15 March 2007
After the earthquake on 6 March 2007 which affected the Indonesian island of Sumatra, Médecins du Monde and Action Contre la Faim (Action Against Hunger) responded by working together in the disaster-stricken area.
Already present in the field where they are managing complementary projects, teams from the two NGOs were able to react rapidly on 6 March by deploying an emergency plan of action to help the affected areas.
Currently, MdM and ACF are working together in 10 villages in the suburbs of Sepuluh Koto and of Bati Puj – which have a combined population of approximately 35,000. These small, compact villages are in rural zones, but were badly hit nonetheless by the double earthquake.
Fearful of more after-shocks, local people have gathered outside to find shelter in-between damaged buildings and are surrounded by dust, which is now increasing the development of respiratory problems. In addition, the start of the rainy season in this mountainous region is contributing to the deterioration in their living conditions.
In the field, MdM’s teams are organising mobile clinics including a service that provides psychological care (listening and counselling sessions). At the same time, ACF is distributing materials (tents, mats, blankets and first aid kits), organising the distribution of water and putting emergency latrines in place for the affected population.
MdM press office: 00 33 (0)1 44 92 14 31
ACF press office: 00 33 (0)1 43 35 82 22