CWS situation report: Sumatra, Indonesia earthquake
Source: Church World Service-USA
Website: http://www.churchworldservice.org
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September 12, 2007
An earthquake today off of the Indonesian island of Sumatra killed at least seven persons, according to initial news reports. The quake measured at 8.4 on the Richter Scale, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Some buildings were toppled in the quake, centered in the city of Bengkulu, Sumatra. The tsunami warning was later withdrawn, but aftershocks were still being felt, according to CWS Indonesia.
The CWS staff, with offices in Nias and Meulaboh, reported initial panic as people fled to higher ground. The population has experienced several earthquakes within the last three years, as well as experiencing the 2004 tsunami.
RESPONSE: CWS Indonesia is in contact with long-time partners and Action by Churches Together (ACT) International forum members in Indonesia, Yayasan Tanggul Bencana Indonesia (YTBI) and Yakkum Emergency Unit (YEU). "CWS is monitoring the situation and is ready and able to send an assessment team to the area," said CWS Indonesia Country Director Maurice Bloem.
Media Contact:
Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676; lcrosson@churchworldservice.org
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