WorldHarvest Relief Efforts – West Sumatra Earthquake
Week 4 after Earthquake
Left: WH team distributing family kits to local residents in remote areas. Right Top: Free medical service by WH team. Right Bottom: WH relief team distributing aid to local hospitals.
In this past week, World Harvest continued distributing aid to several remote areas that are in need. Last Thursday and Friday (October 23rd and 24th), the WH Relief team made trips to remote areas such as Mentawai and Siberut Island, distributing relief kits to elementary school kids who live in dormitories. On Sunday, October 25th, the WH team also visited Pasaman district to provide free medical service and food assistance.
In addition to direct visits and free medica services to the communities in remote areas, WH also gives out aid, mostly milk, to elementary and kindergarten schools. Family Kits which contain items such as blankets and wet-wipes, among other necessities, are also distributed at orphanages, senior centers, churches, and Islamic education centers. They were very happy that we came to their aid, as no other organizations had come to visit them.
Right: WH team distributing aid to Orphanage Darul Ma'Arif. Left: WH team distributed relief kits to children at Orphanage PGAI (Pedidikan Guru Agama Islam/Islamic Teacher Education Center), which currently houses 40 orphans from all ages, elementary to junior high students.
We will continue these relief efforts into the Recovery Stage that will start in November. World Harvest will provide assistance for the people of West Sumatra to rebuild their destroyed cities and villages. We will also work in restoring the victims’ lives through counseling and education program, similar to what WH is doing in tsunami hit Aceh province.
Right: WH team distributing Milk, Baby food, and cereal distribution at Yos Sudarso Hospital. Left: WH team distributed milk to children at local communities.
In appreciation of the partnership and support from government which includes KJRI-LA, Indonesian Armed Forces, to individuals, businesses, organizations and churches, we have prepared a Video Report re the West Sumatra Earthquake relief efforts by World Harvest Relief team.
Thank you for your help and support! Your generosity has made all this possible.
Please continue to join us in the recovery efforts, help our brothers and sisters in Padang to rebuild their lives and give them a better tomorrow!
Week 3 after Earthquake
School buildings destroyed by the earthquake
This week, World Harvest, partnering with HOPE Partnerships, we have 2 more doctors joining the Relief team from Macao. On October 15th to 16th, 2009, World Harvest Medical Relief Team (3 physicians, 2 from Macao, and 1 from Indonesia) and some volunteers has visited 20 public schools that were destroyed by the earthquake. Still traumatized, many students are afraid to go inside so they study at the outer court of their schools. WorldHarvest distributed milk packages to the students in these 20 public schools and also provided medical service at Jalan Klenteng and Padang Pariaman, where at least 250 patients were treated in those places.
On October 17th, 2009, WorldHarvest Team (6 volunteers from Singapore and 6 from WH together with some doctors) came to Tunggul Hitam Village, one of the most severely hit and damaged areas. Many of the residents have not yet received any assistance from either the government or any other organization. Subsequently, they were already waiting in line for us when the team reached there. Within 2 hours, at least 86 people were provided with medical and food aid.
Left: Free medical service in WH relief center in Pariaman district. Right: WH
relief team distributing milk package to students in public schools.
On October 18th, 2009, WH team with the doctors from Macao went to Teluk Bayur to give free medical assistance and there they treated approximately 100 people.
October 19th, 2009, WorldHarvest Team continued the assistance to Kampung Dalam Village, Pariaman Area, 4 hours journey to the North from Padang. Aside from medical services, WorldHarvest also distributed family kits to 98 people.
Three weeks after the earthquake, WorldHarvest has provided the following relief assistance for the victims since day one of the earthquake: free meals for 15,000 people, free medical service for 5,500 people, sending 21 medical personnel (14 from the U.S., 2 from Macao and 5 from Indonesia), 93 volunteers, 53 tons of rice, 15 tons of milk, 26,000 packs of instant noodles, 19,200 biscuits packages, 300,000 sanitary goods, 192,000 bottled water, 200 tents, 2,600 blankets, 4 excavators, 4 generators, 1,000 family kits, medicines worth at least 2 million IDR (~ USD 200,000).
