Oxfam responds to earthquake in Indonesia

Published: 4th September 2009

International agency Oxfam has deployed a team in Indonesia to provide assistance following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake which struck off the coast of Java yesterday.
Oxfam’s Indonesia Humanitarian Programme Manager Sébastien Fesneau said Oxfam’s partners are in the field helping to assess the damage caused by the earthquake, and what assistance is required.
“Oxfam has a very experienced team in Indonesia that has responded to more than 30 emergencies since it was set up in the wake of the 2004 tsunami,” Mr Fesneau said.
“We are immediately providing emergency shelter supplies for 1,000 families who have been worst hit by the earthquake, and we have more emergency supplies ready to be deployed quickly if needed.”
At the same time, Oxfam and partners BMP-Jakarta and SPP-Tasikmalaya are assessing what people need in terms of other essentials such as water, sanitation and food.
Early reports are that more than 46 people have been killed in the quake, with more than 400 injured and thousands of homes damaged. The most affected areas are in Tasikmalaya and Garut districts.

We are immediately providing emergency shelter supplies for 1,000 families who have been worst hit by the earthquake.
Sébastien Fesneau
Oxfam’s Indonesia Humanitarian Program Manager