Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Padang (Fides Service) - “It was unexpected and terrible and left the people prostrate”, said a local church source in Padang with regard to the impact of a 6.3 Richter scale earthquake which struck the island of Sumatra early on March 6 causing considerable material damage in coastal areas and with several after shocks. At least 70 are reported killed and the most affected towns are Solok, Tanah Datar, Padang Panjang, Padang Pariaman and Bukit Tinggi.
Rescue work began immediately with prompt intervention by civil defence units, and forces were mobilised also by NGOs and religious communities.
People began to flee the coastal area of Padang, fearing a tsunami, although there appears to be no danger of an abnormal wave. However there is a problem of displaced persons and many people with injuries flocking to the local hospitals.
“We are busy investigating what is needed and where in order to provide assistance through our Caritas centres”, Bishop Martinus Situmorang the Catholic Bishop of Padang, and also president of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference told Fides. In recent years Indonesia has suffered repeatedly from tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, floods and the Bishop said: “People are wondering why us, why here and there is a growing sense of depression and a feeling of being under some sort of curse. Society does its best to respond and there is widespread solidarity; the Church responds urging people to trust in God while helping those in need”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 6/3/2007 righe 24 parole 248)