WorldHarvest will continue the effort into the next stage, the West Sumatra recovery program, which will start on October 31. Therefore your help is still indeed needed for this recovery effort; helping the victims into recovery and rebuilding their lives.
On Wednesday morning, October 14, 2009, WorldHarvest representatives and relief coordinator, Mr. Budi Hidajat, Mr. Indra Efendi, and Mr. Himawan, together with the media met with Dr. Mahlis Rachman, the Vice-Governor of West Sumatra. During the 10-to-15 minute meeting, WorldHarvest was able to provide the details of it's relief efforts since the earthquake. Mr. Mahlis was astonished when he learned that WorldHarvest has distributed food aid to more than 15,000 people and given medical treatment to approximately 3,500 victims. On behalf of the people of West Sumatra, he expressed his thanks to WorldHarvest and conveyed hope that WH would be able to continue it's work.
WH Relief coordinators meeting with Vice Governor of West Sumatra (from left: Mr. Mahlis, Mr. Indra Effendi, Mr. Budi Hidajat, Mr. Himawan)
The governor’s remarks: "On behalf of the people of West Sumatra, we would like to thank WorldHarvest and IFGF GISI that have provided the aid for our people. I hope when the emergency assistance phase is over, we could continue to work together in the recovery/rehabilitation phase, and most importantly, giving hope and rebuilding the lives of the people here. Many of them are still traumatized by the quake, partly from the rumors of big aftershocks still to come. I would like to thank WorldHarvest once again. You have helped not only the people but also the government, and I am grateful especially with your equal treatment for everyone in needs, despite their race, ethnic and religion. Once again, I’d like to thank everyone, both World Harvest and IFGF GISI Team, who have been part of this relief effort since the beginning."
WH Medical Relief Team walked for 3 km and headed to Sungai Lawai Village.
After meeting with the vice-governor, we continued our journey to Kutulawai Village, which was a 3.5 hour drive through many winding roads and difficult terrain. There were many cracks on the road and we saw many destroyed houses and devastating landslides along the way. Some villages are still completely buried under the landslides. When the locals saw us, they ran towards us immediately. They are in such a hunger state and desperately need help. In order to avoid any chaos, we delivered Family Kits directly to the administrator of the local mosque and they were grateful for the assistance provided.
Besides that, the USA medical team also went to Sungai Lawai Village. This was also a very difficult journey for them because on top of the condition of winding roads and terrains, they also had to walk for 3 km (~2mi), carrying medicine and food on their back to reach the village. When they arrived, the villagers quickly gathered together and lined up, waiting to receive the food and medical services. There were at least 90 people who received medical treatment in this village. One of the most impressive parts of this trip is our medical team’s encounter with the village’s most renowned witch doctor, who was also one of the earthquake victims. He was trapped beneath the rubble of his house and suffered a broken leg in the earthquake. Despite the fact that he was in such excruciating pain, he was willing to come and seek our help. Thankfully, Dr. Smith, one of the US doctors, had the opportunity to help with his pain and give him medical treatment before it got worse with time.
USA Medical Team
Testimonies: Haji Amron (Mushola Arafa Mosque Director) “On behalf of the people of Halalang Utara regency, we would like to thank WorldHarvest for the assistance provided, which would help us a lot in so many ways. May Allah repay for what you have done for us. We thank you once again.”
Mr. Kaskus (patient from Sungai Lawai village, Witch Doctor) “I really appreciate the help that have been given by the doctors from this medical team. I give my sincerest gratitude to them.”
Day 12 (Sunday, October 11, 2009)
Medical Service in Desa Belimbing
The entire World Harvest Team started the day with attending a meeting with the earthquake-affected residents at the main WH Relief Post center. The atmosphere was so touching, as they greet each other while asking each other’s condition after affected by the earthquake. They encourage one another and believe that there is hope behind this tragedy. After the morning meeting, World Harvest Medical Team deployed to Belimbing village which is located on Padang suburb. In this place the medical team served at least 70 patients with many disabilities and various diseases caused by the quake, ranging from people who cannot walk, with legs that have been exposed to infection for a long period of time, to people with hearing disability.
