Thursday October 8, 2009

Today a ship arrived, carrying equipment that the Red Cross will use to provide clean drinking water to thousands of earthquake victims. Shelter is also a priority. It’s believed that 200,000 houses were damaged during the quake. The Red Cross is in the process of providing 22,000 families with the tools and materials needed so they can repair their homes, or construct sturdier temporary shelters.

Thanks to the swift and generous response of donors from around the world, earthquake survivors in Padang are getting the supplies and support they need.

It’s going to be months before things return to normal here, particularly in the remote villages – but the Red Cross is committed to helping the people of Padang fully recover. We were here before the earthquake struck – responded immediately after – and will continue to help survivors rebuild their lives in the months ahead.