We keep reminding ourselves that not only was there an earthquake and tsunami that wrecked Samoa, but there was also a 7.6 earthquake that hit West Sumatra yesterday (Wednesday, September 30, 2009) that has already killed more than 530 people. SurfAid has launched an Emergency Response Appeal to help the people of Padang.
Our Program Director, Dr David Lange, narrowly escaped death as he fled the Ambacang Hotel, which then collapsed, killing many and trapping others. . . Many buildings have been destroyed with people caught underneath the rubble. There is a report that schoolchildren are still trapped underneath three schools. One hospital is destroyed and another so badly damaged that staff are working in tents outside. Doctors used car headlights and torches to operate on the injured overnight.
Dr David Lange said: “People are trapped and screaming for help but they are below huge slabs which will take heavy equipment to move. I saw dozens of the biggest buildings collapsed in town, most of the damage is concentrated in the commercial centre market, which was fully packed.”
SurfAid is asking for any donations you can make. To make a donation click here.
[Link: SurfAid]
