Surf aid apeal for Sumatra Earthquake victims

Last week two major earthquakes hit the Padang, West Sumatra, region - the initial 7.6 and then a second 6.6 quake. Padang, the gateway to the Mentawai Islands and where most of the surf charter boats are based, has been seriously damaged and the initial death toll is more than 1,100.



SurfAid has gone into emergency mode and has staff doing assessments of the needs of the people in the coastal areas south of Padang, which are heavily populated and impoverished. SurfAid had Mentawai health program staff already in Padang and they have been reassigned to emergency work. SurfAid will respond to the immediate urgent needs with medical staff and supplies. SurfAid has eight doctors and three nurses preparing medical supplies.

SurfAid is buying tents, tarpaulins, food, water and sanitation and medical supplies in Medan, North Sumatra, and getting these to Padang. The SurfAid office in Padang survived, however the internet system is down, along with electricity and phones, so a priority is to get a new internet system in place along with satellite phones and gensets for power, along with fresh water as the mains water supply is cut off.

Surfaid are asking for donations to help with the selfless relief work, aid and assistance they are providing in Padang. To donate to Surf Aid: CLICK HERE