Just eight days after the earthquake devastated West Sumatra, 200 Water Survival Boxes arrived in Padang and were handed out to needy families.
This incredible response by Rotarians here in Great Britain and Ireland meant the action team, which was already in the disaster zone, could get to work saving lives. The team was set up three days after the emergency struck and were ready to distribute the live saving boxes.
Hugo Pike, Chairman of Water Survival Box, said the impact of this earthquake cannot be underestimated: “Hundreds were killed in the earthquake and thousands left without access to shelter or potable water. The Water Survival boxes contain filter equipment and other essential aids to help people live through this disaster. More boxes are urgently needed to help people survive and even now, Rotary clubs are sending donations to create another 100 crates.
“Rotary members from Chelwood Bridge packed 100 such boxes in days, showing just how quickly our clubs will respond to emergencies. At the same time, they were also running the District Conference in Jersey.”
The consignments are sent out from Midsomer Norton in Somerset to Jakarta where they are placed on a flight for Padang under the watchful eye of PDG Mustain from Rotary Disaster Relief Jakarta.
Hugo says new water filtration equipment is also set to make a big difference: “We are working with Ugandaid and Dr Nigel Harris, University of Bath, to supply water purification kits to villagers near Jinja, SE Uganda, following a successful field trial of our new prototype water purification kit. The new kit extends the life of the Water-Survival Box from four months to one year.
“We await delivery of new stock with which to pack another 200 boxes so as to replenish the warehouse. These will be offered to Sumatra if needed or will be available for the next disaster.
“In just two short weeks we received contributions to pay for 100 boxes but we are appealing for further significant donations so that we can build up a stock of 400 to 500 boxes.”
PDG Mustain is co-ordinating the Rotary relief effort in Indonesia and says the work to save lives never stops: “Rotary has been present in the Disaster Area since Day 3 and has established storage sites, basic medical stations, conducted surveys of devastated areas and their respective needs. We have also distributed tents and basic foodstuff.
“In the space of a week, we have air-lifted over 2 tonnes of medical supplies, 600 ShelterBoxes, 100 Water Survival boxes and 20 tonnes of food.”
PDG John Dumbrell, RIBI Disaster Coordinator, added: “Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland has responded magnificently to the recent earthquake, floods and tsunami in the Philippines, Indonesia and Sumatra by raising over a third of a million pounds towards the relief effort. This has included street collections, a concert and many other collections. Some has gone as cash to be used for relief work by Rotary clubs out there.
“Much has gone to help ShelterBox supply accommodation and over 1000 ShelterBoxes have been dispatched. That’s accommodation for 10,000 people.”
All the box relief teams say that they are extremely grateful for the support from RIBI and are asking clubs to keep momentum going by preparing for future disasters. Donations are always welcome and, with a united effort, more lives can be saved now and in the future.
To find out more visit the websites for Water Survival Box, ShelterBox and Aquabox.
Image taken from disaster relief effort in Taiwan earlier this year.
