Emergency Update
21/12/2009 5:16:34 PM
West Sumatra Earthquake
Act for Peace's partner in Sumatra reports that the main priority for the West Sumatran people is the removal of debris from their homes, and the recycling of any building material that are still useable. The local communities are gathering together to help each other in the removal of debris. Many people are still living in temporary shelters in or around their local mosque or village prayer centre as their houses are uninhabitable.
Landslides are a continuing issue especially since the rainy season has recently begun. This not only threatens the local people but also hinders distribution of food and supplies.
Through the emergency appeal and the kind patronage of our supporters, Act for Peace was able to assist in addressing some of these difficulties and in meeting immediate humanitarian needs.
For the month of November 2009, 4057 packages of food (basic food supplies), 1,126 baby kits (diapers, cleaning cloths and blankets), 297 tents with blankets, and 690 shelter packets were distributed to families in need. Each shelter packet contains a hammer and nails, a saw, and measuring tape, and the packets are distributed in groups for five families each, so that they will work together to carry out the debris removal and building.
Another major problem is the condition of the schools. In order to help with temporary classrooms, Act for Peace supported the distribution of 200 tents and 2,000 school kits to eight primary schools in the Sungai Limau district of Padang Pariaman.
Our partners have also engaged children in psychosocial programs in Sungai Limau, including one program for 200 children and their mothers, assisted by four local teenagers who are helping to facilitate the program. On the first day of the program, the children played games and sang. The second day they made drawings and practiced origami. The following day the children wrote letters to their parents expressing their future hopes and dreams. As they left for the program, they were given flowers to give with the letters to their parents.
The generosity of church and public supporters in Australia will enable Act for Peace to continue its support to as it moves from relief to rehabilitation and recovery activities. Psychosocial support to affected families enabling them to move on from this tragic event will be a key focus of our support to in the coming months.
Philippine Typhoons
Our partner reports that through the work of its staff, volunteers and Regional Ecumenical Councils, a total of 7,195 food packs and 1,750 non-food packs (including hygiene kits, school kits and sleeping materials) were distributed in the immediate aftermath of the four typhoons to strike the Philippines. Most of this work was concentrated in the affected areas of Quezon City, Laguna, Marikina, Benguet and Manila.
This recovery work will continue well into the coming year. Specific activities planned include, continuing emergency shelter assistance as well as rebuilding materials and tools for new homes, reconstruction of community facilities (water points, irrigation centres and community centres), agricultural and livelihood assistance and training in disaster preparedness and mitigation
The committed gifts of Act for Peace supporters in Australia will enable Act for Peace to continue its support as our partner moves from providing relief to rehabilitation and recovery activities in the coming year.
Samoa Tsunami
Act for Peace along with Anglicord and Christian World Service New Zealand are assisting CCCS in the rebuilding of the Sale’apaga multi purpose hall which was completely destroyed during the tsunami. The hall is a central part of the community’s infrastructure supporting activities for women’s and youth group, pre-school and village council and meetings.
The overwhelming response from Act for Peace supporters has enabled Act for Peace to support the rebuilding of Samoan communities devastated by September’s tsunami. Act for Peace will continue to support further early recovery and preparedness activities with in the coming year.
