After much delay, the disaster team arrived in Bengkulu today, September 13, 2007 with a doctor and medical supplies.
The team joined coordination meeting was conducted by Vice-Governor of Bengkulu, Mr. Syaman along with Military & Police head. 10 people reported dead while 23 are injured. The patients at the Muhammad Yunus Hospital was moved into emergency tents in front of the hospital. 778 houses were reported totally damaged, 1,741 heavily damaged, while 3,536 slightly damaged.
The city of Bengkulu seems to sustain little impact from the earthquake, but the northern parts of bengkulu along the coast suffer more. HOPE worldwide relief team drive along the coast from Bengkulu to Lais and Ketahun sub-districts, signs of high-tide or small tsunami were present. Logs, debris, and sands were all over the road around Lais and Ketahun. Some reports mentioned that the tsunami were 9 feet high. The disaster impacts the lower economy communities in the rural areas more than in the city.
As the sun sets, the team stops at local residents houses in Ketahun. No electricity or help is present, but they are all eager to see the doctor for medication. Many houses are destroyed, but luckily the victims or injuries are not as many as other disasters in the past, or at least for now until more information are gathered. The team plans to continue the journey to Muko Muko district, 6 hours north of Bengkulu towards Padang, along the west coast.
For now, the current needs assessed is electricity (power), tents, food, and house rebuilding. Today is only the first day after the earthquake which is also the first day of Ramadhan, Muslim's fasting month. Much hope are still in the eyes of the people waiting for orders and services available to the victims.
For more information contact:
Charles Ham, country director, at +62-816-1834574 or by email charles_ham@hopeww.org