PWRDF responds to Tsunami Disasters

ACT International is sending medical personnel and equipment to treat at least 2,000 people in the worst-hit areas of West Sumatra.

The Primates World Relief and Development Fund is responding with an initial grant of $10,000 that will support ACT members on the ground for life-saving rapid response in West Sumatra. 

Wednesday’s 7.6 earthquake killed more than 1000 people, mainly in Padang and Pariaman cities.  An estimated 168 people are badly injured and the death toll is expected to rise.  However, thousands of other people are believed to still be trapped under rubble in Padang. 

ACT will focus its activities in Padang Pariaman district, where just over 10,000 houses collapsed or burnt to the ground following the earthquake. Of the badly damaged buildings, a number were public facilities, schools and houses of worship. Residents of Padang Pariaman district prefer to remain close to their houses, staying in tents near their houses to protect property.

In Padang, West Sumatra’s capital, the earthquake destroyed buildings, brought down bridges and phone lines, caused fires and burst water pipes.  In fear, people panicked and rushed to higher ground fearing a tsunami.

Hospitals throughout Padang city were severely damaged, including Padang’s largest and only hospital with full surgery facilities.  Emergency systems at the hospital failed, even though the hospitals regularly conducted mock drills.  Patients are being treated in the hallways due to overcrowding and an open-air morgue has been set up outside the hospital. External medical assistance in particular is greatly needed.   Water supplies in the region are down with repairs not expected to start until next week.

Three days after the disaster, electricity is still down in many areas.  The price of fuel has skyrocketed to six times the usual price and is in short supply.  Roads are still blocked and bridges demolished making it hard for ACT International members to reach Padang Pariaman. 

To make a donation to this cause:

On-line
At the Canada Helps website, where you can designate your contribution to "West Sumatra".

By Phone 
For credit card donations, call (Please do not send your credit card number by e-mail or fax)
Ricky de Castro
416-924-9192 ext. 318   or   1-866-308-7973

By Mail

Please make cheques out to "PWRDF", mark them for "West Sumatra" and send them to:

   The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund
   The Anglican Church of Canada
   80 Hayden Street
   Toronto, Ontario  M4Y 3G2