Plan announces $2.8 million recovery programme for earthquake-ravaged Indonesia

Plan has announced a US$2,800,000 recovery programme for earthquake-ravaged Padang, Indonesia.

The 6-month relief effort for those in immediate need will now be followed by a rehabilitation and reconstruction programme expected to last a further 18 months.

Plan currently has a team in Padang distributing hundreds of essential items to survivors, including emergency hygiene kits, tarpaulins and mats.

Back to school

The relief programme will also concentrate on providing urgent health care, water and sanitation, child protection and counselling for those traumatised by the quakes.

Plan will be working to get as many children back into education as possible. Some schools in the region have resumed but many are heavily damaged or unsafe. Other work areas will include helping communities to reduce the impact of future disasters.

Rebuilding communities

Plan’s country director in Indonesia, John McDonough said: “Plan staff have been getting initial aid to the many traumatised people without shelter or access to basic necessities and at risk of disease. And our efforts always specifically target children, as they are the most vulnerable in such disasters.

“But already thoughts must turn to the longer-term work that is needed to get the area back to some semblance of normality. As yet, the exact number of homes, schools and health centres which need rebuilding is unknown but it is clear the number is considerable.

“Equally, the amount of work needed to help people rebuild their lives will take time and resources and hopefully this programme will go some way towards that.”

Plan does not currently have sponsored children or programme units in the affected areas.

All work will be closely co-ordinated with the national disaster management agency and other international non-governmeatal organisations.