Indonesia: Tzu Chi provided medical services and tents to Padang earthquake victims

On Tuesday, 6th March 2007, the 6.3 magnitude quake struck close to the city of Padang in the west of the Sumatra Island, followed by several aftershocks, killing at least 70 people, flattening buildings and made thousands of persons homeless. After the quake, Tzu Chi volunteers in nearby Padang, assessed the needs of the Padang region, and immediately mobilized an aid mission. Despite being very close to the epicenter, they managed to bring some order to a chaotic situation. They were backed up by Tzu Chi members from Medan in North Sumatra and Jakarta.

Volunteers of Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation in Padang, Indonesia prepared seven truck-loads of supplies, including 8 tons of rice, 1800 boxes of instant noodles, 8280 loaves of bread, and 800 boxes of mineral water, as well as toothpaste, soap, shower gel, mosquito repellant, shampoo, and hygiene products. On March 7th, volunteers from all over Indonesia went to the disaster-hit area. Volunteers from Medan, which was unaffected by the quake, drove 20 hours to Padang with rice, biscuits, water, instant noodles and other supplies.

It's been two weeks since a strong earthquake struck western Indonesia, and for many of the victims, Tzu Chi volunteers are continuous providing aid relief. As part of their ongoing disaster relief efforts in Indonesia, Tzu Chi recently signed an agreement with local government officials to provide direct aid to earthquake victims, many of whom are now homeless. This will allow volunteers to enter the hardest-hit areas to personally aid earthquake victims.

Tzu Chi volunteers held a free medical clinic for earthquake victims in Western Sumatra, Indonesia on 11th March, working together with the local police. On the clinic's 2nd day, countless mothers bring in their children. It's been a week since a strong earthquake struck Padang, and for many of the victims, Tzu Chi's clinic is the first chance they have had to seek medical attention.

Some of the patients are sick, while others suffer from aching joints. One of the doctors explains that this is because many have not been sleeping well.

Doctor Musyafak mentioned "They used to sleep soundly, but now they find it difficult. Even though some of the houses are fine, they're scared to sleep at home. They're afraid that another earthquake will occur." On the clinic's 2nd day, another earthquake struck. Tzu Chi volunteers kept up their smiles, helping to comfort the victims. In total, 1450 earthquake victims received medical services during the three days medical mission.

In the countryside, volunteers come across house after house toppled by the earthquake. Many of the victims cannot bear to leave their homes, and have set up small tents as temporary shelter. Entire families have been living in these tents for 10 days now, enduring hot and stifling conditions.

To ease their discomfort, Tzu Chi volunteers give local residents large tents that were originally used to house tsunami victims in Aceh. Earthquake victims clear the grass inside the tents to make themselves feel more at home.

Each tent is 4 by 6 meters, enough to house 2 to 3 families, prompting residents to express their gratitude. One of the victims Nurma expressed "The tent is wonderful. It's not too cold or too hot."

We can sleep well here. Before, it was too crowded, but here there's more space. As families settle into their new temporary homes, they smile, knowing that with Tzu Chi's help, there will always be a better tomorrow.