Dear colleagues,
On 2 July 2013 a 6.2 magnitude earthquake at a depth of 10 kilometres struck the Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province of Sumatra Island. The epicentre was at the western end of Central Aceh district near the boundary of Bener Meriah in central Aceh. Three strong aftershocks of 4.3, 5.3 and 5.5 were recorded which triggered landslides along the Bireun-Takengon mountain range isolating several villages. The earthquake severely affected the populations in two districts, namely Bener Meriah and Central Aceh, with Central Aceh being the most severely hit by the earthquake. The National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) reports that as many as 42 people have lost their lives due to the quake, 63 people have been seriously injured and are in hospital. Official figures for displaced people is currently at 36,905 persons comprising 32,129 displaced people in Central Aceh district and 4,776 displaced people in Bener Meriah district.
Hundreds of residents, afraid to return to their homes for fear of aftershocks, are sleeping in tents next to their damaged/destroyed houses. Many roads have been destroyed or blocked by landslides, hampering rescue efforts. The Indonesian Red Cross reports that the most pressing needs are as follows: health services, latrines, clean water, baby food, hygiene kits, packages for families and babies, tarpaulins, mattresses, blankets and emergency lamps for those staying outdoors.
As the emergency relief continues there are more reports of injuries and need for hospital care. However, many health centres and hospital buildings have been seriously damaged along with destruction of medical equipment and medicines. Consequently, medical support is urgently needed.
Another concern is the extensive damage to infrastructure and livelihood. Many families may find themselves living under tents for quite some time and it is thus important to ensure people’s well being is maintained and a sense of normality is recovered as quickly as possible.
ACT Indonesia Forum members Yakkum Emergency Unit (YEU) is planning to provide assistance in the form of health services, disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities along with psychosocial activities.