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Save the Children Moves to Provide Relief After Large Earthquake Strikes Indonesian Coast
Westport, Conn. (September 12, 2007) — Save the Children staff members in Indonesia are preparing to assist children and families affected by the 8.4-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sumatra today.
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A mother holds her son as he is treated by a doctor at makeshift tent hospital in Bengkulu, Indonesia. Reuters/Beawiharta, courtesy www.alertnet.org |
The massive quake, with an epicenter in the Indian Ocean, rattled the island nation at about 8:30 p.m. local time, striking nearest to Bengkulu Province on the western coast. Several strong aftershocks followed, including a 6.6-magnitude quake about an hour after the first.
Darkness and communications problems are hampering injury and damage assessments, according to the government.
Save the Children will send out its emergency-response team to assess the situation within the coming hours. The agency plans to purchase supplies and relief items to assist families in immediate need while plans are made for additional assistance efforts over the next 48 hours.
Save the Children staff have reported-in safe. The agency's programs and offices are not within the quake zone.
Bengkulu Province was devastated earlier this year by a 7.9-magnitude quake in June 2000.
"This is a dangerous situation for children," said Rudy Von Bernuth, who heads Save the Children's emergency response efforts worldwide. "It is the middle of the night there, and children are at risk from additional quakes and the dangers presented by debris and compromised construction."
Indonesia is located on the seismically volatile "Pacific Ring of Fire," where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common. The country has experienced a series of natural disasters over recent years. According to the U.S. Geological Service, the country has seen more than 15 earthquakes of magnitudes 6.3 or higher since December 2004.
You can help Save the Children respond to emergencies that put at great risk the survival, protection, and well-being of significant numbers of children. By contributing to the Children's Emergency Fund, you enable us to respond immediately to children and families who urgently need our help when disasters strike.
