Tzu Chi’s Humanitarian Aid to the Survivors After Earthquake in Aceh, Indonesia

On December 7, a 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia, with the epicenter nearing Aceh’s Pidie Jaya Regency. Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation in Indonesia heads to quake area in Aceh, providing relief aid as well as conducting disaster assessment.

In Indonesia, Medan Tzu Chi volunteers rallied their troops and gathered their aid supplies to send help to quake torn Aceh's Pidie Jaya Regency, which was struck by the 6.5 magnitude earthquake on December 7. Volunteers mobilized immediately to conduct a preliminary survey to further understand the needs of the area.

On December 8, Tzu Chi volunteers from Medan mobilized to prepare relief aid. Food supplies included 7 tons of rice, 310 ctns of drinking water, 1000 ctns of instant noodles, 3,000 pcs of blankets, 5,000 pcs of Sarong, 15 ctns of boxed milk, 3,600 bxs of snacks, and meanwhile medical supplies, such as wheelchairs and medicine were also included.

Zheng Xiangnan, one of Tzu Chi volunteers, said that:「We have prepared medicine and other relief supplies, directly sending to those in need.」

With Medan being approximately 400 km away from Pidie Jaya Regency, it takes 10 hours to get there by car. While the aid supplies are heading over, Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) members have also provide medical care for the survivors, with the cooperation of local medical systems, including medical assistance, nurses and doctors of Chiropractors and Anesthesiologists.

As Tzu Chi volunteers and the aid supplies reached the hard hit zone on the morning of the ninth. The first stop of their survey is the local hospital, where a majority of the patients are waiting for the chiropractic department. Seeing a need to act, TIMA doctors immediately jump in.

Dr. G. Mohd Reza Faisal, Hospital Board of director, shared that: 「I am very thankful for the team, including Tzu Chi's assistance. I hope that the surgeries go smoothly. 」

Meanwhile Tzu Chi volunteers act as companions and listen to the patients' worries. They also distribute medical supplies to a few of the nearby hospitals.

Sofjan Tjiawi, another Tzu Chi volunteer, said that:「We visited a few hospitals and a few community health clinics to distribute medical supplies, they were very much in need, especially syringes. 」

Besides medical distributions, Tzu Chi volunteers also handed out aid supplies in areas where disaster victims gathered. Among the buildings severely damaged was Al-Aziziyah, an Islamic School. The main building is tilted and the students had to gather at a pagoda to continue their studies.

Al-Azizyah, School Principal, shared that:「We hope charity organizations or other kind-hearted people can help our school to return to normal as soon as possible. 」

After the urgent relief aid and disaster assessment, Tzu Chi volunteers have a better idea of the area’s needs and will be able to further offer more customized relief aid in the days ahead.