CWS News

Shelter is one of the basic human needs to keep us safe and protect us from danger such as weather. A 7.9 R.S. earthquake has destroyed a lot of people's house in West Sumatra, Indonesia. A total of 10.602 houses in Padang Pariaman district were collapsed. Most of the affected people tend to stay close from their collapsed houses because of security concern. Some had shelter, some did not.

Following rapid assessment, Church World Service decided to focus its work in Sungai Limau sub-district, Padang Pariaman district, West Sumatra. It consists of 18 villages with population of 30.983. As one of the worst hit area, Sungai Limau sub-district was difficult to access as roads have been cut off because of the 7.6 R.S earthquake on 30 September 2009. CWS has dispatched a team to Sungai Limau sub-district within three days after the earthquake.

As of October 6, 2009 it is confirmed that 12,315 houses in Padang Pariaman district are destroyed by the 7.9 RS earthquake that struck West Sumatra on September 30, 2009. A total of 54 schools have collapsed. Hundreds of houses of worship and general facilities are also destroyed.  In Pariaman city there are 10,581 houses severely damaged; 88 general facilities collapsed; 76 schools lightly damaged; and 69 houses of worship lightly damaged.

A 7.6 Richter Scale (RS) earthquake struck West Sumatra on September 30, 2009 at   5.15 pm. The epicenter was located 57 km southwest of Padang Pariaman district, West Sumatra at the depth of 71 km. A tsunami warning was issued, but lifted one hour later.

Besides youth, as initiator as well as actor, peace process should begin at house of worship. Peace process should begin at house of worship as through house of worship people can interact one to another, listen to religious preach, and build their belief. “ Here is the effective place, because in house of worship there are dogma, proselytizing, and legitimacy for the people to believe in something”, said M. Guntur Romli in “Youth as Peace Activator” interactive dialog hosted by ICRP and CWS Indonesia in YLBHI office, Menteng, Central Jakarta on August 2, 2008.

A 7.3 Richter Scale (RS) earthquake struck West Java on September 2, 2009 at 14.55 PM. The epicentrum was located 142 km from Tasikmalaya at a depth of about 50 km.

Post Earthquake Situation       

According to assessment that was conducted by Church World Service team on September 4 - 9 2009, the following are some findings in three districts, Tasikmalaya, Garut and Ciamis.