WH Medical Team playing with the children in Desa Belimbing
Our doctors received a warm welcome from the villagers in Belimbing village. It was apparent when Dr. Timothy Potter and Mr. Richard Dutch, the medical personnel from USA, played music with guitar and showed some magic tricks to children in the village, which brought much laughter and joy to them. The team blended so well with the locals that it was hard for them to part with the villagers when the team was leaving, and the villagers was hoping that WH team will return again to help them with recovery. Other than medical service, WH team also provided basic food aid to the villagers.
Testimonies:
Dr. Vallory Tremonte: “I came to Indonesia in particular to Padang this time because I want to share God’s love through this act of kindness in providing medical assistance to those in needs. I am therefore grateful that HOPE Partnerships could collaborate with World Harvest, by which I can contribute what I have to the victims of the earthquake.”
Dr. Linda Dannemiller: “My first impression when serving in Padang was very interesting. There was a mother came to me and shared her stories with me, where she has lost her house and family to the earthquake. And I could only give her comfort, encouragement and prayer. I am very deeply moved to see this woman and I believe that there are still many more people who have experienced the same tragedy as this woman has experienced.”
Mr. Bastian (48-years-old) – a patient from Belimbing Village with hearing disability and high blood pressure: “World Harvest team is very good. They checked my ears really carefully and gave so much attention. I am very grateful to all of them.”
Bpk. Robert (37-years-old) - a patient from Belimbing Village with infection on his leg caused by a contact with motor exhaust from his motorbike: “I am very happy to be examined and treated by a doctor from the U.S. Beforehand, I had gone to see the local midwife, but the wound got worse instead. But after I had received medication from them, I can feel my leg got better now. Previously it was very itchy and sore, but now they are gone.
”Mrs. Agustina (40-years-old); can’t walk for 4 years. “I am grateful to World Harvest. Although I can’t walk fully yet, but I can now at least walk a little. May God repay what the medical team has done for me.”
Bpk. Alex (46-years-old) – Community Head of the Village Belimbing “I thank you World Harvest team who has come to our village. We are very pleased especially with what you have done through the medical assistance provided and food aid distribution. Once again we thank you for the visit and comfort that has been given by the World Harvest team to our village. May God repay your kindness.”
Day 11 (Saturday, October 10, 2009)
The focus of today’s medical services is mainly in 4 remote areas, namely Obilim and Pariaman Desa Talau, which are mainly served by 14 medical personnel from USA (Hope Partnerships), whereas Cendana and Pariaman Desa Lambak Kudu are being served by the other medical teams and volunteers.
On the way to Pariaman Desa Talau, WH team witnessed the same devastation as in previous villages visited, Kampung Pili-Pili. However, the road leading to Talau village is so damaged by the earthquake that no four-wheel car can possibly go through there. As a result, the team has to walk for about 3 km (1.9 miles) to reach the Relief Center. The team was received and welcomed warmly by the villagers, and they are so delighted to hear about the free medical service provided, as there were none offered freely beforehand, let alone that this is provided by overseas doctors. In this village alone, WH medical team has served 110 patients, mostly are earthquake victims and experiencing post-earthquake-trauma. Besides medical service, WH team also distributed staple food package to the villagers. They were so thankful to the doctors and very touched that someone from outside is willing to come and provide all the aid and care for them, knowing that the roads leading to their village have been much destroyed and almost impossible to reach.
Medical Service in Pariaman Desa Talau and Obilim
In the Ombilin village, WH medical team with doctors from USA, provided medical service to at least 115 patients. Other than medical service, the team also played with the children to cheer them and give encouragement.
Medical Service in Pariaman Desa Talau and Obilim
From our assessment in all places that we have served, the major urgent needs are actually sumbur drill (Deep Well Drilling) for clean water resources and petronak lamps/lantern for lighting, besides the other needs which are tents, blankets, and bottled water for drinking.
