Indonesian families still at risk as they begin to rebuild

Indonesian families still reeling from the effects of last week’s two earthquakes face numerous risks as they begin to rebuild their lives.

Observations by a Plan rapid assessment team have revealed that children and families in earthquake-affected communities in Pariaman Utura sub-district of Indonesia remain at risk from unsafe homes and aftershocks.

After visiting communities affected by last week’s earthquakes in Indonesia, Plan staff noted that over 80% of houses were destroyed or unsafe. They expressed particular concern about the safety of the girls and boys, many of whom were seen – due to lack of safe spaces – standing in, and by, roads and playing among the rubble.

Families need assistance

Opet, whose nine-year-old daughter Diah had been trapped inside their house with her grandmother, is fully aware of the dangers her house poses to her three children – especially since 582 aftershocks have been reported in West Sumatra since the 7.6 magnitude earthquake on September 30th:

“I do not want my daughters to play inside the house anymore because it is dangerous. We can still feel the aftershocks while we sleep.”

Like many of the villagers, Opet has established a temporary shelter in front of her home. However, while other villagers have begun to reclaim and recycle the building materials from their homes, including roof sheets, wood and bricks, Opet says she doesn’t have the resources to clean up. She says she is hoping for volunteers to help her.

Plan supporters rally to help children in need

With Plan supporters around the world rallying to the cause of the children and their families in Indonesia, Plan began distributing the second batch of emergency shelter kits, blankets and hygiene kits earlier this week. So far, over 2,500 families have received assistance.

Plan Response Program expanded to $3.2 million

Initially planned at US$1 million, then expanded to $2.8 million, Plan’s two-year Sumatra quake response program has again been expanded to $3.2 million. The two-year program is designed to address the immediate and the longer-term needs of children, their families and communities through a 6-month relief component followed by an 18-month rehabilitation and reconstruction component.