GENEVA (September 12, 2007) – CARE is mobilizing its resources after an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Southern Sumatra, Indonesia today.
While reports of damage are not yet confirmed, CARE is preparing the basic life-saving supplies that are necessary in the days following severe earthquakes in the event assistance is requested by the Indonesian government.
"After an earthquake of this magnitude, if there is damage, the most immediate need is shelter and clean water," said Johan Kieft, CARE's Assistant Country Director in Indonesia. "CARE's emergency team is ready to deploy with emergency tarps and water purification solution if needed."
CARE is coordinating with local government agencies to get more information about the situation in Bengkulu, but communications to the affected area have been extremely limited. CARE responded to an earthquake in the vicinity of today's earthquake earlier this year, when a 6.3 earthquake hit the Pedang area in March. CARE is again prepared to deploy to the region immediately, if necessary.
For more information or to interview staff in Indonesia, please contact:
In Indonesia: Wiwik Widyastuti, CARE Indonesia Communications Officer +62-812-1082-4921
In Geneva: William Dowell [email protected], Tel: +41 79 590 3047