TESTIMONIES:
Dr. Tomi Hendra (40-years-old) – WH Medical Personnel/Doctor from Medan. Dr. Tomi has treated at least 1,000 patients in this disaster relief effort, and most of the diseases treated are skin rashes, respiratory infection, and trauma. He said that he is very grateful for the opportunity working with World Harvest, in this earthquake relief effort.
Dr. Fadlan – WH Medical Personnel/Doctor from Medan. “I am very grateful for the opportunity working together with WorldHarvest in this relief effort. I hope that this partnership can continue and bring a maximum impact to the local community that is affected by the earthquake.”
Mrs. Siti – a lady who offered her house to be used as the Relief Post for WorldHarvest to conduct free medical services in Ombilin village. “I am very grateful if my house can be used as a blessing for my friends in this community. I am very pleased and grateful to the medical team from USA who has come to provide this medical service for us. May Allah bless them in return for their act of kindness.
Mrs. Sukmin (80-years-old) – one of the patients in the Ombilin village, who suffered from sore eyes and rheumatism in the legs. “I am very happy to have someone from outside to come and provide me medical treatment, especially for the fact that the doctors are from overseas, which certainly have better equipments than the local doctors.”
Mr. Syaful Oyon (Talau Village School Master): “I am extremely grateful to the Team World Harvest who has come to give food aid and free medical service in our village. This village has not been reached by any other medical nor relief agency yet. Therefore we are very touched that people come to us and provide aid. This means a lot to us. You are like our answered prayer from God. On behalf of the whole village, I would like to thank WorldHarvest team. May God bless you in return, especially to the team who has come to our aid today.”
Mr. Ujang (29 Years) – patient in Talau village: His legs were torn and wounded from being hit by broken glass in the earthquake. “I am very grateful for the medical assistance provided by the WH team. I don’t know how bad my leg will turn to if the team has not come here today. Therefore I give my utmost sincere thanks to you.”
Food Distribution
Day 10 (Friday, October 09, 2009)
As of today, October 09, 2009, WorldHarvest has built 8 relief centers spread throughout the earthquake zone (Lubeg, Lubuk Alung, Pangpangan, Siteba, Cendana, Banuaran, Tunggul Hitam, Pariaman and Pangambiran). WorldHarvest Relief Center is always packed with quake victims who wait for relief package. Yesterday alone, the centers recorded a total of 2000 people.
In Pengambiran and Klenteng district, WorldHarvest relief centers have served 500 people daily. The centers also cater hot meals to approximately 900 locals. The most needed goods are still generator, blanket, lamp, clothe, rice, milk and baby food for infants under one-year-old.
Today, WH medical team visited other remote areas in Padang Pariaman district, namely Kampung Kayu Mudo and Kampung Pili-Pili. The roads in these villages are severely damaged, and it makes it so hard for the team to get there. That is also why these 2 villages are not reached yet by other relief agencies and medical team.
“Today is our third day here in Padang, where we have spent most of our times with various medical services at Alung and Pariaman district. I have gone to Pariaman with WH medical team, and on the way there, I am so saddened and deeply moved to see how many houses were destroyed. Some collapsed completely. Some were 3-stories houses but now left with only 1 story. Roads were also destroyed with many cracks and landslides in many areas due to the earthquake,” Andy Setiawan, WH volunteer remarked on the condition of the earthquake aftermath.
When the team reached Kayu Mudo, the people received us warmly and enthusiastically for the medical service. WH team also went to see one of the victims, whose house has been destroyed, and found out that his head has been severely wounded and not treated for days after being struck by debris during the earthquake. They were so thankful for the medical aid we provided.
Medical Service in Kampung Kayu Mudo
In Kampung Pili-Pili, we were welcomed by Mr. Yasman, the community leader in this village. There are 150 families (approximately 750 people) in this village. All houses in this village have been destroyed completely, and no medical team has reached this area yet. The villagers are all so enthusiastic receiving the free medical service from WH team. Other than staple foods and basic daily needs, it turns out that the most urgent need in this village is a drilled-well, to supply adequate clean water daily.
Medical Service in Kampung Pili-Pili
We really need your continuous support, as more aids are needed as we serve the victims towards recovery.
