Mercy-USA for Aid and Development (M-USA) is collecting funds to aid the survivors of the deadly earthquakes that struck Indonesia's island of Sumatra on Tuesday, March 6. The magnitude-6.4 and 6.3 quakes, which struck around 11 a.m. local time near the city of Padang on western Sumatra, have left at least 85 dead, trapped scores more under flattened buildings, and made thousands of persons homeless.
"This time, it was not only very strong but also lasted a long time," said 75-year-old Nurbari, a grandmother sitting under a large plastic sheet strung between trees in front of her house. "The last time there was such a strong earthquake, that crumpled buildings and left large cracks on the ground, I was still very young."
"I have no house, my husband is jobless and I have to feed my five children," said 45-year-old Hartati, one of 100 survivors packed in a tent about the size of a basketball court. "I may have to rely on handouts. We have no savings," she said, holding one of her small children.
Others cooked on firewood and slept on palm leaf mats in temporary tarpaulin shelters outside their flattened homes. "I accept this as God's will. I'm lucky to stay alive whereas many people have died," said 45-year-old Zulkifli, a farmer from Bukittinggi. "The earthquake is Allah's reminder to us."
Mercy-USA's office in Indonesia will be providing the survivors with emergency relief supplies like food, water, essential household materials, shelter items, etc.
Please join us in this vital relief effort. You may send your contribution immediately through our secure online donation form or mail it to:
In the US:
Mercy-USA for Aid and Development
Attn: Indonesia Earthquake
44450 Pinetree Drive, Suite 201
Plymouth, Michigan 48170-3869
In Canada:
Mercy-USA for Aid and Development (Canada)
Attn: Indonesia Earthquake
Fiesta RPO, PO Box: 56102, 102 HWY # 8
Stoney Creek, ON L8G 5C9
Please make all checks payable to "Mercy-USA for Aid and Development" and write "Indonesia Earthquake" in the memo section.
If you have any questions or wish to donate over the telephone, you may call us at 1-800-55-MERCY (1-800-556-3729) or (734) 454-0011. Donations are tax deductible (US Federal Tax ID No. 38-2846307 and Canada Revenue Agency Business No. 89458 5553 RR0001).
Thank you for your caring and concern.
Sincerely,
Umar al-Qadi
President and CEO
mercyusa@mercyusa.org