Goto main content

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

Emergency
Indonesia (no longer active)

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.

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

COUNTRIES

Where we work

Read more

“At the heart of the bombings, but we keep acting”
© HI
Emergency Explosive weapons Rehabilitation

“At the heart of the bombings, but we keep acting”

Nahed Al-Khlouf leads Humanity & Inclusion's teams in Lebanon. She is coordinating our emergency response, particularly for people with disabilities, pregnant women, and elderly people displaced by the bombings.

Earthquake in Myanmar: More than 55,000 people assisted by HI after the disaster
© HI
Emergency Rehabilitation

Earthquake in Myanmar: More than 55,000 people assisted by HI after the disaster

One year after the earthquake that struck Myanmar in March 2025, the situation remains fragile: Humanity & Inclusion has provided support to tens of thousands of people in the regions hardest hit by the disaster.

Myanmar:One year after the earthquake,Paing Thu Zaw becomes more independent thanks to HI
© HI
Emergency Rehabilitation

Myanmar:One year after the earthquake,Paing Thu Zaw becomes more independent thanks to HI

A year ago, a powerful earthquake struck the city of Mandalay, turning Paing Thu Zaw and his family life upside down. Thanks to HI’s support, they are gradually regaining hope and independence.

FOLLOW US