Testimonies:
Dr. Revina (WH medical team doctor): Dr. Revina came to Padang because of her own initiative, and seeing that all of the earthquake victims are her brothers and sisters. In working together with World Harvest, she finds that the team has been exceptionally friendly, supportive and cooperative, and most importantly giving same treatment and help to everyone in need without any exception despite their religion, race and ethnic.
Sinar (35-year-old man) - one of the patient and villager from Kampung Kayu Mudo, whose head was heavily wounded by the debris from the earthquake: “I am very grateful to WH medical team who has come to our aid, because they are the first medical team that has reached us”
Mr. Amsal (55-years-old, left) – from Kampung Kayu Mudo: “I hope that WorldHarvest can come to this village everyday to give free medical service”
Mr. Maradi (64-years-old, right) – one of the victims treated in Kampung Kayu Mudo: “WorldHarvest has been really helpful. They are very equipped with their medical supplies, compared to the local community health center, which is also more costly.”
Mrs. Rosama (80-years-old) – patient from Kampung Kayu Mudo, suffering from rheumatoid: “I am so happy that WorldHarvest can provide medical service here, as no one has done it yet.”
Mr. Yasman (community leader in Kampung Pili-Pili, left): “The economy and the welfare of this village has been very much below average, and it’s further worsened especially after being hit by the disaster. All houses were destroyed. Therefore, I am very thankful to WorldHarvest who has shown care and provided medical service in our village. You are the first medical team that has come to this village. We are so grateful to Allah, for sending this aid to us. We pray that Allah will bless WH team especially the medical team that has come today.”
Mr. Tazar (80-years-old, right) – patient from Kapung Pili-Pili; suffering from rheumatoid: “I am very thankful for WH’s medical service, as it has really helped me a lot.”
Day 9 (Thursday, October 8, 2009)
Fourteen volunteers from WorldHarvest have arrived in Padang yesterday. Logistic aid has also been delivered from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta at 6.45 and 6.55 AM (West Indonesia Time) today. WorldHarvest has been cooperating with many different companies namely, Pigeon (providing baby products), Ultra Jaya (supplying milk), New Creation Church in Singapore, among others. WorldHarvest also supplies a Family Kit that contains bread, instant noodles, baby food, mosquito repellent lotion, blankets, biscuits, bottled water, cooking oil and several other daily needs. While loading these aids in Halim Perdanakusuma, one of the TV Stations in Indonesia interviewed WorldHarvest team.
Left: WH Volunteer team with Indonesian & Australian Armed Force. Right: one of the WH team member being interviewed by local TV station.
Left: WH Family Kit package for earthquake victims. Right: 2 Tons of Rice for earthquake victims
Currently, clean water, generators and medical assistance are still desperately needed by the victims. Those who do not get adequate access to sanitation are infected by various illnesses, skin disease and respiratory disease.
We really need your continuous support, as more aids are needed as we serve the victims towards recovery. You can also take part in this recovery program.
“I went to Padang Pariaman with my own initiative because I want to serve the victims with the talents and skills I have. I am touched since most of them have no access to medical help, bearing the pain. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside WorldHarvest team. The team members are very communicative and cooperative, making it easy to communicate with the patients. The relationship within the team is also wonderful. Thank you WorldHarvest, for this great cooperation.” (Dr. Daniel, 27)
“It is not uncommon for the people of Padang to experience occasional light earthquake but the one happened several days ago was exceptional. When it happened, I was baking a cake on the first floor in my house and my mom was standing next to me. My house is an old house with 3 stories. When the ground shook, I tried to flee with my mom to the front yard, but it was difficult for her to move around because of the disease she is suffering from currently, so we couldn’t escape fast enough. However, somehow it turned out that it saved us from being trapped when the second and third stories of my house fell. God amazingly saved our life. I really thank God for that!” (Mrs. Susan)
“I lost my house in this quake and only have 10,000 rupiah ($1) left in y pocket. I could buy practically nothing with that amount. I wandered around before I found WorldHarvest relief center. I saw them distributing the goods properly; that’s why I queue here. While queuing, I had difficulty in breathing and WorldHarvest medical team immediately helped me. I am very grateful for WorldHarvest being here.” (Nelda, 30 yrs old, household maid.)
