Strong Earthquake Endangers Families in Western Sumatra

Following the major earthquake that struck the Indonesian island of Sumatra, a team of Save the Children staff is already on the ground ready to respond.

The aid agency is launching a joint assessment mission with Mercy Corps to the affected areas of Sumatra - the same island that suffered the highest number of fatalities in the December 2004 tsunami. Save the Children is evaluating the impact of the disaster on its programs throughout the island and assessing how best to support children and families in need. 

The agency, which has been working in Sumatra for more than 30 years and which continues to assist thousands of children and families affected by the tsunami, reports that all agency staff members in the area are safe.

"Save the Children is coordinating with government officials, community leaders and local partners to address the needs of displaced families and children," said Rudy Von Bernuth, who heads Save the Children's emergency response efforts worldwide. "Indonesia has been through so much. We want to do everything we can to help families recover from this latest disaster."

The 6.3-magnitude quake struck at mid-morning Indonesian time and was followed by a 6-magnitude aftershock. Homes and buildings have been flattened in Solok and Padang, located on the west-central coast of the island. Authorities report at least 70 dead and scores of injuries.

Indonesia is located on the seismically volatile "Pacific Ring of Fire." In addition to the tsunami, the nation has experienced frequent earthquakes and severe flooding in the last few years.

For more information please contact:

In Padang, Communications and Information Manager Jon Bugge: +62 812 1088 702; in the US: Kate Conradt, Director, Media and Communications: +1 202-261-4673 Mob: 202-294-9700; and in the UK, Kathryn Rawe Media Officer: +44 (0) 20 7012 6844

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