. 

For now, the current needs assessed are electricity, tents, food and house rebuilding. Today is only the first day after the earthquake which is also the first day of Ramadhan, Muslim's fasting month.

Much hope are still in the eyes of the people waiting for orders and services available to the victims.

Please keep the people of Bengkulu and South Sumatra and the HOPE worldwide-Indonesia team in your prayers as they continue to face many challenges in these uncertain and troubling times. Since the 2004 tsunami, the citizens of Indonesia have fallen victim to 15 earthquakes of 6.3 magnitude or more, according to the USGS resulting in the loss of almost 8,000 lives.

Relief Updates
September 12- The Earthquake Hits
September 13- Help Arrives
September 14- Overcoming Obstacles
September 20- A Letter from HOPE worldwide Indonesia
October 1- What is Next?
October 19- Increased Volcanic Activites Endanger Thousands

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