Hundreds of Earthquake Victims lining up at WH Relief Center for food distribution.
Day 8 (Wednesday, October 7, 2009)
Fourteen additional volunteers from WorldHarvest arrived in Padang today. One of the volunteers witnessed, “When I arrived at Padang, I saw how many houses were destroyed, especially in PARIAMAN - Chinese village. Most houses are hundreds of years old (Dutch Buildings), which is believed to withstand earthquakes, but now they are all devastated by the earthquake. I also see how our relief POST (World Harvest) is packed by people who wait in line for foods distribution. The needs are still many indeed.”
3-stories-building completely destroyed and estimated there are corpses still trapped underneath.
The urgent needs are still: generators, blankets, emergency lights, clothes, rice, and milk for babies under 1-year-old. WorldHarvest’s Relief centers has been warmly received by the earthquake affected community. Mr. Edison Hulu (Traffic police officer at Jalan Raya Ipda II – who helped with ensuring the orderliness in the relief aids distribution) thanked WorldHarvest team for the efforts in providing many medical professionals, volunteers and relief goods. He hopes that WorldHarvest can continue the aid to help with the recovery and also deploy similar assistance to other remote areas.
Day 7 (Tuesday, October 6, 2009)
1200 earthquake victims have received free medical relief from Worldharvest. They have also been receiving free meals together with other daily basic needs. Worldharvest is in the process of sending more supplies such as milk and baby wipes.
Currently, Worldharvest has already built 6 Care Centers where 8 medical doctors are stationed. In collaboration with HOPE Partnerships team, thirteen additional medical personnel from the U.S. together with some volunteers will be joining the team soon too, along with medical supplies and water purification units. The Care Center has been a great blessing to many victims as the numbers of the injured are a lot indeed. It has been facilitating not only the injured but also sheltering those who have lost their homes to the earthquake. Aside from 50 families who have been staying there, many victims are also visiting the center, asking for help from different services that we provide.
Worldharvest also continues the effort to dig up the victims from rubbles. As of now, local officials record that there are approximately 285 missing in the hardest hit Pariaman District. The 5 excavators that Worldharvest provided have been a great help in this operation.
We really need your continuous support, as more aids are needed to save lives in this critical time. Currently, the relief fund has been used mainly for the following:
As time passes, WorldHarvest SAR operation in Padang has turned to focus more on bringing additional aid and medical help to the survivors in the city and surrounding area, rather than searching for survivors trapped in the rubbles, as the chance of finding survivors after five days since the earthquake is very slim now. Local officials say that at least 1,000 people have died and at least 1,000 remain missing after the earthquake struck last Wednesday. WorldHarvest Medical Team has also been focusing on treating the injured. At this time, there are 4 RELIEF CENTERS (POSKO) that have been set up, staffed with at least 6 doctors and volunteers:
Posko I: Jl. Klenteng No. 299 (gedung IFGF GISI Padang)
Posko II: Jl. Hos Cokroaminoto
Posko III: Jl. Cendana
Posko IV: Teluk Bayur
World Harvest is planning to open 2 more relief centers in Siteba (kec. Nanggalo) and Tabing.
Stories from the victims and treated injured:
Cubadak Air, Padang Pariaman WorldHarvest has been the only NGO that has reached Cubadak Air area in Padang Pariaman, closest to the epicenter of Wednesday's big earthquake. WorldHarvest has been treating many survivors; one of them was a lady who got injured when boiled water spilled on her lap as she was fleeing the quake. The hot water badly blistered both her legs. WorldHarvest medical team held by Dr. Mona has been treating her wounds, cleansing and applying medication to ease her pain and to prevent infection.
Yetty Setiawan, who was trapped for 14 hours beneath rubbles with her husband and their ten years old child, was finally freed with an excavator machine. Her husband and child found dead next to her hugging each other. WorldHarvest is treating her broken hands, head injuries and her bruised stomach.
