Indonesia earthquake: Handicap International assessing needs in worst-affected areas

More than 90 people were killed and 270 injured after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia's Aceh province on Wednesday 7th December. Already present in the country, Handicap International is assessing the needs of those affected in preparation for a possible emergency response.

Destroyed building after the earthquake of September 2009 in Padang, on Sumatra Island, in Indonesia. | © Benoit Darrieux / Handicap International

An earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale hit Indonesia's Aceh province on Wednesday 7th December 2016. The earthquake flattened more than 200 houses and buildings, including shops and mosques, in the worst-affected districts of Bireuen and Pidie Jaya. At least 97 people have been killed and more than 200 injured. Aceh province has declared a state of emergency.

Present in Indonesia since 2005, Handicap International has sent an emergency specialist and a physiotherapist to the affected areas to assess the needs of the casualties and plan for a possible emergency response.

Following the tsunami on 26th December 2004, Handicap International launched an emergency response in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India, and provided rehabilitation care to more than 3,600 casualties. Handicap International currently works in the Indonesian provinces of Yogyakarta and Nusa Tengara Timur to promote the rights and community inclusion of people with disabilities and to prepare them for the risk of natural disasters.

Date published: 07/12/16