Preparedness on show as Caritas partners monitor consequences of quake
Caritas Australia and our local partners in Indonesia are assessing the impact of this morning’s 7.7 magnitude earthquake off the coast of North Sumatra, and express relief that no significant damage or loss of life has been recorded.
The earthquake struck 205m kilometres from the city of Sibolga between the Islands of Simeulue and Nias shortly before 5:15am (local time) today.
Caritas partners in the region have reported shaking, loss of electricity, closure of schools and business, and small scale damage across the Simeulue and Nias Islands, Banda Aceh and Calang.
Caritas Australia’s Indonesian Partnership Coordinator in Jakarta, Terry Russell, said, “We’re continuing to assess the damage but at this stage I’m reassured by our partners in Nias and Sibolga that the impact has been limited.”
Caritas Australia has a breadth of experience responding to natural disasters in Indonesia, and supports a range of proactive community-based Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) programs in Nias and Simeulue.
Caritas CEO, Jack de Groot, said, “In addition to the relief efforts of 2004 and more recently in September of last year, Caritas Australia has invested AUD$10 million over the past 5 years to build preparedness and capacity in the region; we hope today’s response serves as an example of what that investment has achieved.
“We’ve had reports of people running to higher ground and continuing to monitor sea levels and building safety in the wake of this morning’s earthquake – encouraging signs of preparedness and disaster risk awareness within these communities.
“The rapid response and efficient coordination displayed both by our staff and partners in Indonesia, and our programs team in Sydney is a testament to Caritas Australia’s ability to manage and mitigate disaster.
“We’re extremely relieved that an earthquake of this magnitude has seemingly been benign. As our local partners continue to assess the damage and any immediate needs, Caritas Australia remains committed to support disaster risk reduction in these vulnerable communities.”
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More information Erin Jardine (02) 8306 3457 or 0408 869 833