WorldHarvest medical team sewing up a child’s ear. The child wandered around for 5 days looking for help before he found WorldHarvest Relief Center at Kampung China. When the team treated his injury, his wound has developed into a serious infection.
Day 5 (Sunday, October 4, 2009) Five days after the earthquake, WorldHarvest SAR Team has managed to reach and provide aids to the severely affected areas such as: Kampung China, Pariaman, Pondok, Cokro, Pulau Karam, Muara Mata Air, Teluk Bayur and Cendana. The team has also been providing free medical services for 800 people and distributing free meals and staple food package to 1200 people.
WorldHarvest has also provided 5 excavators to help with evacuating the victims beneath the rubble from approximately 83,883 collapsed structures including hospitals. As a result, thousands are still homeless and are looking for shelter. Everyday, as many as 50 families has been finding shelter at WorldHarvest Relief Center where free medical services and meals are provided. WorldHarvest is planning to build additional relief centers in 3 other severely affected areas namely, Siteba, Taralaweh and Tading. Free medical and meals will also be available in these centers.
WorldHarvest will be sending more aid this Wednesday, October 7, 2009, from Halim airport in Jakarta, with A C-130 plane. The aids will include 4 power generators, 2 tons of rice, blankets, medicines, tents and 1000 relief-aid kits (bottled water, milk, soap, instant noodles, snacks, toothpaste and toothbrush). Additional 30 volunteers will also be joining the existing team.
In the meantime, WorldHarvest is seeking to raise $1 million to adequately provide assistance to the rescue and rehab efforts which include:
WorldHarvest Relief Efforts – West Sumatra Earthquake
Besides that, the USA medical team also went to Sungai Lawai Village. This was also a very difficult journey for them because on top of the condition of winding roads and terrains, they also had to walk for 3 km (~2mi), carrying medicine and food on their back to reach the village. When they arrived, the villagers quickly gathered together and lined up, waiting to receive the food and medical services. There were at least 90 people who received medical treatment in this village. One of the most impressive parts of this trip is our medical team’s encounter with the village’s most renowned witch doctor, who was also one of the earthquake victims. He was trapped beneath the rubble of his house and suffered a broken leg in the earthquake. Despite the fact that he was in such excruciating pain, he was willing to come and seek our help. Thankfully, Dr. Smith, one of the US doctors, had the opportunity to help with his pain and give him medical treatment before it got worse with time. 
Mr. Bastian (48-years-old) – a patient from Belimbing Village with hearing disability and high blood pressure: “World Harvest team is very good. They checked my ears really carefully and gave so much attention. I am very grateful to all of them.”
Bpk. Robert (37-years-old) - a patient from Belimbing Village with infection on his leg caused by a contact with motor exhaust from his motorbike: “I am very happy to be examined and treated by a doctor from the U.S. Beforehand, I had gone to see the local midwife, but the wound got worse instead. But after I had received medication from them, I can feel my leg got better now. Previously it was very itchy and sore, but now they are gone.
Bpk. Alex (46-years-old) – Community Head of the Village Belimbing
“Today is our third day here in Padang, where we have spent most of our times with various medical services at Alung and Pariaman district. I have gone to Pariaman with WH medical team, and on the way there, I am so saddened and deeply moved to see how many houses were destroyed. Some collapsed completely. Some were 3-stories houses but now left with only 1 story. Roads were also destroyed with many cracks and landslides in many areas due to the earthquake,” Andy Setiawan, WH volunteer remarked on the condition of the earthquake aftermath.
Day 7 (Tuesday, October 6, 2009)
Currently, Worldharvest has already built 6 Care Centers where 8 medical doctors are stationed. In collaboration with HOPE Partnerships team, thirteen additional medical personnel from the U.S. together with some volunteers will be joining the team soon too, along with medical supplies and water purification units. The Care Center has been a great blessing to many victims as the numbers of the injured are a lot indeed. It has been facilitating not only the injured but also sheltering those who have lost their homes to the earthquake. Aside from 50 families who have been staying there, many victims are also visiting the center, asking for help from different services that we provide.
We really need your continuous support, as more aids are needed to save lives in this critical time. Currently, the relief fund has been used mainly for the following:
