World Vision Indonesia is sending 4,000 packages of family kits worth US $250,000 to support quake survivors in hardest-hit Pengalengan and Tasikmalaya areas in West Java, Indonesia.
"We will distribute 1,500 relief packages in several villages in Pengalengan and another 1,500 packages in Tasikmalaya. We've also prepared 1,000 emergency kits for children under five, containing items such as baby oil and soap," said Trihadi Saptoadi, director of WV Indonesia. The distribution of the emergency supplies started today.
"This earthquake damaged and destroyed thousands of children's homes," said Jimmy Nadapdap, WV Indonesia's HEA-Relief Director. "It is imperative that those children have a safe place to shelter and clothes to keep them warm. Our relief kits contain tarpaulins and plastic sheets, soap, clothing and hygiene products for children under five," he explained.
"We expect to complete the distribution of all the 4,000 packages by the end of the week," added Jimmy Nadapdap, WV Indonesia's HEA-Relief Director.
WV Indonesia is appealing for an additional US $500,000 to support the immediate needs of children and their families in the hardest-hit areas.
Ivan Tagor, World Vision assessment team leader reported that several thousand families in Pengalengan and neighbouring areas spent Wednesday night sleeping in open air as many of their houses were severely destroyed. "They need blankets, tarpaulins and other basic support," he said.
The 7.3 magnitude quake brought about a very strong tremor across West Java province and capital city Jakarta, some 250 kilometers northwest of the epicenter, off Tasikmalaya district. People as far as Bali and southern Sumatra, could also feel the tremor.
Reports said 44 people have been found dead and scores of others are still missing. Bodies are still being recovered after a quake-triggered landslide in Cianjur district in West Java. Hundreds suffered from injuries. The quake also caused severe and minor damages to over 18,000 houses.
For media interviews please contact:
Jimmy Nadapdap
HEA Director
Cell: +628159802862
Email: jimmy_nadapdap@wvi.org
Katarina Hardono
Communications Director
Cell: +628111838476
Email: katarina_hardono@wvi.org
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
A woman comforts her daughter as they stand in front of their damaged house after an earthquake in Pangalengan, West Java September 3, 2009. The death toll from the 7.0 magnitude ...
