A two-man ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) comprising Andy Holland and Mike Greenslade has been busy making initial assessments in the Pariaman district of Padang, West Sumatra, near the epicentre of the catastrophic earthquake. The team is coordinating with local government ‘poskos’ centres, where aid and information are gathered and distributed, and searching for families most in need.
Latest figures from UNOCHA show many homes have been lost and thousands so severely damaged that they will have to be demolished. SRT members are coordinating their effort with the Shelter Cluster, lead by the International Federation of the Red Cross.
Mike Greenslade said: "There are some 72 international NGOs working here, covering all aspects of disaster relief and it’s important we work together to achieve the most effective outcome.
"There’s a big job to do here and by sharing resources and, more importantly, information we can make sure our efforts aren’t duplicated."
The public’s response to ShelterBox’s appeal for help has been sensational. Rotary Clubs around the country are on the streets collecting from the public to provide much needed funds to enable our work to continue at this extraordinary time.
ShelterBox Founder and CEO Rtn Tom Henderson said: "We’ve been completely overwhelmed and humbled by our supporters generosity and compassion. Donations of time, money and energy have come from all quarters and we’re so very grateful. But there’s still a long road ahead and we need to ensure we help as many people as we can."
Andy Holland, who has been in Indonesia since the beginning of September dealing with the earlier earthquake in Java, added: "We have 200 boxes already in country which are going out as soon as possible.
"Needs assessments will be an ongoing process and we will be bolstered by the arrival of two more SRTs with a further 424 boxes on the way. The rainy season has started and it’s important we get help to those in need quickly."
Working alongside them in the effort to save lives are Water Survival Box and Aquabox, projects supported by Rotary members across Great Britain and Ireland. The life saving boxes contain tents, water purification equipment and other equipment for hygeine.
To find out more, visit the websites for Water Survival Box and Aquabox .
